Family Shabbaton and Camp Ramah-USY

Special Program for Young Families

As United Synagogue celebrates its 100th anniversary, we are also looking to the future. With this in mind, we are excited to offer special programming for young families and children during the Shabbaton on October 11-13, 2013.This Family Shabbat is intended for young families looking for a meaningful Shabbat experience; USY and Camp Ramah alumni who want to participate in an inspiring weekend with the same ruach as their youth experiences; and PJ Library families who want to add another chapter to the book of their Jewish journey. Special family-oriented offerings include:

  • “Camp Ramah-USY” for children ages 4 to 12
  • sessions on parenting from a Jewish perspective
  • special family seating and kid-friendly food during meals
  • and activities for the entire family, like a PJ Library Friday Night “Laila Tov” Bedtime, a Family “Tot Shabbat” Service on Shabbat morning, and a Havdalah ice cream party before the concert on Saturday night.

(See more Family Shabbaton Program Highlights and Special Activities)

The Family Shabbaton is designed to be meaningful, memorable and fun!

The name of this family program captures the best of Conservative Judaism’s youth engagement experiences, USY and Ramah. Moreover, Camp Ramah-USY is staffed by dynamic Camp Ramah counselors and USY staff, and directed by Alana Tilman, who works for National Ramah and ran the family camp at Limmud NY.  In addition, our best Jewish educators, performers and musicians have helped shape and will add to the program.

Camp Ramah-USY provides children with fun activities, storytelling and Jewish learning, while their parents get time to participate fully during the Centennial Shabbaton! Babysitting is available for 0-3 year olds, too.

Camp Ramah-USY will meet at the Centennial at the following times:

  • Friday – 3pm-5pm
  • Saturday – 9am-11:30am, 1pm-6pm, 7pm-10:00pm
  • Sunday – 9am-12pm, 1pm-3:30pm

On Sunday, we encourage families to take advantage of Baltimore Inner Harbor, including the aquarium.

You can register for the Family Shabbaton here. Questions? Contact Rabbi Charlie Savenor, Director of Kehilla Enrichment, at 212-533-0800 or .

*NOTE: Scholarships are available for families coming to the Shabbaton. For information, please contact Rabbi Charlie Savenor at

 


Family Shabbaton Highlights and Special Activities

Friday Afternoon – “And I Shall Bless You: Friday Night with Your Children”

Led by Rabbi Cara Weinstein Rosenthal and Maxine Handelman

What is a blessing? What happens to us when we make or give a blessing?  How can I raise my children so that they will be a blessing?  Join USCJ Educators to investigate the art of blessing, the blessings we give our children on Friday evenings, and how Shabbat can be a blessing for your family.

Friday Night – “Laila Tov!”

Led by Rabbi Cara Weinstein Rosenthal and Maxine Handelman

As evening winds down, join USCJ educators for Laila Tov! We’ll end our day together with a bedtime story, songs, and of course, the bedtime Shema.

Shabbat Morning  – “Tot Shabbat”

Led by Maxine Handelman and Josh Warshawsky

Children and parents will experience a joyous Shabbat morning service filled with singing, stories and learning as we connect to each other and God.

Shabbat Afternoon  – “And You Shall Be a Blessing: The Journey of Parenthood”

Led by Rabbi Cara Weinstein Rosenthal and Maxine Handelman

What can the stories of the journeys of our Biblical ancestors, Abraham and Sarah, teach us about our own journeys as parents?  Join this conversation anchored in the text of Parashat Lech Lecha to explore the ways in which parenthood causes us to change and grow, and discover how your journey can be more packed with blessings.

Sunday Morning – Modeh Ani Party

Families with young children can start the day with a bit of gratitude, a little singing and a great story!

Centennial Blog

Where Are Our Cheerleaders?

Josh Rabin

Rabbi Joshua Rabin tells us that that the way to change the narrative of Conservative Judaism comes not from without, but from within.

Read more...

More Posts