isabella freedman jewish retreat center catalog 2007
DESCRIPTION
The Elat Chayyim Center for Jewish Spirituality program guirTRANSCRIPT
New Programs for 2007 page 9
Jewish Arts InstituteWith Danny Maseng page 22
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Family RetreatRe-imagining an ancient rite page 23
The ADAMAH FellowshipGrowing organic produce, Jewishly page 28
Senior Adult Vacation CenterBack for its 50th year page 30
www.IsabellaFreedman.org (800) 398–2630
Isabella Freedman2007 program catalogJewish RetReat CenteR
� registeronline www.isabellafreedman.org
WhyCometoIsabellaFreedman?World-class teachers • Connection to nature
Relaxation • Spiritual renewal • Time for yourself Engaging Jewish learning • Healthy, delicious, kosher food
Community • Meditation • Family programs • Fun Yoga • Massage • Friendship
“Before i came to isabella Freedmani thought my Jewish journey was over.
now i know that it has just begun.”
—sabrina Malach, age 26, aDaMah Fellow 2005
table of Contents
ProgramCalendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–7
ElatChayyimCenterforJewishSpirituality . . 9
SpringRetreats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
SummerRetreats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1�
MeditationRetreatsandECAMP . . . . . .16
YogaTrainingInstitute . . . . . . . . . . . .17
JewishArtsInstitute . . . . . . . . . . . . . ��
Bar/BatMitzvahFamilyAdventure . . . . �3
SummerRegistration&GuestInfo . . . . �5
NeshamahSummerInternship . . . . . . �7
HighHolidays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . �7
ADAMAH:TheJewishEnvironmentalFellowship�8
SeniorAdultVacationCenter . . . . . . . . . 30
TevaLearningCenter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3�
PartnerOrganizationRetreats . . . . . . . . . .33
RentingIsabellaFreedman . . . . . . . . . . . 34
registerbyphone 800.398.2630 3
4 registeronlinewww.isabellafreedman.org
Dearfriends,
ForoveracenturytheIsabellaFreedmanJewishRetreatCenterhasservedasaplaceofrestoration,connectionandrenewalfortheJewishcommunityofNorthAmerica .TensofthousandshavecometoourcampusintheConnecticutBerkshires to deepen and reinvent their relationship toJewishtradition,tobepartofawarm,opencommunity,andtonurturetheirbody,mindandspirit .
AtIsabellaFreedman,allofourprogramsareinspiredbyadesiretocultivatetheevolutionofhumanconsciousness .ThisimpulseiseloquentlycapturedbytheJewishmysticRabbiAbrahamIsaacKookwhoinoneofhismanyessaysonspiritualitywrote:
There is one who sings the song of one’s own life, and in it, finds full spiritual satisfaction....
There is another who sings a song of his people. He leaves the circle of his own individual self because he finds it without sufficient breadth....
There is another who reaches toward the more distant realms, going beyond the boundary of Israel to sing the song of humanity....
Then there is one who rises towards the wider horizons, until she links herself with all existence, with all God’s creatures....
Ourhighesthopeisthatyourvisitwithuswillenableyoutohearyoursongmoreclearly,tosingitmoreoftenandtodeepenitsreachinthefourworldsofself,community,humanityandcreation .
Tothisend,itisourpleasuretosharewithyouour�007ProgramCatalog,ourmostexcitingandcomprehensivecalendarinour113-yearhistory,representingthelargestselectionofJewishretreatprogramsinoneplaceanywherein the world . Our current retreat listings reflect recentsignificant programmatic growth and our merger withElatChayyim,theJewishspiritualretreatcenterformerlylocatedinAccord,NewYork .OurcalendaralsomirrorsthediversityandrichnessofthelargerJewishcommunity .We are proud that people from all walks of life — fromnearly every Jewish background, sexual orientation, agegroup, race and denominational affiliation — today callIsabellaFreedmanhome .
WhetheryouarenewtoIsabellaFreedmanorhavebeencoming here for years, we hope that you will find ourretreatcenterahomecomingforbody,mindandsoul .Welookforwardtoseeingyousoon .
b’Shalom,
Message from the Directors
adam Berman ari weller ExecutiveDirector AssociateDirector,and DirectoroftheElatChayyim CenterforJewishSpirituality
LocationIsabellaFreedmanislocatednearthesmallNewEnglandtownofFallsVillage,Connecticut,approximatelytwohoursnorthofNewYorkCityandthreehourswestofBoston .Theretreatcenterrestson380acresofforestedlandandlushmeadowsinthefoothillsofthesouthernBerkshires .Therearetwolakesforboating,fishing,swimming,orsimplyforcontemplation .Well-groomedtrailswindaroundthelakesandstretchintotheadjacentforest,connectingafterashortdistancewiththeAppalachianTrailformilesofunspoiledhikingandviews .
accommodationsDuringyourtimewithus,youwillenjoythesimplicity,comfortandcharmofourcountrylodging .Wecanaccommodateupto180guestsinourwell-appointedrooms .Eachofourelevenlodgeshasitsownuniquecharacter,andallarefullyair-conditionedandwinterizedforuseatanytimeofyear .Somebuildingshaveroomswithprivatebaths;othersoffersharedbathrooms .Roomsforpeoplewithdisabilitiesarealsoavailableuponrequest .
Dining Weservegourmetwhole-foodscuisine,usingonlythefinestqualityandfreshestingredients .Wearecommittedtoprovidinglocal,organicproduce,grains,cheesesandmeatwhenavailable .Inseason,nearlyallofourproduceisgrownonourownorganicfarm .High-qualityvegetarian
andveganalternativesareofferedateverymeal .Ingredientsforalldishesarelabeledateachmealforthosewithfoodallergiesorspecialneeds .Forquestionsaboutourdiningservices,pleaseemail:dining@isabellafreedman .org .
KashrutTheIsabellaFreedmankitchenisglattkosherandunderthestrictsupervisionoftheHartfordKashrutCommission .Anon-sitemashgiachispresentinthekitchenatalltimes .Forkashrutquestions,pleaseemail:kashrut@isabellafreedman .org .
amenitiesDuringyourstayyoucanenjoy:•Hikingtrailsthatconnecttothe
AppalachianTrail•Ourorganicgardensandfour-acrefarm•Outdoorlakeswimmingandboatingwith
lifeguard,inseason•Outdoorpoolwithlifeguard,inseason•Hottub,open�4hoursaday,year-round•Tennis,volleyballandbasketballcourts•Indoorfitnessroom•Privatemassageandbodywork•Wi-Fihigh-speedInternetaccess•Artsandcraftscenter•Firecircleforeveningbonfireprograms•Lowelementsropescourseforteam-
buildingactivities•Glass-walledsynagoguewithviewsoflake
andmountain•Largetheatrespace•Bookstorestockedwithawideselectionof
Jewishbooks,musicandart
surrounding areaWithitsnaturalbeauty,quintessentialNewEnglandtowns,antiques,literaryhistoryandrichculturallife,it’snowondertheBerkshirescontinuestoattractandinspiresomanyvisitorsyearafteryear .LocatednearthehistorictownofFallsVillage,Connecticut,IsabellaFreedmanisonlyashortdistancefromtheworld-renownedcultural,historicandnaturalattractionsofthebeautifulBerkshires .
