Wednesday, February 05, 2014

 

Coming Up: The 15th Annual Anshei Darom Retreat!

Hey, Guys! With the fifteenth annual Anshei Darom Retreat just a couple of weeks away, it's a good time to check off a few items of Basic Information for this year's Retreatniks.

When should I get there?
Plan to arrive at Camp Ramah Darom on Friday, February 21 no later than 4 pm. You are welcome to arrive earlier that day to enjoy paradise for the afternoon - if you wish.

What should you bring?
That's the big question everyone (especially First-Timers) asks. Nothing too complicated:
  1. Your sense of humor

  2. A desire to meet new people

  3. Casual clothes for the entire weekend. No ties and jackets required! (For Shabbat morning, it's not a bad idea to bring a shirt with a collar... that's as dressy as things get.)

  4. Sweat hut attire - a pair of shorts and a tee shirt.

  5. Toiletries: Large towel, washcloth, soap, shower shoes. The camp provides soap and shampoo, but you can bring your own if you prefer, Mr. Fancy-Schmancy.

  6. Religious equipment: Tefillin, Tallit, Kipah. The camp will provide siddurim and chumashim, so no need to shlep your own.

  7. Misc. Equipment: Anti-snoring equipment (earplugs, clothespins, nose strips, CPAP machines). We're serious!

  8. Flashlight and Camera

  9. Optional - Your favorite pillow and an extra blanket

  10. Also optional - You are welcome - nay, encouraged - to bring a bottle of your favorite spirit to enjoy and share with group Saturday evening such as: Scotch, brandy, whiskey, beer, wine, root beer, prune juice, or Gatoradeā„¢. Also, if you wish to truly raise the testosterone level that evening - bring some cigars.
Will there be Religious Stuff?
Sure there will - it's part of being Jewish! But it's nothing to be afraid of.

Please participate in the ritual programs - don't be bashful! There is still time to volunteer to lead a portion of one of the services and/or read Torah. And there are plenty of other things to do, like carrying the Torah scroll during the processional, opening the Ark, leading birkat ha-mazon, etc., etc. If you're interested, please contact Joe Ziskend - ziskenj [at] cisco [dot] com. We'd like everyone to get a shot at participating... and you'll never find a warmer or more supportive bunch of guys to daven or lehn Torah in front of!

Can you entertain us?
If anyone plays the guitar, harmonica, or tuba, please plan to bring it with you for the Saturday night activities. We could definitely use musical talent. If you cannot play an instrument, make sure you bring your favorite jokes to share with the guys.

How do I get there?
Camp Ramah Darom is located at 70 Camp Darom, Clayton, GA 30525. Just plug that address into Google Maps and you're good to go..

Where will I be sleeping?
The Camp is a modern facility in the heart of the North Georgia Mountains. The road is now paved all the way to the camp and cell phones work there (sometimes). There's electricity and running water. The bunk house is heated and the flush toilet facilities and showers are within the walls of the bunk house. No "roughing it" for these boys!

Will there be beds?
Of course!!! The camp will also provide a pillow, linens, a blanket and one towel. (Feel free to bring a sleeping bag and tent if you want to "rough it," tough guy.)

What kind of Shabbat Experience will it be?
We're going to unplug from our electronic devices, unplug from the stress and routine of everyday life, and plug in to our Jewish roots.

We will create a unique Shabbat experience - together. We will be observing Shabbat by not writing, smoking, using electronic devices, or taking photographs. We will wash before all meals, say Motzi and Birkat ha-Mazon. There is an eruv around the camp so you can carry and can indulge in various recreational activities... including the all-important Shabbat nap.

Payment:
Those who have not sent in your money, please do so ASAP. Please send your check (payable to ANSHEI DAROM) for $218.00 (ask your club about first-timer discounts) to:

Jim Handler
Regional Treasurer
380 Clarkston Drive
Smyrna, TN 37167

Get ready for a WONDERFUL weekend! We're looking forward to seeing you there.

If you have any questions please contact:

Mark Isbitts (Retreat Committee Chair) - mark [dot] isbitts [at] lexisnexis [dot] com
or
Steve Dix (Regional President) - dixes [at] yahoo [dot] com

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