Back to All Events

Camping Shabbaton


  • Congregation Sinai 1532 Willowbrae Avenue San Jose, CA, 95125 United States (map)

Congregation Sinai Camping Shabbaton

August 8–10, 2025
Brannan Island State Recreation Area
(Approx. 1.5 hours from Sinai / 84 miles northeast of San Jose)
Register now: https://www.sinai-sj.org/orders/camping-shabbaton

Join the Sinai community for a joyful Shabbat weekend in nature at Brannan Island, nestled in the heart of the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta. Our spacious group campsites offer plenty of room for tents, nearby flush restrooms, water access, and ample space for meals, prayer, and play.

This is more than a camping trip—it's a Sinai-style Shabbaton, a spiritually rich and joyful retreat filled with shared meals, Shabbat rituals, and intentional community. Expect a screen-free environment that invites you to be fully present—with nature, with tradition, and with one another.

Highlights:

  • Communal Shabbat dinner on Friday night, followed by Kabbalat Shabbat with Rabbi Berkenwald

  • Saturday morning Shacharit service, children’s activities, and time to relax and explore

  • Quiet time, joyful singing, shared meals, and meaningful community connections

Registration is a flat fee of $54 per person. Children under 2 are free.

Meal and activity details will be shared in advance with registrants.
Volunteers are welcome—sign up during registration to help with setup, meals, or programming.

The retreat begins Friday, August 8 at 2:00 PM* and concludes Sunday, August 10 at 12:00 PM. 

*Shabbaton is Friday-Sunday, but we welcome you to come Thursday if you'd like to extend your weekend for people who want to camp for three nights at no additional cost. You can provide your meals or coordinate with other campers for Thursday PM through Friday Lunch.

Registration is required and capped at 90 participants—sign up early to secure your spot.

Questions? Contact Debra at camping@sinai-sj.org

Come for the nature. Stay for the communal Shabbat. Leave renewed.

Earlier Event: August 7
Sinai Book Club: "The Gates of Gaza"
Later Event: August 9
Shabbat Services