Community Kallah – Retreat

Like Camp for Kids of all Ages, Every Memorial Day Weekend!
May 26 – 28, 2023

Each spring for more than 30 years, JRC members get out of the city to spend Friday to Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend with family and friends. This year we are returning to our beautiful 2022 venue: Camp Nageela Midwest in Ingleside, Illinois, on lovely Wooster Lake, just south of the Wisconsin border (only about an hour’s drive from JRC). Not only is Camp Nageela a lovely, nearby location, with a Northwoods feel, it is the site of the original Camp JRF (now Havaya)!

The weekend will be filled with learning, ritual, socializing, singing, dancing, games, and lots of food. We celebrate Shabbat with a Friday evening community service, a spiritually enriching adult Saturday morning service, and a community Havdalah ceremony. During the weekend, adults have the opportunity to study with clergy, while the kids are invited to join Kamp Kallah for fun activities. Other highlights include a multigenerational talent show, family Olympics, and campfire sing-along. There is also plenty of free time to connect with friends and forge new relationships.

Registration for Kallah is momentarily paused as we assess housing availability.

If you would like to be added to our waitlist, email communitykallah@jrctogether.org.

Accommodations

We stay in very basic (and clean) rooms with bunk beds.

All buildings have air conditioning but some may not have heat (space heaters are provided)
Linens (sheets, towels, pillow, and blanket) are available for a small extra charge or save some money and BYO!
Some rooms will have a private bath; most will share a bathroom.

More details about Community Kallah accommodations can be found here.

Kamp Kallah

Kamp Kallah is all about the kids! Kamp counselors organize and oversee this program. We’ve got plenty of activities to keep kids entertained and happy—nature hikes, sports, art, singing, youth services, junior onegs, and playtime.

Childcare

Childcare is available during adult learning, Shabbat morning services, and party times; individual babysitters give younger children lots of personal attention. Kallah guests 12 and up are invited to volunteer to babysit and lead activities for the younger kids under Kamp Kallah staff’s supervision.

Recreation

Camp Nageela is a lovely setting for an enjoyable outdoor weekend, offering a basketball court, softball diamond, volleyball, nature walks, nearby bike riding, or taking time to relax, read a book, or schmooze with friends, old and new. You can do as much or as little as you wish.

Dining

All food is prepared in a kosher kitchen and served buffet style; vegetarian options are available upon request. Allergies can be accommodated. Attendees are welcome to take their food outside to eat (there will be a tented area for rain protection) and we will conclude with a picnic.

jrc-jewish-reconstructionist-congregation-community-kallah-friday-night

Friday evening

We try to arrive between 4:30 pm and 5:00 pm to get settled into the relaxed spirit of Shabbat and the weekend. At 6:00 pm, we have a short meet-and-greet followed by Shabbat dinner, a community Kabbalat Shabbat service, singing, and dancing. Afterward, adults will delve into our first learning session. Kamp Kallah will be open for school-age kids to enjoy snacks, games, and movies. Babysitters will be available for younger children. We close the evening with an adult late-night happy hour and schmooze.

Saturday

The schedule is full with prayer, learning, partying, free time, and food! After breakfast, Rabbi Weiss and Cantor Friedland lead a Shabbat service, and Kamp Kallah is open for fun and games. After lunch, everyone is invited to hang out during free time. In the late afternoon, another adult learning session will be offered with activities designed to stimulate hearts and minds.

After dinner, we will host the annual talent show. You can share your talent or cheer others on as they entertain us all! We close Shabbat with a Havdalah service and bonfire singalong (complete with s’mores, of course), as well as late-night partying for those with more energy.

Sunday

After breakfast, there are participatory activities (including arts and crafts and the annual Kallah Olympics) for all ages, followed by free time, lunch, and a closing friendship circle before everyone heads home.

Volunteering: We Can’t do it Without Your Help!

Part of the magic of Kallah is the incredible contribution made by our members. In the past, participants have lead yoga for adults and kids, taught Israeli dancing, organized Ultimate Frisbee and softball games, and coordinated the bonfire. We’ve even got volunteer opportunities for kids. Check out the registration form for more details about volunteering.

Any questions?

Contact Kallah coordinators at: communitykallah@jrctogether.org.