Save the Date
Upcoming RetreatsWe are excited to announce two upcoming opportunities to practice mindfulness together — in person! IJS will be running two restorative retreats this summer and fall, and we hope you’ll join us. Both will use silence as a tool to deepen our spiritual experience, following Rabbi Akiva’s teaching that “Silence is a fence for wisdom” (Pirke Avot 3:17).
There is truly nothing like being on retreat — joining our breath, our powerful intention, and our hearts together in a beautiful setting. Mark your calendar!
Being With What Is:
A Silent Jewish Mindfulness Retreat for Young Adults
Monday, August 4 – Sunday, August 10, 2025
Ralston White Retreat Center, Mill Valley, CA
Utilizing the gifts of silence, mindfulness, embodiment, song, prayer, and a variety of Jewish spiritual teachings, you will:
- Learn tools and practices to reconnect with your innate wisdom and authenticity
- Nurture your capacity for resilience, compassion, and well-being
- Cultivate insight and wise action in response to the challenges of our world
- Refresh and renew your body, heart, mind, and soul
Our instructors will include Core Faculty members Rebecca Schisler and Kohenet Keshira haLev Fife, as well as Alison Cohen and Jes Heppler.
All folks in their 20’s and 30’s are welcome. No experience with mindfulness and/or Judaism is necessary. This retreat will be held mostly in social silence.
Being With What Is Opt-In
Tending the Light:
A Silent Jewish Mindfulness Meditation Retreat
Sunday, November 16 – Thursday, November 20, 2025
Garrison Institute, Garrison, NY
We are thrilled to be returning to the beautiful, serene Garrison Institute in Garrison, NY, for a silent retreat led by IJS faculty and other experienced, beloved instructors. Over five days, we’ll focus on enhancing our practice through meditation alongside Jewish teachings, mindful prayer, and yoga/embodied practice.
Our days will include time for smaller sessions in two tracks — one for those newer to Jewish mindfulness meditation and one for those with more experience. There will also be opportunities to mindfully explore the beautiful grounds and forested trails of the Garrison Institute.
Our instructors will include Rabbi Nancy Flam, Senior Core Faculty Rabbi Miriam Margles, Core Faculty Rebecca Schisler, and Senior Faculty Fellow Rabbi Jordan Bendat-Appell.
This retreat is open to participants of all ages and experience levels. This retreat will be held mostly in silence, except for opening and closing meals, Q&A, communal prayer, and one-on-one sessions with instructors.