As we continue to find ways to celebrate this holiday period differently, American Jewish University (AJU) is tackling Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah by creating unique, family-friendly, socially distanced getaways.
At AJU Brandeis-Bardin’s 2,700-acre campus in Simi Valley, the Brandeis-Bardin team is inviting families, couples and individuals to the campus for two weekends: Oct. 2-4 and Oct. 9-11. The holiday weekends are taking place under the leadership of Navah Becker, director of programming at Brandeis-Bardin’s campus; John Luong, senior director for hospitality services; and Michelle Starkman, vice president of communications.
Pre-COVID-19, AJU Brandeis-Bardin’s campus was used year-round to host a multitude of retreat programs for students, families and campers. Also home to Camp Alonim, Brandeis-Bardin this past summer was able to modify camp plans with its outdoor Alonim Adventures program. The campus also offered drive-in graduations. With the experience of running COVID-19-friendly programs over the summer, campus officials decided they were ready to implement similar programming for the Sukkot getaway weekends.
“People were so thankful just to be together and to see other people’s faces in real life,” Becker said. “I think that sparked a series of conversations and we decided to sort of take advantage of that … to be able to open and create space for community and for people to come together safely in a Jewish context.”
To maintain Ventura County’s COVID-19 rules and regulations, each guest or unit must wear a face covering when walking around the campus and will go through a health check upon arrival. Individuals or families will have their own cottage, which will include one to two rooms for sleeping and one room for private dining.
Because of contact restrictions, officials encourage individuals and families to bring games, toys and sports equipment. Common areas and frequently touched surfaces will be cleaned and sanitized multiple times each day. AJU staff members also will participate in mandated daily health checks. According to the campus’ website, should there be potential or confirmed COVID-19 exposure on the facility, the campus may temporarily close and a full refund will be issued.
Becker said because of safety concerns, services will not be provided. However, everything else is taken care of. Seven kosher “to-go” meals will be provided to each person throughout the weekend; multiple sukkot, lulavim and etrogim will be scattered throughout the campus for assigned and staggered meals.
Activities also will be offered throughout the weekend including archery, tomahawk throwing, hiking, horseback riding, challah baking and holiday programming. Becker said the design is to be as inclusive as possible and guests can opt in or out of programs. The goal is to be a Jewish “all-inclusive resort,” she said. “We will build them a sukkah if they want it. These are holidays we can host; people are looking for it. People are craving community and contact.”
Prices start at $425 for children ages 3-17; $595 for adults older than 18, and $2,000 for a family of four. Becker added that the number of reservations will be limited to 12-14 units per weekend.
“We are trying to meet people on their Jewish journey,” she said. “I think by nature, who we are and the programs we are offering, it did attract more families, but we do have a few singles and a few people who are bringing their in-laws with them.”
Becker acknowledged that this is a challenging time for people who want to get away but are afraid to do so because they are restricting activities in order to maintain their safety. Hopefully, she said, people will take advantage of the campus so they can have a meaningful holiday vacation.
Starkman added that the program is all about AJU’s mission to serve Jewish institutions, groups and communities to enhance their Jewish life. “We really just want to help communities build their structures and offer programs that promote and advance Jewish wisdom and Jewish living,” Starkman said. “Anything our team can come up with to help people achieve those goals — Jewish or not Jewish. With the restraints of COVID and shelter at home … our teams have all been fast and furious at figuring out ways to bring [the] community together.”
The pandemic, Becker said, pushed them to “widen their scope” on what Jewish programming can be. Because the walls of comfortable Judaism are gone, she said, they can use their space to engage in a wide variety of ways, including weekends like those paired with AJU’s virtual learning opportunities. Seeing people explore the campus and run around on the grass or have a picnic is something Becker said she enjoys viewing, especially now, when people have been stuck inside for so long.
“[People are asking], ‘What else is out there? I was used to going to X and Y for my Jewish world, but now there’s A, B, and C,’ ” Becker said. “The Brandeis-Bardin campus is this jewel in Simi Valley. We have been around for over 70 years, and the fact that we can still creat[e] programs that are relevant and meaningful, I think [it] is incredible. We can support Jewish community and emphasize the idea that Jewish life is still important and Jewish connections are still important.”
For more information and to make a reservation, visit their website.
CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story said Camp Alonim hosted “Sundays in the Park with Camp Alonim” this summer when that program was hosted pre-COVID-19.