Commitment to sustainability IsabellaFreedmaniscommittedtooperatingourfacilityinwaysthatminimizeourenvironmentalimpact .Newbuildingsareconstructedwithenergyefficiencythatisatleast30%betterthanstatecode .Foodissourcedandgrownwithourenvironmentinmind .Non-toxicpaints,cleaningproductsandfinishesareusedthroughoutthefacility .Renewableenergytechnologiessuchasbiodiesel(useandmanufacturing),solarhotwaterandasmall-scalehydroelectricturbineareutilizedonthesite .Foranupdatedlistofenvironmentalprojectsandpolicies,pleasevisitourwebsite .
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Our home
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April 2–April 11, 2007 p. 30senior Passover Program
April 12–15, 2007 p. 33PaniM Retreat for Rabbis and Rabbinical students
April 13–15 p. 10spring shabbatonaligning the Desires of Your heart a workshop for Couples
Raziel and Efraim Eisen
walking to sinai: spiritual Practices to Get Us Up the Mountain
Rabbi Natan Margalit, Minna Bromberg, Lee Moore and Akiva Wharton
April 15–April 20 p. 31elderhostel (Course #14782) Untold stories in Jewish history
Andree Brooks
Great american songmakers: Blues, Ragtime and tin Pan alley
Laura Wetzler
into the Mystic: Uncovering the world of Jewish Mystical thought
Rabbi David Ingber
May 18–20 p. 10nehirim: GLBt spiritual Retreat
Rabbi Steve Greenberg, Jay Michaelson, Rabbi Jill Hammer, and many others
May 20–25 p. 11shavuot 5767/2007: Receiving the torah of today
Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi and Eve Ilsen, with Rabbi David Ingber
May 27– August 28 p. 27neshamah summer internship
May 27–September 3 p. 28aDaMah summer Fellowship
May 28–June 1 p.11the heart’s wisdom: a training in sage-ing
Rabbi Shaya Isenberg, Lynne Iser and Bahira Sugarman featuring Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi via teleconference
May 28–June 1 p. 31elderhostel (Course #14740) Life on the Lower east side
Ken Libo
a world of Jewish MusicLaura Wetzler
Using and Misusing Jewish JokesTom Friedmann
June 1–3, 2007 p. 33Jewish Multiracial network 10th annual Retreat
June 4–10 p. 12Pathways to an authentic Relationship with God MORninG CLassesDis-ease, healing and wholeness: Falling and Rising higher
Rabbi David Zeller
the “i” of “i aM”: Radical Unity with the Divine in the Jewish experience
Rabbi David Ingber
seeking Presence through Movement and Prayer
Julie Leavitt
aFteRnOOn CLassesFacing the Living God: Developing an authentic Relationship to spirit
Rabbi Tirzah Firestone and K’vod Wieder
holy Closeness: songs from the well of Jewish sacred world Music
Cantor Richard Kaplan
taste and see that God is Good: a Jewish Cleanse workshop
Ilana Fleisher-Margalit and Rabbi Natan Margalit
Discovering the aleph-Bet: an introduction to the hebrew Language
Deena Aranoff
June 11–17 p. 16Contemplative Practice week Oneadvanced Meditation Program (eCaMP): week 1
A NEW four-week Training Institute!
Norman Fischer, Rabbi Joanna Katz, Rabbi Alan Lew and Rabbi Jeff Roth
Meditation, Movement and Creativity Retreat: traditional and innovative Practices in silence
Rabbi David Zeller and Hannah Sara Zeller
June 18–24 p. 17Contemplative Practice week twoYoga and Jewish spirituality teacher training institute: week 1
A NEW four-week Training Institute!
Rabbi Miriam Klotz and Diane Bloomfield
Open Meditation Program: awakening through Jewish Meditation
Rabbis Alan Lew and Jeff Roth
2007 senior summer Vacations p.30trip One: June 25 – July 8, 2007trip two: July 9 – July 22, 2007trip three: July 23 – aug. 5, 2007
August 6–12 p. 18MORninG CLassUniting spirituality and social Change: Learning from heschel on Prayer, Pyramids and Politics
Rabbi Arthur Waskow with Professor Susannah Heschel
aFteRnOOn CLassLiberty in the Land for all her inhabitants: Justice, ecology, sustainability and human Rights
Rabbi David Seidenberg
isabella Freedman Program Calendar 2007
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August 6–12 p. 18training institutes in-ProgressKohenet
Rabbi Jill Hammer and Holly Taya Shere
Jewish shamanic healingRabbi Gershon Winkler and Miriam Maron
Davennen’ Leadership training Rabbi Marcia Prager, Cantor Jack Kessler and Rabbi Shawn Zevit
Kol ZimraRabbi Shefa Gold, Rachmiel O’Regan and Phyllis Berman
August 13–19 p. 19sacred earth experiencesa taste of aDaMah
Rabbi Jill Hammer, Shamu Sadeh and Adam Berman
torah trek: a Five-Day Jewish wilderness experience
Rabbi Mike Comins
August 13–19 p. 20Masters of Contemporary Kabbalah MORninG CLassesthe spirit of Prophecy
David Friedman
the Future of Judaism and the evolution of Consciousness
Rabbi Moshe Aharon (Miles) Krassen
Listening for the “torah within”: an introduction to spiritual Direction
Rabbi Howard Avruhm Addison and Dr. Barbara Eve Breitman
aFteRnOOn CLassesexploring the Zohar
Daniel and Hana Matt
everything is God, so what? the texts and Practices of nondual Judaism
Jay Michaelson
the Kabbalah of PeacemakingRabbi Lynn Gottlieb
August 20–26 p. 22the Jewish arts institute Music and Creative writing: week 1
A NEW four-week Training Institute!
Danny Maseng and others
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Family Retreat
Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb, Rabbi David Ingber, Andrew Stempel and Amelie Davidson
August 20–26 p. 24MORninG CLassesMaking Parenting a spiritual Practice
Rabbis Nadya and Victor Gross
Voice of the heartwith Chazzan Robert Esformes
aFteRnOOn CLassart as a Mirror to the soul
Nancy Katz
August 27– 31 p. 30elderhostel (Course #15082) the influence of Yiddish humor on american Popular Culture
Ken Libo
societal issues as seen in Jewish wisdom
Abraham Gittelson
Fabulous showbiz DivasLaura Wetzler
Aug 31–Sept 1, 2007 p. 33hazon nY Jewish environmental Bike Ride Kickoff weekend
September 2– 7 p. 30elderhostel (Course #15085) Kabbalah in Music, art, Literature and Film
Laura Wetzler
the Making of the Modern JewAbraham Gittelson
the Jews of india and ChinaBernard Raab
Sept. 9 – Dec. 16 p. 28 aDaMah autumn Fellowship
Fall 2007 p. 32the teva Learning Center
high holiday RetreatsSeptember 12–16 p. 27Rosh hashanah & shabbat shuvah
Rabbi David Ingber and the Isabella Freedman Community
September 21–23 p. 27Yom Kippur
Rabbi David Ingber and the Isabella Freedman Community
September 26–30 p. 27sukkahFest 2007: For adults ages 21–39
Rabbi Shefa Gold, Rabbi DovBer Pinson, Jodi Falk, Rabbi Daivd Ingber, Raziel and Efraim Eisen, and others
October 19–21 p. 27the 16th annual Jewish Men’s Retreat
October 25–28, 2007 p. 33PaniM Retreats for Rabbis and Rabbinical students
December 6–9, 2007 p. 33Shabbat Chanukah
hazon Food Conference
December 17–23 p. 17Yoga and Jewish spirituality teacher training institute: week 2
Rabbi Miriam Klotz and Diane Bloomfield
December 23-30Open Meditation Retreat
Rabbi David and Shoshana Cooper
December 30, 2007 – p. 16January 6, 2008advanced Meditation Program (eCaMP): week 2
Norman Fischer, Rabbi Joanna Katz, Rabbi Alan Lew and Rabbi Jeff Roth
“the meditation retreat i participated in radically changed my relationship to Judaism. For the first time, i experienced an approach to Judaism that felt alive and relevant to my life.”
