Anshei Darom News

The Class of 2016: attendees at the 17th annual Anshei Darom Retreat at Camp Ramah Darom. [Click here for full-size downloadable version.]

We had a record (or near-record) turnout, with sixty-five attendees representing thirteen different Men's Clubs throughout the Southeast. The weekend's theme  (American Jews and Israel - Moving Forward) generated plenty of spirited discussion.

Labels: Past Retreats

Hey, Guys! The seventeenth annual Anshei Darom Retreat is less than three weeks away. That means that right about now is a good time to check off a few items of Basic Information for this year's Retreatniks. If you're a first-timer, this is good stuff to know!

When should I get there?
Plan to arrive at Camp Ramah Darom on Friday, February 19 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 asks - especially rookies. 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: The camp provides towels, soap, and shampoo, but you can bring your own if you prefer, Mr. Fancy-Schmancy. If you like to wear flip-flops in the shower, by all means bring yours.
   
   
6. Religious equipment: Tefillin, Tallit, Kipah. The camp will provide all the books, 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, if you like.
   
   
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 Gatorade™. 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 Barry Riesenberg - briesenberg [at] gmail [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. Entertainment will be provided by Rabbi David Sirull of Augusta - the Redneck Rabbi - but he can always use a few warm-up acts. And make sure you bring your favorite jokes to share with the guys around the bonfire Saturday night. It's a tradition!

How do I get there?
Camp Ramah Darom is located at 70 Camp Darom, Clayton, GA 30525. Just plug that address into Google Maps or your smartphone's nav software 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 (at least in some locations around the camp). There's electricity and running water.

The basic bunkhouse accommodations are comfortable, not fancy. The bunkhouse is heated and has flush toilets and showers... and it's where we spend our social time Friday evening. Those who have booked hotel-style rooms will have a slightly cushier experience. No room service, though.

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 will create a uniquely spiritual Shabbat experience - together. Our tradition is to observe Shabbat by not writing, smoking, using electronic devices, or taking photographs. We also 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:
Payment can either be by check or by credit card. Contact Steve Krodman at elisson1 [at] aol [dot] com for details as to pricing and making your payment. And don't forget to ask your club whether it offers first-timer or young men's subsidies.

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

Labels: Retreat-O-Grams