A Jewish Grateful Dead Shabbaton in the PNW

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Blues for Challah is the third iteration of a Jewish Grateful Dead Shabbaton sponsored by Temple De Hirsch Sinai (Seattle, WA) and Temple Sholom (Vancouver BC). The event’s goal is to draw together Jewish Deadheads “for a weekend including Grateful Dead inspired davenning and d’vrei torah, lectures, discussion groups, and – of course – plenty of music. Participants will be encouraged to bring their own instruments and be part of the jamming.” The event will feature Jewish Educator and creator of Blues for Challah David Weisberg and Deadhead Scholar in Residence Dr. Steve Gimbel. Rabbi Daniel Weiner, Senior Rabbi of Temple De Hirsch Sinai and Rabbi Dan Moskovitz, Senior Rabbi of Temple Sholom will be leading services and some of the study sessions.

Blues for Challah 2026 will be held at URJ Camp Kalsman in Arlington, WA about 2 hours from SeaTac Airport (outside Seattle, WA). A variety of accommodations are available. Participants can choose between private or double occupancy rooms with private baths, camp cabins, yurts or pitching their own tent (or RV) on the camp property.

URJ Camp Kalsman maintains a "kosher style" kitchen with a resident chef and kitchen staff. The food is excellent, and there will be options for vegetarians, vegans, and those with special dietary needs. You will not go hungry.

We get it, for many of us The Dead is our true religion. You are free to lean in or hang back from any of the "Jewish" programming during the weekend. There will be worship services and some Torah and Text Study but all of it will be geared to the widest audience and in an egalitarian and inclusive style. The weekend (also called a Shabbaton) will offer plenty of opportunities to find your spiritual connection through the structure of Jewish prayer and practice without requiring pre-knowledge or Jewish observance. That said, if you are more traditional you will also feel comfortable during the weekend, provided you can manage with the vegetarian options for the food and can accept egalitarian prayer. 

Yes! If you play an instrument or like to sing there will be an opportunity to join the Jam Band on Saturday night for the improvisational concert and Jam Session. This will undoubtably be one of the highlights of the weekend. Bring your instruments and your collaborative mindset and lets make beautiful music together.

The cost of the weekend is person and depends on your choice of accommodations, but in general costs range from $250-$400 per person for the whole weekend.

Based on availability:

Health Center - $400/person + optional $10 linen fee

1 Full Bed, 1 Twin Bed, Private Bath

1 Queen Bed, Private Bath (ADA Compliant)

1 Queen Bed, Private Bath

1 Full Bed, 1 Twin Bunk, Private Bath

Retreat Center (Villa) - $400/person + optional $10 linen fee

4 Twin Beds, Private Bath

1 Full Bed, Private Bath

1 Queen Bed, Private Bath

1 Full Bed, 1 Twin Bunk, Private Sink

1 Full Bed, 1 Attached Twin Bunk, Private Sink

Cabin - $350/person - bring own sleeping bag or linens (communal bathrooms)

4 Twin Beds, 4 Twin Bunks, 3 Sinks, 3 Showers, 3 Toilets

Yurt- $300/person

bring own sleeping bag or linens (shower house and bathroom at pool)

8 Twin Beds

Tent Camping

$250/person - bring own sleeping bag and tent (shower house and bathroom at pool)

No, but it is a Jewish centered weekend. If that makes you uncomfortable then please send is an email via the Contact Us form below so we can discuss this with you. We ask that all who attend be respectful of the themes and intention of the weekend.