7–8amMorning walk or meditation — Depending on the weather, start your morning with a walk on the beautiful grounds of the retreat center or some meditation
7:30–9am Breakfast Served
9–10am Torah Study
10:15am–12pm Shabbat Service
12–1pm Lunch
1–2:30pm Learning Block — choose from two options
Happiness vs. Joywith Rabbi Plotkin
Are they synonyms, or is it more complicated than that? Explore how Happiness (Simcha) and Joy (Sasson) are understood in Jewish tradition.
Guided Art Experience with Rabbi Weiss
3–5pm Free Time —Take some time to relax on your own, or enjoy activities led by fellow congregants, including:
Debate and Discussion with Alex Lewin
Knitting/Crocheting with Margie Rapport
Tea and Conversation with Anna Denzel
Poetry Writing
5–6pm Learning Block – choose from two options
Exploring Kavod with Rabbi Axler
Take a deep dive into Kavod, the Hebrew word for honor, exploring how it, and words connected to the same Hebrew root, show up in Jewish texts.
Joy and Playfulness with Rachel Petroff Kessler
Let your inner child out to play in an experiential and interactive session exploring ideas of Playfulness, Mindfulness, and Joy in Jewish tradition.
7–8am Morning walk or meditation — Depending on the weather, start your morning with a walk on the beautiful grounds of the retreat center or some meditation
7:30–9am Breakfast Served
9–10:30am Learning Block
Cultivating Light in Times of Darkness with Rabbis Axler and Weiss
10:30am Closing Circle — Take a moment to reflect on the weekend and what you are taking away from the experience
There is no commuter rate for the retreat. While we understand that folks might need to come and go at some point during the weekend, our hope is that attendees will fully immerse themselves in the experience.
Can kids attend?
Sorry, this retreat is only for adults. The retreat center cannot accommodate minors under 18 years old.
What food will be served? What if I have specific dietary requirements?
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are prepared fresh each day on-site and A variety of tasty snacks will be available throughout the day. Meals will generally be buffet. Pork and shellfish will not be served during our meals, milk and meat will be separated in individual dishes as much as possible, and meals are vegetarian-friendly. The dining staff can accommodate many dietary needs, but in instances where they cannot, a microwave and refrigerator are available to bring your own food.
What amenities come with the rooms?
The rooms at the retreat center are small but well-appointed, with queen-sized beds, a full private bath, desk and chair, hair dryer, basic toiletires, extra towel, iron, and Wi-Fi access.
Refund Policy
Registration is 100% refundable before January 24. Refund decisions after January 24 will be made on a case-by-case basis and may be dependent on our ability to fill your room.
What is the deadline to register?
Registration will remain open until January 26 or we hit capacity, whichever happens sooner. After January 26, registration is dependent upon the venue’s ability to service additional guests. Please be in touch with Rachel Petroff Kessler if it is past January 26 and you are interested in attending, and we will do our best to accommodate you!
What if there is bad weather?
Decisions are made by our host location on a case-by-case basis. We will share the attendee list with all registered participants in advance of the retreat, and those who are less comfortable driving in the winter can arrange carpools.
