A Jewish Shabbos Weekend in Ocean City, NJ: Meet Jewmanji

You can spend another Friday night trying to coordinate dinner with six different group chats. Or you can arrive at a house full of Jewish young adults, put your phone away for Shabbos, sit down to a kosher meal, and let the weekend unfold.

That's the idea behind Jewmanji, a Jewish gaming Shabbos weekend that Hamsa Nomads is hosting in Ocean City, New Jersey, from Friday, October 30, through Sunday, November 1, 2026. It's designed for people who want real time together: good meals, games that help strangers become teammates, and a Shabbos that feels like a getaway rather than another event on a calendar.

Why a Jewish Shabbos weekend instead of another night out?

An evening event can be great. But you barely finish learning somebody's name before it's time to leave. A Shabbos away gives you dinner, a second conversation over lunch, a chance to play on the same team, and enough unhurried time to make a new friendship feel possible.

Jewmanji isn't a conference, a formal networking dinner, or a competitive tournament. You'll have opportunities to join games and team challenges, share Shabbos meals, and spend time with other Jewish young adults without needing to plan every minute yourself.

Come with a friend if you want. Come on your own if you want. You won't need to arrive with a ready-made group, and you don't need to be an expert board-game player.

What happens at Jewmanji?

• Friday: Check in from 2 PM, settle into the house before Shabbos, meet the group, and gather for a kosher Shabbos meal.
• Shabbos: Shared meals, conversations, puzzles and group games adapted to Shabbos-friendly, screen-free participation.
• Saturday evening: Space for the group to keep hanging out once Shabbos ends.
• Sunday, November 1: Wrap up the weekend and head home.

Some of the activities work best with a team. Others give you a quieter way into the group. We want the person who loves strategy games and the person who's never played anything more complicated than Uno to both have a place at the table.

Our guide to board games for Shabbos explains why the mechanics matter: screen-free doesn't automatically mean Shabbos-compatible. We'll plan the Shabbos programming with those constraints in mind rather than just switching the electronics off.

Where is the weekend?

We're gathering in Ocean City on the New Jersey Shore. That makes the event especially relevant for Jewish young adults in South Jersey, Philadelphia, central New Jersey, and those willing to make a longer trip from New York City. The address and arrival instructions will be shared with confirmed guests.

The location is part of the appeal, but this isn't a beach vacation that depends on summer weather. The point is to share a house and a Shabbos with people you might otherwise never meet.

What does it cost?

Every guest has an individual bed in a shared bedroom. The price includes accommodation for the weekend and kosher Shabbos meals. No private-room tickets are being offered.

• $250 · first three confirmed bunk guests Introductory rate for the first three confirmed bunk-bed guests only. Does not apply to twin beds.
• $300 · standard bed A bunk or twin bed, allocated when your booking is confirmed.
• $350 · queen or king bed An individual larger bed in a shared bedroom.
• 24 guest spaces Six bunks, ten twins and eight queen/king spaces; early-bird spots are included in the standard inventory.

The $250 introductory price is not automatic. The first three bunk-bed guests whose bookings we confirm can receive it. If it has already been claimed, we'll give you the standard price before asking you to pay. The registration form is a request, not a confirmed reservation.

Planning to come from Philadelphia, South Jersey or NYC?

Friday arrivals begin at 2 PM, so plan your travel with enough time to settle in before Shabbos. If you need to coordinate a ride or have questions about the house, explain that in your request. We can discuss practical details before confirming your spot, but transportation is not included or guaranteed.

Frequently asked questions

Is Jewmanji only for people who already know each other?

No. Solo guests and groups of friends are both welcome to request places. The team activities are intended to give everyone a way into the conversation.

Do I need to be observant or good at board games?

There is no game-skill requirement. The weekend is designed around kosher Shabbos meals and Shabbos-compatible programming. If you have specific observance or dietary questions, ask before booking.

Is this a Halloween event?

No. Jewmanji is a Jewish gaming Shabbos focused on meals, games and connecting with other Jewish young adults.

Are meals and lodging included?

Kosher Shabbos meals and an individual bed in a shared bedroom are included. Detailed food arrangements and your bed assignment are confirmed separately.

Does requesting a spot lock in the $250 price?

No. There are only three early-bird offers, for the first three confirmed bunk-bed guests. Hamsa Nomads will confirm the applicable rate before requesting payment.