Retreat at a Glance
Ground your inner life after the High Holidays with our day-long virtual mindfulness retreat for adults in their 20s and 30s. Led by Alison Cohen, this gentle, accessible space weaves together sitting and walking meditation, Jewish wisdom, journaling, and embodied practice. This online retreat is a warm, inviting entry point for beginners and a welcome home for seasoned seekers. No prior experience is needed, just an openness to cultivate stillness, rest, and connection in community.
Retreat Description
After the High Holiday season has come to a close and as the month of Cheshvan continues its unfolding, we invite our younger adult community members to join the Shevet Jewish Mindfulness Community for this virtual day-long retreat. Come together with fellow practitioners in their 20s and 30s to turn inward, supported by kehilah (community)—honoring what this sacred season has stirred in us.
Our day together will include sitting and walking meditation, wisdom teachings, and embodied practice, with optional time for sharing. Throughout the quiet of the day, with some periods of practice more silent than others, we will integrate body, mind, and heart, sow seeds of intention and compassionate awareness, and give ourselves space for stillness, reflection, and renewal.
After our day of retreat together, you may notice:
- You feel more connected—to yourself, to others, to your practice
- You’re more aligned with what really matters to you
- You’re inspired to bring what you’ve experienced during our day of retreat into your life
Curriculum
Our day will move gently between stillness and movement, teaching and silence, individual reflection and communal connection. We’ll open with our Arrival and Intention-Setting in community, grounding ourselves in the season of Cheshvan, and set kavannot (intentions) for the day.
Then the day will alternate between:
- Guided meditations (including accessible-to-all movement practices) paired with wisdom teachings. We’ll draw from Jewish and contemplative sources, exploring themes of integration, rest, and return.
- Space for questions and reflections in community
- Optional journaling with prompts
We’ll close the day with Closing & Integration, naming what we’re carrying forward, honoring the day, and re-entering our lives with renewed intention.
No prior meditation or Hebrew knowledge is needed—just an openness to slowing down and being present with yourself and others.
FAQ
Do I need to keep my camera on during the retreat?
Cameras are welcome but optional—come as you are, and participate in the way that feels most supportive to you.
Is this retreat only for people already connected to Shevet, or can newcomers join?
All are welcome, whether you’re a longtime Shevet community member or joining us for the first time.
What should I have on hand to participate fully?
A quiet, comfortable space, a cushion or chair for sitting, and a journal if you’d like to write—beyond that, just yourself.
Testimonials for our teacher, Alison Cohen:
Each Institute for Jewish Spirituality daily sit that you’ve led has touched and uplifted me in my practice. You inspired me when inspiration felt unlikely, connected with me (and, I’m sure, many others) and infused my day with both peace and joy. I thank you.
Feeling so touched by this retreat experience. I so resonated with you, your way of being, your offerings.
Your guided meditations were very helpful, especially for someone who has a hard time sitting.
Register Now
IJS is pleased to offer this course at three tuition levels.
We encourage you to pay at the highest level you can, which will enable more students to participate.
Abundance Level
$99
Basic Level
$55
Reduced Level
$36
Meet Your Instructor:
Alison (Ali) Cohen
Alison Cohen (she/her), also known as Ali, loves supporting people in strengthening their capacity to connect: with themselves, with others, and with ancient and contemporary wisdom traditions—especially Judaism and Buddhism. Her journey to practice began when she was desperate for guidance on how to compassionately navigate her tumultuous internal landscape, not to mention the world. On a young adult meditation retreat, she found what she was looking for and has practiced extensively in Buddhist (Insight Meditation) and Jewish meditation spaces ever since.
A former public high school teacher and mindfulness program director, Ali has trained with the Jewish Mindfulness Center of Brooklyn, Or HaLev, the Institute for Jewish Spirituality (IJS), Mindful Schools, and the UMass Center for Mindfulness, as well as under the guidance of several beloved teachers. She is currently participating in IJS’s Marbeh Fellowship.
Ali guides the organization Two Wings Mindfulness, teaches for IJS, and is part of the teaching team for Tara Brach’s 2026 Choosing Love program.