Short answer: Yes. Whether you’re a daily meditator or struggle to “be present” for more than a few seconds, you belong here. Our guidance is designed to be both deep and accessible. No “expert” status required and no judgement throughout our time together. If you are curious and ready to show up for a transformational experience rooted in Jewish tradition that touches the depths of your soul, this is for you. 

We’re committed to making this space inclusive for everyone, providing gender-neutral bathrooms and accessible seating. If there is anything specific you need to feel like you truly belong, just reach out.

Note: Intensive meditation can sometimes be challenging for certain mental health conditions. If you’re unsure if a silent retreat is the right move for you right now, drop us a line at support@jewishspirituality.org

Think of it as a deep digital and social detox. After our opening session, we’ll step into collective silence. That means we are inviting you not to speak socially with other participants, no “quick” texts or emails, and no scrolling or otherwise “exiting” the silence for the duration of each day.

By pausing social interaction, you allow your nervous system to put down the armor, decompress, and give yourself the gift of turning within. And you won’t be isolated–you’ll have specific times to ask questions, check in with teachers in small groups, and join in communal chanting and song each morning.

We find that the gift of silence, when done in community, enables you to slow down, sink deeply into the practices, and truly “re-source” yourself in the spaciousness of the quiet.

We come together in a tumultuous and challenging time in the US and the world. Each of us has a different experience and different relationships and proximity to current domestic and foreign political developments, and the resulting violence, ongoing devastation, and tremendous loss of life. Acknowledging the diversity of our community, our practice is to notice the closing and othering that can naturally arise in our hearts in response to this moment, and to cultivate openness and understanding. 

We believe that our spiritual practice can be profoundly supportive for us to navigate the ever-changing circumstances of our world, and nurture our capacity for resiliency, clear perception, healing, and wise response. Coming on retreat isn’t about “bypassing” the news or ignoring suffering. Instead, we sit in silence to build the internal resilience and clarity in service of building the world we wish to live in, beginning in our own hearts and minds.

Click here to read our full guidance for practicing in a time of war

The retreat is rooted in Jewish tradition, but you don’t need to know Hebrew or have a certain level of observance to be here. We translate and explain everything.

Expect a Jewish practice that is inclusive, egalitarian, heart-centered, embodied, and deep. We’ll celebrate a soulful Shabbat together (with instruments!), eat delicious kosher meals, and there will be daily space for the Mourner’s Kaddish and personal prayer.

We practice Mindfulness: the art of paying attention to the present moment with a non-judgmental, loving and kind awareness. While mindfulness is inherent and central to Jewish tradition, our methods for deepening mindfulness on retreat have been learned from the Buddhist tradition. Here at IJS, we integrate mindfulness with Jewish wisdom and contemplative Jewish practice. 

In this 2024 study from the National Institute of Health that linked meditation (specifically mindfulness-based interventions) to improved mental health in young adults, 89.4% of practitioners reported that meditation helps reduce stress and nearly 87% of users report feeling better emotionally.

Here is a sample schedule:

• • • • Wake up
      • Sit
      • Shacharit / Morning prayer practice
      • Breakfast
      • Sitting or walking instruction and practice
      • Lunch
      • Sit or walking practice
      • Small groups
      • Mindful Movement
      • Dinner
      • Evening program
      • Closing sit / evening prayers
      • Bedtime