—simon Greer, age 37,
executive Director, Jewish Funds for Justice
8 registeronlinewww.isabellafreedman.org
Photoandfacingpage:Shir-YaakovFeinstein-Feit
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new home, same VisionTheElatChayyimCenterforJewishSpiritualityisaliving
laboratoryforthedevelopmentandrenewalofcontemporaryJewishspirituallife .ElatChayyimretreatsarebothgroundedintraditionandresponsivetotheevolvingspiritualneedsofJewstoday .TheCenterteachesexperientialapproachestoJewishlearning,ritualandprayerthathelpparticipantsintheirsearchtocultivatetheawarenessoftheDivinepresenceinallaspectsoflife .
ElatChayyim’sretreatswelcomepeoplefromallbackgrounds,includingindividualswithlimitedornoJewisheducation,seekerswhohavewalkedotherspiritualandreligiouspathsandthosewhoaretraditionallyobservant .Ourfacultyincludestoday’smostrespectedandinnovativethinkers,authors,teachers,cantorsandrabbisfromacrosstheJewishdenominationalspectrum .Our�007programcalendarfeaturesweekendandweek-longworkshops,professionaltraininginstitutes,meditationretreatsandholidayprograms .
A typical day on an Elat Chayyim retreat
6:30am OPTIONALMEDITATION7:00 OPTIONALYOGA-or- MORNINGPRAYERSERVICE8:00 BREAKFAST9:00 MORNINGCLASSNoon LUNCH�:00pm AFTERNOONCLASS5:00 OPTIONALYOGA-or- CONTEMPLATIVEHIKE6:00 DINNER7:30 MISHPACHAGROUPS (Facilitatedsmallgroupdiscussions)8:30 EVENINGPROGRAM (Music,lectures,bonfires,openmic,theatre&more)
Guestsarewelcometotakefulladvantageofsiteamenitiesduringtheirstay(seep .5foracompletelist) .
PrayeronElatChayyimretreatsisdesignedtoprovideanexperiencethatopenstheheartandfacilitatesconnectiontoourdeepesttruths,tocommunityandtotheDivine .PrayerservicesgenerallyfollowthestructureandrhythmoftraditionalJewishservicesandalsoincludechanting,musicalinstrumentsandmeditation .Translatedandtransliteratedprayerbooksandchantsheetsareprovided .Inthesummerof�007,wewillalsooffertraditionalegalitarianservicesduringsomeweeks .Pleasecontacttheofficefordetails .
Photo:JonathanSchachter
10 registeronlinewww.isabellafreedman.org
May 18–20, 2007
nehirim: GLBt spiritual RetreatRabbi steve Greenberg, Jay Michaelson Rabbi Jill hammer, and many others
TheNehirimSpiritualRetreatforGLBTJewsisasoulful,heartfulgatheringwhereyoucanrelaxandrefresh,openyourheartandexploreyourspiritualpathinawelcoming,diverseandacceptingcommunity .ForfouryearsNehirimhasinspiredacommunityofGLBTJewsofallages,backgroundsandlevelsofobservancetoclaimandcelebratetheirheritage .
Thisyear’sretreatfeaturesawiderangeofspiritualoptionsfromtraditionalShabbatdaveningtomeditation,yoga,drumming,hikinganddance .WorkshopswillbeofferedbyRabbiSteveGreenberg,RabbiJillHammer,JayMichaelson,RabbiJacobStaub,KenPage,JudithMiller,SusanBash,ShoshanaJedwab,DavidBergerandmanymore .Program fee: $85Room and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/nehirim
April 13–15, 2007
spring shabbatonco-sponsored by Hebrew College and Basherte
AligningtheDesiresofYourHeartAWorkshopforCouplesRaziel and efraim eisen
Thiscourseofferscouplesincommittedrelationshipsanopportunitytostrengthentheirconnectiontooneanother .Inthesupportivepresenceofotherlike-mindedcouples,youwilllearnnewstrategiesforhowtodeepenyourlove,heightenyoursensesandexpandyourcapacityforjoy .
Duringtheweekend,wewillcreateasafeandintimateenvironmentthatallowsyoutofocusonsharingwithyourpartner .Communicationprocessesandtextswillbeintegratedwithlovingpartnerrituals,yoga,Shabbatmagicandmore .Youwillalsoexplorethequalitiesofasuccessfulrelationshipandthepowerofblessings .AligningtheDesiresofYourHeartwillhelpyoufeelrenewedanduplifted,andmorealignedinyourcommitment,passionandcompassionasacouple .Program fee: $225 per coupleRoom and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/couples
WalkingtoSinai:SpiritualPracticestoGetUsUptheMountainRabbi natan Margalit, Minna Bromberg, Lee Moore and akiva wharton
“Freeyourselvesfrommentalslavery,nonebutourselvescanfreeourminds . . . .”SosangBobMarley,butitcouldhavebeenadescriptionoftheperiodbetweenPassoverandShavuot .AfterleavingEgyptonPassover,wenowareinvitedtotakeaninnerjourneytotrulyfreeourinnerselvesbeforewecanreceiveourownTorahontheholidayofShavuot,50daysafterPassover .ThisclasswillexplorethedepthoftheancientpracticeofcountingtheOmerandhowwecanuseeachdayoftheOmerasanopportunityfortikkun—repairingoneaspectofoursoulsandpersonalities .
Joinusforaweekendofecstaticprayer,musicandstudyofsacredtextstohelpfreeourselvesfromwhatevermayholdusbackfromopeninguptoourpurpose,ourjoyandourcreativity .Program fee: $150Room and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/walkingtosinai
May 20–25, 2007
shavuot 5767/2007: Receiving the torah of todayco-sponsored by Kehilat RomemuRabbi Zalman schachter-shalomi and eve ilsen with Rabbi David ingberChildren’s Program Available
TheholidayofShavuotcelebratestherevelationofreceivingtheTorahatMountSinai .JewishtraditionalsoteachesthateachgenerationreceivesitsownTorah,aprocessthatbeginsonPassoverandculminatesatShavuot .
