A Weekend Retreat Nourishing Ourselves with Mindfulness, Rest and Illumination: The Shabbat of Hanukkah

RETREAT BY INVITED PRESENTERS

Join us for a nourishing retreat to practice and explore Shabbat as a day of mindfulness and Hanukkah as a celebration of inner illumination. Rabbi Ben Newman and Roberta Wall are both deeply rooted in the awakening and mindfulness practices of Buddhism and Judaism. Rabbi Ben additionally is an accomplished musician and Roberta is a trainer in Nonviolent Communication. In Judaism they are particularly drawn to traditional mystical Hasidic and kabbalistic teachings that emphasize inner transformation in service of universal liberation. We will enjoy periods of silence, learning, meditation, enriching discussions and Nonviolent Communication practices. Whether you are well-versed or new to Judaism, Buddhism, Nonviolent Communication, or spiritual practice, this retreat offers a welcoming embrace.

Cover image by David Friedman, https://www.kosmic-kabbalah.com/

STAY SAFE DURING COVID-19: We are committed to your health and safety. Please read our COVID-19 Precautions & Preparations to understand our strategies.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The shabbat that falls at the beginning of Hannukah is an opportunity to relax, recharge and draw on the traditions for inner illumination. Our retreat begins a few hours before shabbat and the third night of Hanukkah. We will gather at 3 pm for opening circle, meditation and orientation, followed by a musical and contemplative kabbalat shabbat service, and then share a festive dinner and program, ending with restorative yoga. Orientation will include meditation instruction and introduce mindfulness practices that integrate Buddhist and Jewish teachings. Throughout the weekend, we will draw on the profound depths of Jewish mysticism and Buddhist mindfulness, engaging in a variety of meditation and mindfulness practices, joyful shabbat and Hanukkah songs and ritual, teachings, and prayer, while yoga sessions enhance and embody our practices and experience.

• Jewish Mysticism and Mindfulness: Dive deep into the teachings of Hassidic and Kabbalah, understanding their alignment with Buddhist mindfulness and non-duality. Explore the profound depths of these traditions and their practical applications in modern life.
• Meditative Practices: Engage in a variety of meditation techniques, from guided sessions promoting inner illumination to walking meditations that foster mindfulness and presence. Experience personal introspection and inner spiritual work through these practices.
• Mindfulness Techniques: Embrace the art of being fully present, understanding how mindfulness can enhance one’s daily life and personal growth. Learn its integration with Jewish traditions and the teachings of Buddhism and Nonviolent Communication.
• Hanukkah Song, Teachings, and Rituals: Delve into the cultural and spiritual celebrations of Hanukkah through song and teachings. Understand the deeper meanings behind these practices and how they contribute to personal illumination and growth.
• Body Practices: Yoga sessions with beloved Hudson Valley yoga teacher Donna Nisha Cohen will guide us to integrating body, mind and spirit, promoting relaxation, rejuvenation, and a deeper connection to your inner self.
• Nonviolent Communication (NVC): Engage in enriching sessions on NVC, understanding its principles and how they can enhance personal relationships and self-understanding and complement Jewish and Buddhist practices.
• Heartfelt Rituals: Experience shabbat and Hannukah rituals in a way that connects them to mindfulness, personal introspection and understanding.
• Enriching Discussions: Join enlightening plenary and small group discussions to explore the teachings of Judaism, Buddhism, and NVC. Share insights, experiences, and embark on a journey of mutual learning and inner exploration.

Through this retreat, participants will have the opportunity to rest, relax, and recharge, connect to their spiritual core, cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves, and foster personal growth.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

