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By Sharon Bleviss

Another wonderful camping Shabbaton is in the bag! Adults and children gathered at Del Valle Regional Park in Livermore May 2-4, 2014 to celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut, Shabbat and the great outdoors together. The group campsite, situated by the lake, provided seclusion and opportunities to view deer, wild turkeys, water fowl and more. The kids spent time fishing while all took in great food, conversation, Torah study, hiking, a little swimming and contemplation.

All gathered for a communal barbecue on Friday night, supported by the Jewish Federation in honor of Yom Ha’atzmaut, and bedded down for a good night’s rest–until the turkeys ran by at 6 a.m.! Informal Shabbat services on Saturday morning were followed by an afternoon of fun. A fabulous dinner of chili and Havdallah with light sticks couldn’t compete with the long-awaited campfire and s’mores. The turkeys were quiet on Sunday morning and the group took a lovely walk along the lake to a feeder stream. The campers reluctantly packed up and said farewell after a closing circle. Can’t wait until next year!