Thisyear,withtheneedforrepairingtheworldsogreat,wefeeltheneedtoreceiveTorahallthemoreurgently .DuringourfivedaystogetherwewillexplorefreshperspectivesoftheTorahofourancestorsaswellasopenourmindsandheartstoreceiveourownTorahoftoday .Throughacombinationofexercises,lectures,practicesanddiscussion,wewillprepareforandexperiencetheSinaiofthismoment .Program fee: $350 Children’s program: $200Room and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/shavuot
May 28–June 1, 2007
the heart’s wisdom: a training in sage-ingAprogramofALEPHRabbi shaya isenberg, Lynne iser and Bahira sugarman, featuring Rabbi Zalman schachter-shalomi via teleconference
Traditionalculturesteachthat“acquiringaheartofwisdom,”asthepsalmsays,istheskillthatisspecifictoeldering .Thiscoursewillcultivateaparadigmshiftfrom“age-ing”to“sage-ing,”providingskillstoenableparticipantstoembracetheirelderyearswithanticipationandasenseofwholenessratherthanwithfearanddenial .Learnhowtotransformyourlife’sexperienceintowisdomandliveyourdayswithmeaning,joyandconnectiontothebestwithinyourself .
Thisfive-dayworkshopwillincludejournalwritingexercises,textstudy,interactiveandindividualmeditations,movementandgroupsharing .The“sage-ing”toolspracticedinthiscoursecomefromJudaism,psychotherapyandcontemporaryintegralteachings .
Thecourseisappropriateforeldersandtheirfamilies,andprofessionalsworkingwithelders .Program fee: $375Room and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/sageing
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Photo:JeremySparig
1� registeronlinewww.isabellafreedman.org
June 4–10, 2007co-sponsored by Hazon and Kehilat Romemu
MORNINGCLASSES
Dis-ease,HealingandWholeness:FallingandRisingHigherRabbi David Zeller
Illnessandhealth—fallingdownandrisingup—areintegralpartsoftheevolutionofourlife’sdestinyandpurpose .Aswecompletethemissionofoursoul,wemayfallfromourplaceofsecurity,orgetsick,forcingustochangeouridentityanddirectionandtakeonanewmission .
ThisclasswillexploreJewishmysticalteachingsandpracticesfromChassidutandKabbalah .Throughtheteachingsandpracticesofprayer,meditationandlearning,wewillcometoamoreexpansiveviewofourownandothers’difficultlifetransitions .Withagreaterunderstandingandacceptanceofthejourneyofoursoul,wecanmeetourchallengeswithtrustandjoy .Program fee: $300Room and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/healing
The“I”of“IAM”:RadicalUnitywiththeDivineintheJewishExperienceRabbi David ingber
ManypeopleexperiencetheseparationbetweenhumansandtheDivineasafundamentalJewishbelief .Thestatement“IamGod”couldbeconsideredatbestarrogant,andatworstheretical .Amazingly,almostallesoterictraditions,includingJewishmysticism,assertthatthisveryexperienceisamanifestationofthehighestspirituallevelonecanachieve .
Throughsong,textandmeditationwewillsampledifferentapproachestoexperiencingwhatthemysticsdescribeasdivineunion,andexploresourcesandpracticesfromthefounderofChabad,RebSchneurZalman,tothecontemplativepracticeofTibetanDzogchen .Program fee: $300Room and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/iam
SeekingPresenceThroughMovementandPrayerJulie Leavitt
TiredofengagingJudaismonlythroughyourhead?Bringyourwholeselftothisembodiedclass .GuidedbythenurturingandgentleinstructionofJulieLeavitt,tapintothewisdomofyourbodythroughthelensofJewishtradition .Preparetobesurprised,healedandliberatedthroughexplorationofyourownsacredvessel .Modalitiesthatwillinformtheclassincludedanceandmovementasliturgicalprayer,physicalexpressionofmidrash,AuthenticMovementasmeditationandincorporatingthebodyintotextstudy .Program fee: $300Room and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/movement
Pathways to an authentic Relationship with God
ADDITIONALFEATURESOFWEEK:Twice daily Open Yoga with Judith DackGuided nature walks with Ari Weller
TAKEASECONDCLASSFOR50%OFF!
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AFTERNOONCLASSES
FacingtheLivingGod:DevelopinganAuthenticRelationshiptoSpiritRabbi tirzah Firestone and K’vod wieder
EmpoweredbyAbrahamandSarah’slegacyoficonoclasm,thiscourseinvitesparticipantstobreakwithantiquatedideologiesaboutGodandmovefreelytowardalivingexperienceofGod .DrawingfromZohar,ChassidicmastersandtheworkofCarlJung,wewillstudytheevolvingimageofGodasexpressedbytheancientJewishtradition,aswellaswithinourownevolvingpsyches .Beginningwithourearliestexperiencesandmemories,thecoursewillmapthedevelopmentofourpersonalGodimagestobetterunderstandhowthedivine“UrgetoWholeness”iscallingusforwardinourlives .Textstudy,activeimaginationandsacredtheatrecombinetohelpushearthevoiceofGodnow,intheeventsofourlives,andinthelifeofourstrugglingplanet,sothatallofouractionsmightbepermeatedwithclarity,purposeandmeaning .Program fee: $300Room and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/living
HolyCloseness:SongsfromtheWellofJewishSacredWorldMusicCantor Richard Kaplan
Thisclasswillexploretherichtraditionofmusicford’vekut—thecontinualturningandreturninginthoughtandfeelingtoourultimateSource .ConcentrationwillbeonseveralmusicalmeditationsfromtheJewishsacredmusicofTurkey,Salonica,Morocco,AndalusiaandEasternEurope .StudyingteachingsfromKabbalahandtheChassidicmasters,wewillcontextualizethesemusicalprayersofcontemplation,devotionandsurrender,ultimatelyallowingthemusictobeapowerfulcatalystofspiritualconnection .
Allsongswillbepresentedintheiroriginallanguages,aswellasintransliteration,Englishtranslationandinmusicalnotation .TheclasswillalsoshareitsmusicwiththelargerIsabellaFreedman/ElatChayyimcommunity .Nomusicalbackgroundnecessary .Program fee: $300Room and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/sacredmusic
TasteandSeethatGodIsGood:AJewishCleanseWorkshopilana Fleisher-Margalit and Rabbi natan Margalit
Learnhowyourdailymealscanbecomeaspiritualpracticeforfeedingbothbodyandsoul .ThisworkshopwillintegrateJewishspiritualinsightswiththeHeartofNourishmentCleanseTMdevelopedbynourishmentpioneerHaléSofiaSchatz .*Inthissupportivegroupexperience,participantswillhavetheopportunitytocleansetheirbodyoftoxins,cultivateholisticintentionsandlearntolistentotheirbody’sdivinewisdom .Experiencehowgoodyoucanfeelwhenyourbodyisnourishedwithsimple,wholefoodsintheappropriatecombinations .Theclasswillusethecleansediet,meditation,movement,journalingandexplorationofJewishtextstohelptransformourrelationshiptofood,thebody,thenaturalenvironmentandtheSourceofLife .
