The serene mountain setting of Los Gatos, California, became the backdrop for a deeply meaningful and high-energy Camp L’man Achai West Coast Shabbaton that drew over 50 campers and staff from cities, including Montreal, Toronto, Milwaukee, Arizona, Miami, and even the far reaches of Idaho.
The serene mountain setting of Los Gatos, California, became the backdrop for a deeply meaningful and high-energy Camp L’man Achai West Coast Shabbaton that drew participants from across North America. Graciously and generously hosted by the Itzikowitz’s, a proud family of CLA campers. The event welcomed over 50 campers and staff from cities, including Montreal, Toronto, Milwaukee, Arizona, Miami, and even the far reaches of Idaho.
But this Shabbaton wasn’t just a reunion for alumni of CLA—it was a vibrant blend of returning campers from past summers and newcomers who had never before experienced the camp’s magic. And for some, it was their first time observing Shabbat.
From the moment the boys arrived, the energy felt like being back at camp. Laughter, excitement, and connection filled the air. The weekend kicked off with a hands-on pizza-making activity, followed by a hike through local trails. The boys then settled into their beautiful accommodations.
Friday night began with an uplifting Kabbalat Shabbat, filled with singing and dancing, bringing a taste of camp’s ruach (spirit) to the hills of Santa Cruz. The meal that followed was equally special, filled with divrei Torah, stories, singing, and delicious homemade food.
After a late night of board games and bonding, Shabbos morning began with Tehillim and davening, where many of the boys received aliyahs. The rest of the day included a beautiful outdoor meal, a grand game of Capture the Flag, and a lively farbrengen.
The inspiration didn’t stop there. After Havdalah, an auction took place, where exciting prizes were raffled off. A late-night outdoor screening of camp videos wrapped up the night, bringing smiles, laughter, and a whole lot of memories.
What made this Shabbaton stand out wasn’t the schedule or the prizes—it was the deep sense of unity. “We weren’t running from place to place,” one organizer shared. “We were just together—living Shabbos, feeling like we were back in camp. The connection was instant.”
And the impact was immediate. One mother shared that her son returned home wanting to enroll in a Jewish school. Another boy, who had never before kept Shabbos, told his father he wanted to enroll in camp—before he even got off the bus. One father who participated in the Shabbaton revealed this was only his second time keeping Shabbos—his first being the same Shabbaton the previous year.
Without any pressure or speeches, many boys left inspired to explore more about Judaism, attend yeshiva, or simply take the next step in their Jewish journey.
This wasn’t just a weekend away. It was a spark that ignited something deeper—a connection to Yiddishkeit, to community, and to each other.
We love you! Asher, thinking about you from Beijing, China.