Love Your Neighbor as Yourself: The Heart of the Torah

Temple Isaiah’s Adult Study Retreat

April 24–26, 2026 at Bon Secours Retreat Center

Join clergy and educators from Temple Isaiah for a spiritually enriching weekend of Shabbat celebration, learning, and community. Our theme, inspired by the week’s Torah portion, explores the mitzvah that lies at the (literal!) center of the Torah: Love Your Neighbor as Yourself. Register HERE

Friday, April 24

4–5pm: Arrival
- Check in, get settled in your room, and enjoy some games/puzzles in our common room.
5–6pm: Opening Program
- Welcome! Our weekend kicks off with an introduction to our theme and the opportunity to connect with other retreat attendees.
6–7pm: Shabbat Dinner
7:15pm: Shabbat Service
9pm: Oneg
- Hear from Rabbi Axler about what it means to “read this verse backwards,” loving ourselves the way we love others, and spend time socializing with fellow congregants.

Saturday, April 25

7–8am: Optional Morning walk or Meditation
7:30–9am: Breakfast Served
9–10am: Torah Study
- Study the weekly Torah portion, with an emphasis on Leviticus 19:18: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
10:15am: Shabbat Service
12–1pm: Lunch
1–2:30pm: Learning Block — (Two options to choose from)
- Book Discussion of Judaism is About Love by Shai Held: Rabbi Plotkin will lead a discussion of Shai Held’s new book that shows how Judaism, often portrayed as a religion about law, is a religion that focuses on the idea of love.
- Stranger and Neighbors, Belonging and Boundaries: Rachel Petroff Kessler will lead a session that mixes traditional Jewish sources with our contemporary sensibilities as we explore the intersection of love, inclusion, security, and seperateness.
2:45–4:15pm: Learning Block — (Two options to choose from)
- Learning Block — (Two options to choose from)
  Rabbi Weiss, Shmirat HaGuf: Loving is a practice: and one that takes time and a little bit of stamina. Come explore how we might work to love ourselves by taking intentional care of our bodies, mind, and time.
- Rachel Petroff Kessler, Stories of Love and Conflict in the Bible: The Bible is full of stories of love and strife, among families and neighbors. Explore both famous and less-known tales to see what the Bible has to tell us about the ideals and realities of living in relationship with others.
4:15–6pm: Optional Activities and Shabbat Rest
- Take some time to relax on your own, or enjoy activities led by fellow congregants, including “Cookies and Conversation,” a Crafting Circle, and Yoga
6–7pm: Dinner
7pm: Havdalah
7:30: Evening Program
- Relax and enjoy an Israeli film followed by the opportunity to discuss its connection to our theme.

Sunday, April 26

7:30–8am: Optional Morning walk or Meditation
7:30–9am: Breakfast Served
9–10:30am: Learning Block
- Learning with Rabbi Axler
10:30am: Closing Circle
- Take a moment to reflect on your experience of the retreat and identify teachings or behaviors you hope to take home with you
11am: Departure

FAQs

Is there a commuter option?
- 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 toiletries, extra towel, iron, and Wi-Fi access.
Refund Policy
- Registration is 100% refundable before April 8. Refund decisions after April 8 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 April 10 or we hit capacity, whichever happens sooner. After April 10, registration is dependent upon the venue’s ability to service additional guests. Please be in touch with Rachel Petroff Kessler if it is past April 10 and you are interested in attending, and we will do our best to accommodate you!

Reflections from a 2024 attendee and 2026 Planning Committee member:
When I heard Temple Isaiah was hosting an Adult Study Retreat this coming April, my first thoughts went back to warm memories of the retreat we all attended together in 2024. I remember walking into a large meeting room and seeing many familiar faces and others I would come to know for the first time. I remember Friday night services, Saturday morning Torah Study, learning sessions about Judaic life and personal development, music, long (well, sort of) walks, and most of all, listening to and talking with clergy and my fellow TI congregants. I also remember lots of laughs, relaxing meals, and simply hanging out talking about our families, sports, and yeah, a bit of politics. This April, we have an opportunity to experience the community of our clergy and fellow congregants and to rekindle old and develop new friendships. Please join us at the 2026 retreat.
— Doug Silverstein