Spending a Shabbaton in nature

What started as an idea in 2023 for a Temple Israel Men’s Club camping weekend turned into a full Shabbaton held Feb. 2-4, 2024, at Lake Louisa State Park in Clermont.

The cabins were comfortable and well-stocked two-bedroom houses with screened-in porches overlooking Dixie Lake. The 10 participants enjoyed kosher food and reading Torah against the backdrop of a natural Florida environment.

“Many of us have had experience at Jewish summer camp growing up so we decided to re-create the best parts of the Jewish camping experience. All throughout the weekend, we had time to explore nature, get aw...