Doorways: A Jewish Silent Meditation Retreat
June 25 - 28, 2026
Bnai Keshet Meditation Retreat
RETREAT BY INVITED PRESENTER
This second annual Bnai Keshet Meditation Retreat, “Doorways: A Jewish Silent Mediation Retreat,” offers a unique opportunity to try different types of meditation practice—both guided and silent—based on the varied traditions of the five co-facilitators. In addition, it includes a daily optional yoga session, as well as free time to explore the woods trails, the library, or to simply relax. No previous meditation experience is required and all are welcome. The retreat will be co-facilitated by Jackie Baillargeon, Siddhu Nadkarni, Max Polaner, Beth Sandweiss and Rabbi Elliott Tepperman.
“Overall, the retreat was simply perfect. The kavanah was powerfully felt and manifested in the attentive and thoughtful programming. I had never done this in quite this way and found the gradual progression very sensitive and rewarding to build connection and emerge into speaking.” 2025 BK retreat participant
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This weekend will explore a rich variety of meditation traditions, blending instruction and practice of both guided and silent meditation. The majority of this retreat will be conducted in “noble silence,” with participants refraining from speaking to each other or the instructors so they can maintain their attention on developing their meditation practice.
Daily yoga sessions help release muscle tension and increase focus, helping you settle your mind. When not in a program session, you will have the opportunity to relax in the Center’s beautiful and tranquil environment. Enjoy the view from the patio, take a walk through the 98 acres of woods, curl up with a book in the library, or contemplate the stars while sitting by the fire pit.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
- Sessions of teaching, instruction, sitting meditation and walking meditation as well as yoga
- Exposure to a variety of meditation traditions based on the backgrounds of the teachers
- Interactive sessions with the teachers with question and answer periods
- Delicious all-vegetarian meals with locally sourced ingredients
- Extensive library of meditation books
- Expansive wooded grounds with beautiful paths, flora and fauna and walking trails
OPEN TO ALL
No previous experience with meditation is required, and all are welcome.
SCHEDULE
(subject to change)
Thursday, June 25
| 3:00 PM | Check in begins |
| 6:00-7:00 PM | Dinner |
| 7:00-9:00 PM | Welcome and Introduction |
| Silence Begins |
Friday, June 26
| 7:00-7:30 AM | Morning Meditation (optional) |
| 7:30-8:30 AM | Chanting Service |
| 8:30-9:30 AM | Breakfast |
| 9:30 AM-12:00 PM | Teaching, Meditation and Q&A |
| 12:00-1:00 PM | Lunch |
| 1:00-2:00 PM | Personal time, woods walk, or personal meditation |
| 2:00-3:00 PM | Gentle Yoga |
| 3:00-5:00 PM | Teaching and Meditation |
| 5:00-6:00 PM | Candle Lighting and Kabbalat Shabbat |
| 6:00-7:00 PM | Dinner |
| 7:00-9:00 PM | Teaching and Meditation |
Saturday, June 27
| 7:00-7:30 AM | Morning Meditation (optional) |
| 7:30-8:30 AM | Chanting Service |
| 8:30-9:30 AM | Breakfast |
| 9:30 AM-12:00 PM | Teaching, Meditation and Q&A |
| 12:00-1:00 PM | Lunch |
| 1:00-2:00 PM | Personal time, woods walk, or personal meditation |
| 2:00-3:00 PM | Gentle Yoga |
| 3:00-6:00 PM | Teaching and Meditation |
| 6:00-7:00 PM | Dinner |
| 7:00-8:00 PM | Teaching and Meditation |
| 8:00-9:00 PM | Havdallah |
Sunday, June 28
| 7:00-7:30 AM | Morning Meditation (optional) |
| 7:30-8:30 AM | Chanting Service |
| 8:30-9:30 AM | Breakfast |
| 9:30 10:00 AM | Meditation |
| 10:30 AM-12:00 PM | Group Closing and End of Silence |
| 12:00-1:00 PM | Lunch |
| 1:00 PM | Checkout and Departure |