*Thiscleanseisnotappropriateforpregnantornursingwomenoranybodywithaseriousillness .FormoreinformationabouttheHeartofNourishmentCleanseTM,visitwww .heartofnourishment .com .Program fee: $300Room and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/tasteandsee
DiscoveringtheAleph-Bet:AnIntroductiontotheHebrewLanguageDeena aranoff
HaveyoutakenclassesinJewishstudiesbutlongforamoreintensiveexperience?Haveyoudiscoveredthatdespitethemanyhoursyou’vespentatlecturesandinsynagogue,yourconnectiontoJudaismremainstenuous?DoyoususpectthatknowledgeofHebrewcoulddeepenyourrelationshiptoTorahandthetradition?
ThiscoursewillofferHebrewlanguageinstructionofanunusualkind .ParticipantswillspendthefirstpartofthemorningstudyingHebrewwiththeaimofcultivatinganintimaterelationshipwiththeHebrewalphabetanditsBiblical,rabbinicandmysticalresonances .Inthesecondpartoftheclass,wewillexploreTalmudic,kabbalisticandmodernphilosophicaldiscussionsoftheHebrewlanguage .ThesediscussionswillprovideauniqueentryintoJewishhistoryandtradition .NopriorHebrewknowledgerequired .Program fee: $300Room and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/alephbet
by norman Fischer
ManyofofushavelosttouchwithGod .It’snormaltobecomedistracted,loseourconnection,whichiswhyallofus—nomatterwhoweareorhowwebehave—needtoreturn .TheneedtoreturntoGodisnotreallyachoice:itisbuiltintoourhumanmakeupandtoourhumanconsciousness,whichcanequallydreaddeathandimagineeternity .Itisalsobuiltintoourhumanpsyche—whichperpetuallydesiresandschemesanddeceives—thatwewillconstantlyloseourconnectiontoGod .ThisishowIreadtheAdamandEvestoryandthewholeoftheTorah .Itisnotreallyaquestionofsinandfailureaswenormallytakeittobe;ratheritexpressesthetragedyofthehumancondition .WearenecessarilyinarelationshipwithGodbecauseofwhatweareandwekeeplosingtrackofthatrelationshipbecauseofwhatweare .Israelmeansstruggle .
Mostpeoplefeeloppressed,understandably,byarelationshipinwhichGodseemslikeBigDaddy,theneuroticsuperegoweallwanttogetoutfromunder .Onthedeepestlevelthisconceptcouldn’tbefurtherfromthetruth .Andthis,Ithink,hasbeenthepurposeoftheJewishmeditationmovement—tobringourrelationshiptoGod,throughmeditationpractice,toadeeper,morebasicandmoredirectlevel .
Atthisdeeperlevelweseethatourhumanvulnerability,whichcausesussomuchanxietyandfear,canonlybehealedbyembracingaspaciousnesswithinourselvesthatincludesthatvulnerabilityyetextendsbeyondourselvestoreachalargerpresence .OurconsciousnessisasGod’sconsciousness .Atthelevelofconsciousness,whichisbeing,wecanmeetGodandbemetbyGod,asTorahsaysMosesdid,facetofaceasafriend .Thisistrueteshuvah—toreturntoGodfacetoface,toreturntowhatweare,tobringtheheartbackfromitsinevitablewanderingandlustingandwantingandschemingandworryandfearandallowittorestinitsbasicnature,whichistoloveandbecomfortedbyGod .Meditationpracticeoffersusaveryconcreteandrealisticwaytorealizethisprofoundandexperientialtruth .
Whenyoumeditateyouwilleventuallygetintouchwithhowmuchfearexistsinsideyou .Yougetusedtoit,andsometimesyou’reevenwillingtoacknowledgeitandexpressit .OvertheyearsI’veworkedwithpeopleinspiritualpracticeIhaveobservedthismanytimes .Peoplewhofunctionquitewell,wholivesuccessfullives,evensuccessfulpersonallives,tellmethatdeepdowntheyarequiteafraid .Whatdotheyfear?Life,death,failure,rejection,revealingwhotheyreallyare,engagingtheirlivesfullywithoutholdingback,lovingwholeheartedly,neverbeingabletolove,neverreallybeingloved .Maybetheyfearallofthisorperhapsnoneofit,it’shardtosay .Butthe
fearisquiterealanditisfundamental .Fearismorethananemotionamongotheremotions .Wheredoesfearcomefrom?Ithinkitcomesfromthestructureofidentity .
Wealltakeforgrantedoursenseofbeingsomeone .Thebody,thethoughts,feelings,desires,cherishedviewpoints,relationships—allthisisus .Butallofitisactuallyprettyshakystuff .Thebodyagesanddies .Thethoughtscomeandgoandaremostofthetimeboringorunreliable .Thefeelingsarealsounreliableandmostlyunsatisfactory—andtheoneswelikewecan’tproduceatwill,andwhentheydocometheypassawayalltooquickly .Ourviewpointsaremostlyunexamined;it’sdebatablewhetherweactuallybelievethem,andourrelationshipsareasapttodriveuscrazyasmakeushappy .Inotherwords,ouridentityisinherentlydubiousandentirelyunstable .Atthedeepestlevelsofourpsycheweknowthisandareafraid .
Soweneedtoexpandouridentity .Thisistheonlywaytodealwithourbasicfear .WheninmeditationpracticeweopenupthroughourfearandreachouttoGod;thisisexactlywhatwearedoing .Wearesaying,“Okay,myusualsenseofidentityworksjustfinetogetmethroughtheday,butinthedarkofnight,atthebottomofmyheart,inlifeanddeathmatters,whicharealwaysonlyabreathaway,itdoesn’twork .”
Hereonmymeditationcushion,inthestillnessofmyheart,whatamI?IamonewhoiswillingtoadmitmyradicalvulnerabilityandexactlybecauseofittoreachoutmyhandtoGodasGod’sfriendandpartner .Iamahusband,afather,amother,awife,aworker,afoolmaybe,adistractedperson,butIamalsoGod’scompanion .IamGod’sexpressioninthisworld .Godaloneisnothing,maybewithacapitalN,butstillnothing .Godneedsothers,needsus,inordertorealizeGod’sself .ThisiswhatBuberandHeschelhavetaughtus:GodcreatesaworldasGod’sexpression .AndGodcreateshumanbeingsinGod’simage,thatis,asconsciousbeingscapableofprofoundmindfulawareness,sothatGodcanhavesomeonetotalkto .Godtalksbecausewearecapableoflistening .That’swhytheShemaisourcentralprayer .Listen .Godistalking .LoveGodwithallyourheartandallyourmightandremainmindfulofthiseverydayalldaylong .AndGodmakesdemands:liverighteously,liveprofoundly,don’tforgetwhoyouare .ReturnoverandoveragaintoGod .AndwehavetorespondtoGod’swordsandGod’sdemands .Bigjob .
norman Fischer is the founder of Makor Or, the Jewish meditation center in san Francisco, and a co-facilitator of the elat Chayyim advanced Meditation Program, starting June 10th, p. 16
14 registeronlinewww.isabellafreedman.org
the Point of Jewish Meditation
the purpose of Jewish meditation is to bring our relationship to God to a deeper, more basic and more direct level.
registerbyphone 800.398.2630 15
Photo:RachelBarenblatt
16 registeronlinewww.isabellafreedman.org
norman Fischer, Rabbi Joanna Katz, Rabbi alan Lew and Rabbi Jeff Roth
Wearedelightedtoannouncethenextcycleofourpopulartwo-yearmeditation-trainingprogrambeginningJune�007 .Thiscontemplativetrainingprogramincludesfourseven-dayretreatsthatcultivateinnerwisdom,openthehearttocompassionandinspireself-reflectionandpersonaltransformation .
