Witnessing Manzanar

Witnessing Manzanar is a chance for multiple faith communities – Nefesh’s Tikkun Collective and Buddhist Chaplaincy students from University of the West – to collaboratively observe Pesach and Shabbat through participation in the 55th Manzanar Pilgrimage, a yearly interfaith gathering of former prisoners, faith leaders, and Native community members to honor the history of the land and the internment of Japanese American citizens during WWII.

This Shabbaton will include one night of camping at Lake Diaz starting Friday with a shared Kabbalat Shabbat service and potluck. Saturday morning we will have a joint morning prayer service on themes of liberation and the collective by the lake before attending the 55th Annual Manzanar Pilgrimage, as well as tour the remnants of the internment camp. 

Lodging: We have reserved 30 tent campsites in a group site location at Lake Diaz. The campsite is open to us anytime Friday as you arrive. For those not wishing to camp, there are motels in Lone Pine, CA, a short drive away. You can also attend the Manzanar Pilgrimage Saturday without staying overnight, though it is a long drive for one day.

Meals: We will have Shabbat dinner and breakfast together at the campsite. Please bring a Kosher for Passover side dish (cold) to share at dinner Friday night – we will provide the main course. Breakfast and coffee will be available on Saturday morning. Please bring a cooler with snacks and lunch for the Pilgrimage on Saturday, there is no food available on site at Manzanar.

Weather: Temps average from high of 75 and low of 44 in the Owens Valley ( ). Please bring layered clothing for the camp site, as well as sunscreen, hat, and umbrella for Saturday, as there is little shade on site at Manzanar.

Transportation: The destinations are 3.5-4 hours away (approx. 220 miles). If there is interest, we can help to coordinate rideshares. Please let us know below.

Locations: Diaz Lake Campground, three miles south of Lone Pine, CA on U.S. 395, Manzanar National Historic Site, Manzanar Reward Rd, CA

Times: Friday, April 26 – Saturday, April 27, 2024

Friday: Campground open anytime after 2:00pm

Kabbalat Shabbat 7:30pm

Dinner 8:00pm

Saturday: Breakfast 9:00am

Prayer 10:00am

Leave campground at 10:45am

Manzanar Pilgrimage 11:00am-3:00pm

Please note that photography will take place at this event and let us know if you have any questions.

This experience is part of NuRoots’ Collective Escape festival. Learn more and discover the lineup at nuroots.org.