• Intimate setting with personal access to Rabbi Ben Newman and Roberta Wall: Delve into the teachings of Hasidism, Kabbalah, Buddhist mindfulness, and Nonviolent Communication. Benefit from their combined vast knowledge, experience, and deep roots in both Judaism and Buddhism.
• Interactive Sessions with Q&A: Engage directly with Rabbi Ben Newman and Roberta Wall, seeking clarifications and deepening your understanding of Jewish mysticism, Buddhist mindfulness, and Nonviolent Communication practices.
• Guided Meditations, Walking Meditations, Silent Meditation: Experience a variety of meditation techniques that promote inner illumination, self-awareness, and mindfulness. Embrace practices ranging from introspective sessions to walking meditations that foster presence.
• In-depth exploration of Kabbalistic teachings: Bridge the radiant symbolism of Hanukkah with the profound wisdom of the Sefirot (attributes to develop through our practices  to manifest our awakened nature) and the teachings of the Zohar (foundational text of Jewish mysticism and mystical presentation of Torah).
• Delicious all-vegetarian meals with organic, local ingredients: Nourish the body with wholesome food, complementing the nurturing of the mind and spirit.
• Option to extend stay on Personal Retreat: Immerse further in the serene setting, allowing teachings and experiences to resonate deeply within
• Expansive wooded grounds with beautiful flora and fauna: The perfect setting to complement teachings and meditative practices
• Extensive library with a rich selection of spiritual and mystical texts from a variety of traditions: Enhance your understanding and delve deeper into subjects discussed during the retreat

OPEN TO ALL

This retreat is designed to offer insights and experiences that nourish and deepen the practice of participants at every level—beginners just embarking on a spiritual journey, professionals seeking to integrate contemplative practices into daily life, and “old hands”  wanting to continue practicing and deepening their understanding and connection. Our teachings are rooted in timeless wisdom, yet presented in a manner that resonates with modern seekers. Whether you’re familiar with Jewish, Buddhist or Nonviolent Communication teachings or are encountering them for the first time, you’ll find a welcoming space to explore, reflect, and grow.

RETREAT FEES

The registration fees for this retreat are for room and board only; there is no tuition or payment for teachers. We will ask for free will donations (dana) for teachers at the end of the retreat. Normally tuition fees run from $180-$600 for a 3-day retreat. We work on a donation system so that those who can give at the higher end and those who cannot give at the lower end. Check, cash, and Venmo are accepted for dana.

SUGGESTED RESOURCES FOR RETREAT PREPARATION

These are some resources you might enjoy as you prepare for the retreat.

• Judaism’s Ten Best Ideas: A Brief Guide for Seekers, by Dr. Arthur Green. This offers an insightful overview of Jewish beliefs and practices, providing participants with a foundational understanding of the religion’s essence.
  Seek My Face: A Jewish Mystical Theology, by Dr. Arthur Green delves into the heart of Jewish mysticism, offering readers a profound understanding of God and the universe from a Kabbalistic perspective.
• The Essential Kabbalah: The Heart of Jewish Mysticism, by Daniel C. Matt. A comprehensive guide, this book distills the essence of Kabbalah, introducing its core concepts and teachings.
• God and the Big Bang: Discovering Harmony between Science & Spirituality by Daniel C. Matt. Here, Matt beautifully merges the scientific understanding of the universe’s creation with the spiritual teachings of Kabbalah.
• Jewish with Feeling: A Guide to Meaningful Jewish Practice by Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi. This book presents a refreshing approach to Jewish spirituality, inviting readers to embark on a personal journey to rediscover and deepen their Jewish faith.
• The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh
• Peace is Every Step by Thich Nhat Hanh
• Nonviolent Communication by Marshall B. Rosenberg
• Speaking Peace in a World of Conflict by Marshall B. Rosenberg
• Torah at the Intersection blogs by Roberta Wall

Additionally, participants are encouraged to:

• Search for videos on YouTube featuring teachings from both Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi and Rabbi Ben Newman for a deeper visual and auditory engagement with the content.
• Dive into Rabbi Ben Newman’s teachings on his website and listen to episodes of his podcast, “The Neshamah Project.” This will offer insights into Rabbi Ben’s unique perspective and approach, setting the tone for the retreat’s teachings.
• Begin practicing a few basic meditation techniques before the retreat. Use guided meditation apps or videos, focusing on mindfulness and grounding.
• Begin a journal, reflecting on daily thoughts, feelings, and spiritual experiences. This practice will be beneficial during the retreat when introspection and sharing might be encouraged.

SCHEDULE

(subject to change)

Friday, December 8

Saturday, December 9

Sunday, December 10