Eachretreatsisheldincommunalsilence .Basicpracticeincludessitting,walkingandeatingmeditation .Contemplativedavennen(prayer)takesplaceeverymorningandconsistsofacombinationofkavvanot(intentions),chantsandsilence .
Program Dates Week 1: June 10-17, 2007 Week 2: December 30, 2007 – January 6, 2008 Week 3: June 8-15, 2008 Week 4: December 28, 2008 – January 4, 2009 How to Apply
Theprogramisopentoanyonewhohasalreadysatatleastoneweek-longretreatinsilence .Ifyoudonotmeetthisrequirement,youwillneedtoreceivetheconsentoftheinstructors .Pleaseemailecamp@elatchayyim .orgwithanyquestionsyoumighthaveaboutparticipationintheprogram .
alumni of previous two-year meditation programs (MLt, JMat and eCaMP) are welcome to attend any of the weeklong eCaMP retreats for a $300 program fee (plus room and board).Training institute tuition: $1,700 ($1,050 deposit) Room and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/ecamp
Meditation,Movement,andCreativity:TraditionalandInnovativePracticesInSilenceRabbi David Zeller and hannah sara Zeller
Thisseven-daysilentmeditationretreatwillteachpracticesthatleadtoadeeperexperienceoftheindwellingpresenceofGod .Judaismteachesthatcreationflowsfromvisiontoformtosubstance—fromGod’sinfinitethoughttoholyletters,toTorah,toourhumanformsandtoalloflife .CoretechniquesofthisretreatwillberootedintraditionalJewishmeditationsusingbreath,mantra,guidedimageryandHebrewletters .TheywillalsoincorporateTorah-Yogamovementpractices,whichopenandstrengthenthebodytoreceiveDivineenergythroughthelettersoftheAleph-Bet .Forbothbeginnerandadvancedmeditationpractitioners .Program fee: By donationRoom and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/zeller
Contemplative Practice weeks June 11–17, 2007ElatChayyimAdvancedMeditationProgram(ECAMP)New Training Institute beginning June 10th!
June 11–17, 2007
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YogaandJewishSpiritualityTeacherTrainingInstituteNew Training Institute beginning June 18th!
Rabbi Myriam Klotz and Diane BloomfieldThis18-monthprogram
providesinstructionandcertificationforteacherstodeepenandintegratetheirpracticeofhathayogaandJudaism .Theprogramiscomprisedoffourseven-dayintensiveretreats,interimstudycoursesandindividualizedprogramsthatprovidetoolsforintegratingyogaandJewishspirituality .JoinacommunityofpeerswhoseektodeepentheirpracticebyfocusingonaspectsofJudaismthatyogateachersaremostoftencalledtoexplore:JewishHolyDays,weeklyTorahreadings,Jewishprayer,Shabbat,Hebrewlanguageandmore .
Participantswillspendsignificanttimelearningaboutmiddot (innerqualities)thatwewillwanttoembodyasweteach .Wereflectonourselves,understandingthatcultivationoftheinnerlifeandself-awarenessarenecessarycomponentsofbecomingaJewishspiritualteacherandleader .ThosewithexperienceteachingyogaorJewishlearning,andwhoarecalledtodevelopthemselvesasteachersofanintegratedpracticeofbothTorahandyoga,areencouragedtoapply .
GraduatesofthisprogramwillbeabletoteachtheirstudentswaystoaccessandexperiencethedepthsofJewishspiritualitybybringingthewisdomofthebodyintothestudyofJewishtexts .
Program Dates Week 1: June 18-24, 2007 Week 2: December 17-23, 2007 Week 3: August 4-10, 2008 Week 4: December 15-22, 2008 Who Should Apply?
ThistrainingprogramencouragesthosecalledtodevelopthemselvesasteachersofanintegratedpracticeofbothTorahandyoga,andwhowanttoconnectwithotherswhosharethatcalling .ThosewithexperienceteachingyogaorJewishstudiesshouldapply .Thosewhohopetoteachintheseareaswillalsobenefitfromthetraining .DiversityinapproachestobothJudaismandyogapracticeishonored .Everyoneinterestedisencouragedtoapply .Applicationswillbeconsideredonanindividualbasis .Training institute tuition: $1,400 ($900 deposit)Room and board options: page 25Apply online: IsabellaFreedman.org/yoga/apply
AwakeningthroughJewishMeditationRabbis alan Lew and Jeff Roth
Bringawarenesstotheinternalobstaclesthatimpedeopen-heartedness,andlivelifewithmorejoyandcompassion .Thisseven-daysilentmeditationretreatisopentobothbeginnersandadvancedpractitionersandwillconcentrateonthepracticesandunderpinningsofcontemplativeJewishteachingsinformedbythefour-worldsmodelofJewishmysticism .
Thisretreatfostersadeepexplorationofparticipants’ownlivesandconsciousness,bringingustoagreaterexperienceoftheDivineinourlivesandinallthings .
Silenceisheldthroughouttheretreat,includingatmealsandintheguestrooms .Practicessuchasmindfulnesstobreathandbodysensationshelpusslowdown,reconnectwithourselvesandbecomeconsciousofinnerstatesandexperiences .Daysarestructuredtoincludeacontemplativemorningprayerservice,yoga,individualinterviewswithfacilitatorsandeveningteachingsessions .TheweekwillculminatewithacontemplativeShabbat .Program fee: By donationRoom and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/awakening
June 18–24, 2007
18 registeronlinewww.isabellafreedman.org
August 6–12, 2007co-sponsored by The Shalom CenterChildren’s program available
MORNINGCLASSUnitingSpiritualityandSocialChange:LearningfromHeschelonPrayer,PyramidsandPoliticsRabbi arthur waskow with Professor susannah heschel
ThisyearisthecentenaryofthebirthofRabbiAbrahamJoshuaHeschel,thePolishChassidwhosespirituallyrootedsocialactionhasdeeplyeffectedJewishandChristianthoughtandbehavior .RabbiHeschel,whowasafriendandcoworkerofDr .MartinLutherKingJr .,taughtthattheprophetsspokeofhumansufferingasGod’sownsuffering,prayerasthe“songtheuniversesingstoitself”andpoliticalactivismasprayer .Inthiscourse,wewillstudyhowRabbiHeschelgroundedhispoliticalactionintheSpiritandintheteachingsoftheBaalShemTov,insistingthatprayeraddresstheGodwhosufferswhenhumanbeingssuffer .
