Anshei Darom News

The Class of 2017: attendees at the 18th annual Anshei Darom Retreat at Camp Ramah Darom.

This year's Anshei Darom Regional Retreat had special significance, being the eighteenth consecutive annual event at Camp Ramah Darom. As we know, the number eighteen is the numerical value of the Hebrew word chai - life - and so it was an especially auspicious weekend on which to celebrate our mission of involving Jewish men in Jewish life.

Fifty-four men from around the Southeast came together to renew old friendships, make new friendships, and enjoy a weekend of great food, spirituality, and spirits. This year we were happy to welcome ten first-time attendees and two new clubs - Shearith Israel (Atlanta, GA) and Beth Meyer (Raleigh, NC). We're hoping to see the first-timers come back and bring some friends next year.

This year's Retreat theme was Conservative Judaism through the Generations: What We Learn From Our Parents, What We Teach Our Children, a topic discussed in detail by our Scholar-in-Residence, Professor Ed Halper of the University of Georgia. There were four fathers who attended the Retreat with their sons, and I can't think of a better opportunity for our precious Jewish heritage to be passed down through the generations.

Labels: Past Retreats

Hey, Guys! The eighteenth annual Anshei Darom Retreat will begin just four weeks from today... which means this is a good time to review some Basic Information for this year's Retreatniks. If you're a first-timer, this is good stuff to know! (And even if you're a Repeat Offender Attendee, it's nice to have this handy reminder.)

How do I sign up?
If you haven't signed up yet, don't worry - we still have room for you. (For now.)  Scroll down to the "Payment" paragraph below for more information. You can pay by personal check or by credit card.

When should I get there?
Plan to arrive at Camp Ramah Darom on Friday, February 17 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 Saturday night. Be sure you bring your favorite jokes to share with the guys around the bonfire. 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 in the bunkhouse?
Of course!!! The camp will also provide a pillow, linens, a blanket and one towel. If you're staying in the hotel-style rooms, think "Holiday Inn." It's really nice. (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

That's the theme of the 2017 Anshei Darom retreat:

Conservative Judaism Through the Generations: What We Learn From Our Parents, What We Teach Our Children

For this year's Retreat, we have made special arrangements to have perfect weather - sunny and temperatures in the mid to low 70's during the day, dropping down to the low 40's after sunset for crisp, cool nights. Of course, your results may vary, and since we're talking about the north Georgia mountains in February, they probably will.

You don't want to miss this year's Retreat - Friday, February 17 to Sunday, February 19 at Camp Ramah Darom in Clayton, Georgia. We had a record turnout last year, and we're looking forward to having an even bigger group of men from throughout the Southeast this year.

For the first time, we will offer special breakout sessions for our under-40 attendees. We'll also have an upgraded menu... and this year's Attendee Gift (AKA The Annual Freebie) will be a really nice golf shirt.

We're offering several different housing options:

Bunkhouse accommodations: $245 per person
Hotel-style accommodations: $305 per person (double occupancy)
Hotel-style accommodations: $365 per person (single occupancy)

Steak will be available Saturday night at an upcharge of $25 - otherwise it's the usual (delicious) burgers and hot dogs. Yes, it's all kosher, certified by the Camp Ramah mashgiach!

We'll be posting more information here for first-timers - prior attendees will know what to expect. Meanwhile, please contact Steve Krodman at elisson1 [at] aol [dot] com or Steve Dix at dixes [at] yahoo [dot] com if you have any questions or wish to register.

Looking forward to seeing you at beautiful Camp Ramah Darom!

Labels: Retreat-O-Grams

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

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 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 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

Labels: Retreat-O-Grams

The Class of 2013: attendees at the 14th annual Anshei Darom Retreat at Camp Ramah Darom. [Click here for full-size downloadable version.]

Labels: Past Retreats

The Class of 2012: attendees at the 13th annual Anshei Darom Retreat at Camp Ramah Darom.

This year's Anshei Darom Retreat was not just any Retreat... because this was the thirteenth gathering of the Men of the South. Yes: it was the Retreat's Bar Mitzvah year, and what better way to celebrate it than by combining spirits and spirituality, putting the Bar and Mitzvah in Bar Mitzvah?


The Anshei Darom Regional Banner.

Rabbi Shalom Lewis (of Congregation Etz Chaim in Marietta, Georgia) was the Scholar-in-Residence at this year’s Retreat. With discussions ranging from the personal, moral, and religious issues that arise when marital fidelity is challenged by a spouse's serious illness or dementia, to whether the Eternal intervenes in people's lives as a result of prayer, we had plenty of intellectual stimulation.

Mike Mills, international president of the Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs (and a member of Synagogue Emanu-El in Charleston) delivered a scholarly d'var Torah on individuals and their responsibility to the society around them - the theme of Shabbat Shekalim. As Shabbat wound down, he shared his thoughts on Meaningful Relationships... more food for serious contemplation.


Joe Ziskend and Mike Mills enjoy the Friday afternoon sunshine.


The Famous Sweat Hut.


Steve Bodenstein, our very own Pocket Fisherman Compleat Angler, gets ready for our Shabbat meal of Bluefin Gefilte Fish.

And speaking of food, there was an excellent menu served up by the fine Tumbling Waters staff. Tender roast chicken, ratatouille, and baked sweet potatoes made for a fine Shabbat meal.

Even the weather cooperated. A warm, sunny Friday afternoon was followed by a slightly cooler, cloudier Shabbat - but the predicted rain held off until well after the festivities at the campfire and the Famous Sweat Hut. Those who preferred not to brave the evening air went indoors and had an opportunity to watch the Hallmark Hall of Fame production of Mitch Albom's Have a Little Faith, in which Oscar-winning actor Martin Landau portrayed Rabbi Albert Lewis (z''l) - Rabbi Shalom Lewis's very own father.


Havdalah, the farewell to Shabbat.

Another wonderful retreat... now, when's the next one?



[Photo credits: 1,2,6,7 Jeff Frankel; 3,4,5 Steve Krodman]

Labels: Past Retreats

The 13th annual Anshei Darom Retreat will be held February 17-19, 2012.

It's not just any retreat - it's our Bar Mitzvah year! - so we are planning for an extra-special weekend.

Our Scholar-in-Residence will be Rabbi Shalom Lewis of Congregation Etz Chaim in Marietta, Georgia... and we’ll also be joined by Mike Mills, International President of the FJMC (and a member of the Emanu-El Men's Club in Charleston).

If you've been to one or more Retreats in the past, you know how much fun this is going to be... and if you haven't, what are you waiting for? (Consider this your engraved invitation!)

Signing up is easier than ever this year. Just click here... or anywhere on the picture above... or on the "2012 Retreat Registration" link in the sidebar. You can pay online by credit card to make it even more convenient. (Be sure to sign up by February 6 to ensure that there will be room for you to put your junk in a bunk!)

Join us for the Anshei Darom Retreat - it's a Bar! - it's a Mitzvah! - it's a Bar Mitzvah!

Labels: Retreat-O-Grams

The Class of 2011: attendees at the twelfth annual Anshei Darom Retreat in February 2011.

Anyone interested in downloading a full-size suitable-for-printing image can find it here.

Labels: Past Retreats