If you’ve ever driven “over the hill” from Santa Rosa to Calistoga, you’re familiar with Porter Creek Road, a route deeply scarred by the 2017 Tubbs Fire. Just off that road is Camp Newman, a popular Jewish summer camp that was nearly burned to ashes by the fire.

Now, after years of rebuilding and redesign, Camp Newman is beginning a new chapter by hosting its first Jewish Food and Wine Retreat September 13-15. Held in partnership with Beth Shalom Congregation in Napa, this event reflects the camp’s transformation from a seasonal summer haven for Jewish youth to a year-round destination for adults seeking cultural enrichment and community connection.

Rebirth and renewal

The Tubbs Fire devastated Camp Newman, leaving little more than memories and debris. But camp leaders seized the opportunity to rebuild not only the buildings but also the camp’s mission. “The new facilities have given us the opportunity to rethink how we use this site,” says Jordanna Flores, director of year-round programs.

What was once primarily a summer camp has evolved into a multi-purpose recreation center that hosts numerous events throughout the year, including adult conferences and cultural recreation venues, while maintaining the camp’s roots as a summer camp for Jewish children and youth.

The upcoming Jewish Food and Wine Retreat is an example of this new direction. There will be sessions on Jewish cooking, wine tasting and sustainability led by notable figures in the Jewish food world. Shannon Sarna, founder of The Nosher and author of “Modern Jewish Baker,” will lead a session on the power of food memories. Local culinary experts will also share their insights, with Micah Siva speaking about plant-based Jewish cooking and moderating a panel on the growing number of Jewish delis in the area, including Wise Sons, Loveski and Bubbala’s. Chef Barbara Shenson will offer a session on preparing Rosh Hashanah side dishes, while Omer Seltzer of Mt. Eitan Cheese in Sebastopol will lead attendees through a cheese tasting.

And as far as wine goes, this isn’t your Zayde’s Mogen David. The retreat will showcase the expertise of winemakers like Jeff Morgan of Covenant Wines, Ernie Weir of Hagafen Cellars and Drew Neiman of Neiman Cellars. Morgan will discuss his journey from secular Jew to kosher winemaker and share the challenges and joys of making kosher wine in California’s highly competitive wine industry. Weir will delve into the nuances of wine tasting and teach attendees how to fully enjoy the subtleties of flavor, while Neiman will explore the art of wine and cheese pairing and offer practical tips for attendees to take home.

This retreat isn’t all about food and wine. True to its roots, Camp Newman offers traditional activities with a twist, like tie-dyeing, hiking, and innovative takes on campfire desserts. Participants can enjoy the rustic setting of camp while taking in the natural beauty of Sonoma County, creating a unique blend of nostalgia and modern culinary exploration.

Registration for the retreat is open until September 6, and organizers hope the event will become an annual tradition. Camp leadership sees this retreat as an opportunity to engage both longtime supporters and new visitors, and to provide a space where community, culture and cuisine come together. Camp Newman’s evolution from a summer camp to a year-round retreat center reflects the broader changes in the way Jewish communities come together, learn and celebrate their heritage, making this event a significant milestone in the camp’s ongoing evolution.