A Ski Getaway for the Soul

RUNNING SPRINGS, CA — Over this upcoming Presidents Day weekend, an important spiritual event will take place in the magnificent S. Bernardino mountain range. People from all over the Western United States will join together at Chabad’s beautiful mountaintop getaway to participate in the West Coast Chabad Jewish Retreat.

Taking place over the long weekend of February 15th – 17th, the Chabad Jewish Retreat will offer a special time of learning and fellowship. It’s a chance for Jews to come together, learn more about themselves and their heritage, and enjoy everything the spectacular natural surroundings have to offer.

“There is nothing more beautiful than snow falling on our mountaintop campus,” said Yossi Burston, Project Coordinator for West Coast Chabad Jewish Retreats. “And the skiing is great! This will be a special time for families to learn more about Judaism and enjoy all of our great winter activities.”

“It’s wonderful to see so many people taking an active role in their faith,” said Rabbi Boruch Shlomo Cunin, head of West Coast Chabad. “These meaningful weekends provide a chance for people to create new friendships and make old relationships even stronger. The true blessing comes when the people take this valuable and insightful information home and spread it among their own community.”

The weekend will host a collection of top Jewish speakers and entertainers. Rabbi Reuven Wolf, a scholar of Jewish spiritual philosophy, will offer his unique blend of ancient mystical concepts and contemporary thought. Mrs. Chaya Teldon is a sought-after speaker and co-founder of Lubavitch of Long Island, who has brought her special insights to audiences all over the world. The New York Times called her “The Erma Bombeck of Jewish Speakers.”

A highlight of the weekend will be a special performance by Lior Kaminetsky and his Klezmer Ensemble. Kaminetsky is an award-winning violinist with a master’s degree in performance. He has performed all over the world and has appeared on Classical Israeli Radio and Television.

But there’s more to this weekend than thought-provoking educational programs and world-class entertainment. February is the perfect time of the year to enjoy the great skiing available at Running Springs. Chabad had joined with Snow Valley Mountain Resort to offer a special ski getaway Sunday to members of the retreat. With 13 lifts and 240 acres of powdery terrain, there is something for every level of skier, snowboarder and snow enthusiast.

In addition to spending time on the ski slopes, everyone will be able to enjoy a wide variety of other recreational actives. Retreat participants can explore the great outdoors and take full advantage of the breathtaking scenery of the 70-acre mountaintop campus. Participants can learn all about the local plant and wildlife from qualified nature guides. Hiking trails crisscross the campus, providing an assortment of possibilities for all skill levels. The archery range will be available with special beginner lessons and target practice. Retreat participants can also enjoy the physical challenge of the ropes courses; these supervised sessions will take you into the treetops, and are a great way for individuals and families to learn the benefits of teamwork.

The Jewish retreat is a family-friendly event, offering a broad range of exciting activities and adventures for children. Counselors incorporate Jewish themes into the children’s programs so everyone can share in the joy of learning. In addition to all the athletic and nature activities, the children can take part in arts and crafts projects that reflect their Jewish heritage, like candle making and challah braiding. The game room and moon bounce will provide fun for child and adult alike. Baby sitters are on duty to watch children as their parents enjoy the seminars and workshops.

The Running Springs campus offers contemporary cabin lodging nestled in the rustic wilderness of the S. Bernardino Mountains. Chefs prepare fresh kosher meals, and diners enjoy a variety of delicious creations that blend new flavors with a taste of tradition.

Future retreats are scheduled for the holiday weekends of Memorial Day and Labor Day in 2008. “We have planned these unique retreats around long three-day weekends to give people time to take advantage of the workshops and still have an opportunity to relax and have fun,” said Burston. “Our goal is to create a special weekend for the participants and make it an annual event for them and their families.”

The West Coast Chabad Jewish Retreat weekends are a project of the Panikoff Center of Love and Kindness at Kiryas Schneerson. To learn more, please visit www.chabadretreats.com or call (310) 208-7511, ext. 261