ProfessorSusannahHeschel,RabbiHeschel’sdaughterandeditorofacollectionofhisfinestessays,willjointhecourseasavisitingteacher .Program fee: $300Room and board options: page 25
IsabellaFreedman.org/heschel
AFTERNOONCLASSLibertyintheLandforAllHerInhabitants:Justice,Ecology,SustainabilityandHumanRightsRabbi David seidenberg
ThisclasswillexplorehowhumanrightsandethicsaregroundedintheTorah’sconceptoflandrightsandwilllookatwaystobringtheintegrationofsocialjusticeandenvironmentalstewardshiptoourworkandtoourcommunities .SourceswillincludeKabbalah,theBaalShemTov,RebbeNachman,theIzhbitzer,AldoLeopold’sThe Land Ethic andteachingsfromdeepecologyandsocialecologyProgram fee: $300Room and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/liberty
August 6–12, 2007
in-Progress summer training institutes EachTrainingInstituteisaweek-longretreatthatispartofafour-weekcoursetaughtovertwoyears.
KohenetRabbi Jill hammer and holly taya shere
KohenetteachesJewishwomen'sspiritualleadershipfromanearth-honoring,feministperspective .IsabellaFreedman.org/ kohenet
JewishShamanicHealingRabbi Gershon winkler and Miriam Maron
Exploreancienttextsandoraltraditionsfromalong-neglectedbodyofJewishhealingwisdom .IsabellaFreedman.org/ shamanichealing
Davennen’LeadershipTraining(DLTI)A program of ALEPHRabbi Marcia Prager and Rabbi shawn Zevit
Providingtheskillstodeepenthequalityofcommunalprayersothatitactivatesthebody,touchestheheart,engagesthemindandnourishesspiritualgrowthandinsight .IsabellaFreedman.org/dlti
KolZimraA program of ALEPHRabbi shefa Gold, Rachmiel O’Regan and Phyllis Berman
KolZimraisaprofessionalchantleadershiptrainingcourseforrabbis,cantors,healers,ritualfacilitators,layleaders,meditationteachersandrosh chodeshleaders .IsabellaFreedman.org/ kolzimra
ADDITIONALFEATURESOFWEEK:Twice daily Open Yoga with Judith DackGuided nature walks with Ari Weller
TAKEASECONDCLASSFOR50%OFF!
registerbyphone800.398.2630 19
August 13–19, 2007ATasteofADAMAHco-sponsored by HAZONRabbi Jill hammer, shamu sadeh and adam Berman
JoinusforatasteoftheADAMAHprogram:fivedaysofdigginginJewishtraditionandinthesoil .
Theprogramwillintegratestudy,workingwithourhands,andcreativeritualaimedatrestoringJewishecologicalwisdom .Learntobrewbiodieselfuel,groworganicvegetablesonourfive-acrefarm,milkgoats,makepicklesandcheeseandstudyourancestralagriculturalandEarth-basedheritage .
DuringthisweekofthenewmoonofElul,discoverhowtheprocessofspiritualreturnisconnectedtotherenewaloftheground .Program fee: $450Room and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/tasteadamah
TorahTrek:A5-DayWildernessExperienceRabbi Mike Comins
JoinRabbiMikeCominsforaweekofinnerandouterexplorationintheexquisiteTaconicStateParkinCopakeFalls,NewYork(picturedabove) .WewillleaveIsabellaFreedmanonTuesdaymorningandreturnonFridayafternoon,spendingfournightscampinginthepark .FromthebasecampwewilltakedayhikesthatexploreoneofNewYork’smostbeautifulnaturalareas .ShabbatwillbespentcampingatIsabellaFreedmanwiththerestoftheElatChayyimsummercommunity .
Thecoursewillteachhowtobefullypresentinthenaturalworldthroughsilenthiking,walkingmeditationandothermindfulnessexercisesonthetrail .WithQigong-stylemovingmeditation,wewilllearntosensetheshefa(divineenergy)inGod’screation .Intheheightenedawarenessofthesacredthatwildernessevokes,weinviteGod’spresencethroughblessings,chant,Torahstudy,four-windsceremonyandprayer(contemplativeandtraditional) .Eachdaywillculminateinhitbodedut,safeandsupervisedalonetime .Therewillalsobetimeeachdayforpersonalprayer,journaling,yogaandgeneralmerry-making .
Appropriateforexperiencedcampersandnovices .Program fee: $350 (includes food for the week)Camping and facilities fee: $300IsabellaFreedman.org/torahtrek
sacred earth experiences
Photo:RickTyrseck
August 13–19, 2007 Children’s program available
MORNING CLASSES
TheSpiritofProphecyDavid Friedman
Thisyearmarksthe300thanniversaryofthebirthofthegreatItalianKabbalistRabbiMosheChaimLuzzatto(theRamchal) .Inhonorofthisoccasion,thisclasswillexploreselectedpassagesfromsomeoftheRamchal’sleastknownKabbalisticworks .TheemphasiswillbeonteachingsaboutDivineInspiration(ruach hakodesh)andprophecy .AccordingtotheRamchal,prophecyisprimarilyadeepexperienceofconnection(d’vekut)oralignmentwiththeDivine,whereonegainsaclearinsightintothepurposeofCreation .Heteachesthatthisprophecyisattainablebyeveryone .Program fee: $300Room and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/ramchal
TheFutureofJudaismandTheEvolutionofConsciousnessRabbi Moshe aharon (Miles) Krassen
Inthistimeofpoliticalandsocialturmoil,weneedawayofseeingtheworldthatallowsourchoicesandactionstocomefromahighlevelofawareness .ForJewsandJudaismtobeabletorespondtothisnecessaryshiftinconsciousness,weneedfindawaytothoughtfullytranscendandincludetheessentialelementsofourtradition .
InthisclasswewillexplorethetransformationalteachingsoftheBaalShemTovandhisdisciples,aswellascontemporaryvoicesspeakingforanewlevelofconsciousness .Wewillalsoexplorepracticesthatcansupportthisevolvedstateofawarenessandilluminatetherelationshipbetweendivinityandthecreatedworld .BepreparedtosoaronanadventureinthinkingasweexploreanewvisionofJewishtradition .Program fee: $300Room and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/evolution
Listeningforthe“TorahWithin”:AnIntroductiontoSpiritualDirectionRabbi howard avruhm addison and Dr. Barbara eve BreitmanPsalm40describesourlivesassacredscrolls,witheachofuspersonallyembodyingaTorahwithin .Yethowmightweregularlyaccessthisdivinewisdomuniquetoeachofus?Spiritualdirection(hashpa'ah)isbothatraditionalandanevolvingJewishpractice .Inindividualandgroupsettings,wewillmeettoexploreourrelationshipswiththeHoly,expandingourawarenessofthesacreddimensionsthatunderlieboththeordinaryandextraordinaryeventsoflife .Spiritualdirectorsarecompanionswhohelpseekersdiscernpatterns,noticeresistancesandcultivatewillingnessalongtheirspiritualjourneys .Thisclassisanopportunityforrabbis,chaplains,psychotherapists,educatorsandotherswhoseguidanceissoughttoglimpsethisdisciplineanddevelopprofessionalskills .TogetherwewillexaminetheinsightsofJudaismandothertraditionsintospiritualguidanceandexploretherelationshipbetweenpsychologyandspirituality,contemplationandsocialconscience .Program Fee: $300Room and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/levshomea
Masters of Contemporary Kabbalah
�0 registeronline www.isabellafreedman.org
EverythingisGod,SoWhat?TheTextsandPracticesofNondualJudaismJay Michaelson
Youmayhaveheardpeoplesaythat“everythingisGod,”orthatGodis“Ein Sof,”withoutend .Formanyofusthisoffersapromiseofliberation .Butitalsocausesconfusion .DoesthismeanGodwasinthegaschamberstoo?AndifGodiseverything,what’sthepointofdoinganything?
