Southern Schmooze at Ramah Darom is an opportunity for participating Southeast synagogue communities to connect as individual congregations and celebrate Jewish life as a region. Come together to share in the joys and challenges of being a part of a growing and vibrant Southern Jewish Community!
Please note: While most of Ramah Darom’s signature Jewish experiential retreats are open to all, Southern Schmooze Shabbaton is for partnering synagogues and communities ONLY. Interested in bringing your small Jewish community to Southern Schmooze? Please reach out.
What to Expect:
A spirited Ramah Darom Shabbat
Camp activities for all ages
Counselor-led kids’ programming
Delicious kosher meals, snacks, and beverages
Adult evening programming
Shmira (night listening for young children)
Transportation around campus is available for those who need mobility assistance.
All-inclusive rates are per person and include comfortable accommodations, delicious kosher meals, snacks, beverages, and all activities. Travel is not included.
Please scroll down and review “Accommodations” for photos and descriptions.
Rates & Payment Information
Guests
Accommodation & Upgrades
Price
Adults & Children (3+)
Cabins & Hotel Rooms
$195/person
Children (2 and under)
$36/child
Additional Hotel Room
+$100
Cottage Upgrade
+$200
Mini Fridge
$25
Pack N' Play
FREE
Payment Schedule
Due at Registration: A $50 non-refundable deposit per participant, ages 3 and up, will be processed.
January 30, 2026:Full payment due. See ‘Cancellation Policy’.
Payment can be made via credit card, e-check, or by mailing a check. If paying via credit card, a 2.5% fee will be added to cover the processing fees charged to Ramah Darom by the credit card companies. There is no fee to pay via e-check or mailed check. Please ensure mailed checks reach our Atlanta office by the payment due date indicated.
Cancellation Policy
We strongly encourage purchasing Trip Protection Insurance. This insurance must be purchased before your final payment is made! While we understand that unexpected life events can happen between registration and the retreat, please note that our refund policies are based on the significant upfront costs we incur once your registration is confirmed. As a result, we regret that we cannot provide any refunds after January 30, 2026, for any reason.
There are four hotel buildings on our 185-acre campus. All hotel rooms have a private bathroom, heating and air conditioning, a dresser, a table with two chairs, a personal coffee maker with pods, a mini-fridge, complimentary toiletries, and bed and bath linens. Most rooms have two queen beds, and a few have one king bed or two full beds. A limited number of connecting rooms are available, and some hotel rooms are ADA-accessible.
Cottages
There are four private cottages on Ramah Darom’s campus—our most luxurious accommodations. Nestled among the trees, these cozy, studio-style cottages feature a king-sized bed, a full-sized pullout couch, a private porch, and a bathroom with a walk-in shower. A small kitchenette includes a sink, refrigerator, and a personal coffee maker with pods. All cottages have heating and air conditioning, a dresser, a table with two chairs, complimentary hotel-style toiletries, and bed and bath linens. These charming accommodations are best suited for two guests and provide an elevated retreat experience. Cottages are not ADA-accessible and can only be accessed via stairs.
2026 Partner Communities
Greenville, SC
Congregation Beth Israel
Chattanooga, TN
B’nai Zion Congregation
Montgomery, AL
Agudath Israel Etz Ahayem
Knoxville, TN
Heska Amuna Synagogue
If you are interested in bringing your small Jewish community to Southern Schmooze, please reach out to retreats@ramahdarom.org.
Travel & Packing
Check-in: Friday, February 27, 2026, 2:00-5:00pm ET L’hitraot: Sunday, March 1, 2026, 11:00am ET
Ramah Darom is two hours from Atlanta, in Clayton, GA. Please download and print these Driving Directions and bring them with you when you travel. GPS shortcuts can lead you to dangerous mountain roads!
Ramah Darom does not offer transportation from the Atlanta airport to campus for this retreat as there is not typically a large interest or need. If you have difficulty coordinating travel to Ramah Darom’s campus, please contact retreats@ramahdarom.org and we will assist you. Ultimately, we do not want this to hinder your participation in this program.
Please use this Packing List as a guide and bring any specific items that you feel are necessary for your health, safety, and enjoyment.
Retreat FAQ
Below are answers to our most frequently asked questions. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, please reach out!
