We are a non-institutional, pluralistic, post-denominational, pop-up festival, following in the thousands year old lineage of seasonal Jewish Gatherings.

In more recent history, we were birthed out of Wilderness Torah’s culturally innovative festivals such as Passover in the Desert. 

Like the traveling mishkan or portable sanctuary in the wilderness, we aim to create a sacred space for G-D to dwell within. We are a temporary community, with people coming from California, across North America and beyond to wander together under the open sky.  

We attempt to create a festival space where Jews and non-Jewish allies across spectrums of religious observance, race, gender, sexuality and ethnicity can bring their voices and share their gifts. We aim to create a space where queer and trans Jews, BIPOC Jews, interfaith families, elders, parents with young children, and all those who love sharing their Jewish lives—whether seasoned or just beginning—can feel comfortable exploring, growing together in shared wisdom. 

We are wrestling with how M A N N A responds and attends to the ongoing violence, trauma and heartbreaking grief experienced by Palestinians and Israelis. We are troubled by the way our pain can be used to divide us, benefiting those who seek to maintain the status quo. We see ourselves as people that relate differently to Palestine and Israel and unite under the vision that peace and justice are central to the prayer for Jewish safety. We long to hold these prayers and questions in wider circles with our diverse and loving community. We ask MANNA participants to hold with us a strong anchor of understanding that intolerance, violence, bigotry and racist ideology have no place at this altar. 

This is our second year of this festival and our 3rd independently produced Jewish Pilgrimage festival over the past 2 years, including Aravah Sukkot Festival, that some of our producers are involved in creating.

Rooted in the spirit of Doykeit—radical presence—we come together to slow down and honor the sacred, celebrate Jewish culture, and explore what it means to be like the Israelites of old, discovering a path of collective liberation. M A N N A  is an invitation to co-create.

What happens at M A N N A?

This is a gathering of multiple centers.

A Sacred Fire burns through the night inviting prayer, a place to mourn, to be in quiet intimacy. The Living Room bustles with activity and mirth in the meadow. Participants wander down to the creek for a mikveh (ritual water immersion) or hike up the ridge to watch the sunrise with new friends. Children can be heard laughing, playing games while council and learning circles convene nearby in the afternoon shade. At MANNA one can slowly walk through the oak trees, schmoozing through pockets of whimsy and ceremony, renewing your connection to Judaism, Spirit, Earth and one’s own sense of possibility. 

Time is loosely structured around collective sunset rituals that all are invited to join in - lighting the Sacred Fire, Kabbalat Shabbat, Havdalah, tending down the Sacred Fire. During the day we offer Council and Learning Circles on subjects like Earth-based Judaism, Diasporic Resilience, Jewish Ceremony, and Israel/Palestine. Participants are encouraged to create their own prayer circles (ie Shacharit morning services), workshops, performance art, musical offerings and more in the spirit of collective creativity, education and non-hierarchical leadership.  

We aim to cultivate a group field of emergence, building a depth of unity that inspires our imaginations and sustains a sense of community through these challenging times. Come as you are, ready to wrestle with unresolved tensions, embrace joy and grief, and share generously from the heart.

Festival Highlights:

• The Living Room: A central hub for connection, featuring shaded seating, a lively hearth, performance art, and space for workshops and late-night merriment.

• Soulful Rituals: Join musical Kabbalat Shabbat, Havdalah, and other devotional gatherings that blend prayer, song, and spirituality in colorful, embodied expression.

• Passover Learning Tracks: Choose from unique focus areas like Passover 101, Diasporic Resilience, Approaching Palestine & Israel Relationally, Sacred Fire + Torah, and more.

• Sacred Fire: Gather around the sacred fire for quiet contemplation, presence, and tending to the collective and individual spirit.

• Intergenerational Community: We offer childcare programs where young ones engage in play and discovery, and Elder circles that honor the wisdom of years, creating spaces for sharing experiences and strengthening community bonds.

• Scenic Camping: Set up camp in the serene beauty of this unceded Chumash Territory, surrounded by meadows, oak savannahs, and tranquil creekside spots.

*A note on camping: Access to tent and car camping is included in the MANNA ticket price. For those who are interested, we are working on Glamping, Trailer, and local Hotel options as an add-on. In the registration process please choose which camping options appeal to you so we can best support your MANNA experience!