On July 12-14, we gathered in Bort Meadow for shabbat in the redwoods. Over 20 families camped, and about 120 people were at the meadow on Saturday, celebrating and building community. So many people pitched in to make it a magical weekend, among them the retreat committee members, who had been working on the retreat for weeks in advance. We asked some of them for their reflections – and here are a few to share:
Bracha Stone: Kehilla Community exhales deeply when we gather at Bort Meadow. We bask in the warm glow of meadow, redwoods, good food, music and each other — renewed and inspired. Shabbat is never sweeter than this.
Don Stone: Our Kehilla Community exhales and rests deeply when we gather at Bort Meadow. We bask in the warm glow of meadow, redwoods, music, conversation, good food, and each other — renewed and inspired. For the camper’s– owl calls under a nearly full Moon. Mid-day lunch under sunny skies or redwood canopy: many choices! Shabbat is never sweeter than this.
Anna Martin: We noted on our way home that there is something ancient and right about creating our village under the trees and in the meadow, from infants to elders, all eating, playing, drumming, singing, talking and praying together. It taps some profound place of connection and peace to be together outside and over longer periods of time. I always have conversations with people I would not otherwise have, meet new people and have a fresh connection with people I have met before.