Inthisuniqueclass,wewillexploreJewishtextsonnonduality,fromMaimonides’GuidetothePerplexedtotheZohar,writingsofMosesCordoveroandthelittle-knownteachingsofRabbiAaronofStaroselse .WewillcomparetheseteachingswiththoseofTibetanBuddhismandAdvaita .Studywillbebalancedwithpracticesofcontemplation,inquiry,prayerandmeditation .Wewillalsoexploreanondualapproachtothemitzvottocultivateaboundlessawarenessthatisalwaysavailable,omnipresentand,inasense,themostobviousthingintheworld—eventhoughit’sreallyhardtosayanythingaboutit .Ifyou’vehadsomeexposuretoKabbalah,HasidismornondualBuddhism,comedeepenyourunderstanding,practiceandrealization .Bepreparedforsurprise .Enlightenmentisnotwhatyouthink—andneitherisGod!Program Fee: $300Room and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/nondual
AFTERNOON CLASSESExploringtheZoharDaniel and hana Matt
WhatexactlyistheZohar?WhyisitconsideredthemasterpieceofKabbalah?HowdoesitrevolutionizeJudaism?Howcanitsdeep,ancientwisdomtransformustoday?DanielandHanaMattwillexplorethesequestionswithus,studyingtheteachingsoftheZoharandengaginginspiritualpracticestodirectlyexperienceDivinePresenceanddeepenourspirituallives .
TheselectionswewillstudyarefromDaniel’sgroundbreakingtranslationandcommentary—TheZohar:PritzkerEdition .Amongthetopicstobecovered:thefeminineaspectofGod(Shekhinah),themysticaldimensionofTorah,theradicalideathatGodneedsus,thespiritualandpsychologicalmeaningofthetensefirot(divinequalities),andKabbalistictechniquesofmeditation .Program fee: $300Room and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/zohar
TheKabbalahofPeacemakingRabbi Lynn Gottlieb
Thisclasswillexplorethespiritualfoundationsofpeacemakinginourselvesandintheworldthroughanexaminationofthecorekabbalisticprinciplesofhospitality,self-awakening,reconciliationandcreativeresponsetoconflict .Usingritual,textstudy,practicalkabbalahandstorytelling,RabbiGottliebwillengageparticipantsinameaningfulencounterwithJewishnon-violenceasawayoflife .OpenyourheartandsoultobecomingaShomer Shalom(GuardianofthePeace)throughthekabbalahofpeacemaking .Program fee: $300Room and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/peacemaking
registerbyphone 800.398.2630 �1
ADDITIONALFEATURESOFWEEK:Twice daily Open Yoga with Judith DackGuided nature walks with Ari Weller
TAKEASECONDCLASSFOR50%OFF!
�� registeronlinewww.isabellafreedman.org
August 20–26, 2007Children’s program available
NEWINSTITUTE!the Jewish arts instituteco-sponsored by Zeek Directed by Danny Maseng with visiting faculty
TheJewishArtsInstitute(JAI)isanintensivefourweekprogramconductedoverthecourseoftwoyears .ThecurriculumisinterdisciplinaryandweavestogetherJudaismandartinallitsformsincludingmusic,theatre,visualartsandcreativewriting .
TheinstituteisdesignedtogiveJewishartistsandJewisharteducators—workingwithdiverseartisticmedia—thetoolstosuccessfullyintegratetheirart,theirJewishidentities,andspiritualjourneys .Thecoursewillalsoofferinstructionineffective,integratedteachingmethodologiessuchasutilizingoftheartsasawaytomakeJewishlearningcompelling,relevantandfun .Eachweek-longretreatcombinesrigorousstudy,artisticexplorationandcommunitybuilding .
Building a network of artists and educators
TheJewishArtInstitute'sparticipantcohortwillformanationalnetworkofleadersintheartsandartseducationwithintheJewishcommunity .Alist-serve,blogandothervirtualcommunitybuildingtechnologieswillsupportparticipantcollaborationandconnectionbetweenretreatsandaftertheinstituteiscompleted .
who should apply?JAIislookingforopenminded,intellectuallycurious
individuals,willingtoengageinarigoroustrainingseminarthatpromisestoopennewpersonalandprofessionalpathways .TheinstituteismeantforJewishartistsandprofessionalsinvolvedinartseducation,teachersandpractitionersalike,whoarededicatedtoadvancingtheevolutionofJewishartsandJewishartseducation .
Toapply,pleasecompletetheapplicationavailableon-lineatIsabellaFreedman .org/jewisharts .SpaceislimitedandapplicantsmustdemonstratetheircommitmenttoJewishartsand/orJewishartseducation .
Faculty includeCreativeWriting:ProfessorRickChessofthe
UniversityofNorthCarolina-AshevilleandJayMichaelsonofZeek
Theatre:AaronDavidman,ArtisticDirectorofTheTravelingJewishTheatre,SanFrancisco
VisualArts:OhadShaltiel,DirectorofSpecialEducationattheTel-AvivMuseumofArt
Program DatesWeek1:MusicandCreativeWriting Aug .�0–�6,�007Week�:VisualArts Jan .7–13,�008Week3:TheatreandMovement Summer�008Week4:Integration Winter�009
Significantscholarshipfundingisavailablefortuition,roomandboard .Contacttheregistrarformoreinformation .
Traininginstitutetuition:$500perweekRoomandboardoptions:page�5IsabellaFreedman .org/jewisharts
DannyMaseng,JAIDirector
The Jewish Arts Institute is made possible through a grant from the Mazer Family Fund of the UJA–Federation of New York.
registerbyphone800.398.2630 �3
August 20–26, 2007Children’s Program Available
NEWPROGRAM!Bar/Bat Mitzvah Family Retreatco-sponsored by Moving Traditions and the Teva Learning CenterRabbi Lynn Gottlieb, Rabbi David ingber, andrew stempel and amelie Davidson
Forchildren(andtheirfamilies)becomingbar/batmitzvahbetweenSeptember�007andJune�009 .
TheB’naiMitzvahFamilyRetreat(BMFR)rekindlesthepotencyofthebar/batmitzvahritualasariteofpassageforadolescentJewsandtheirfamilies .
Thisprogramisnotapracticalbar/batmitzvahpreparatorycoursebutaspiritualjourneyfortheentirefamilytodevelopadeeper,morepersonalrelationshiptoJudaism .
Throughanintensiveweekofprogramsforbothteensandparents,BMFRwillfosterachild’sspiritualmaturationduringacriticaltimeofdevelopmentwhilehelpingfamiliesgrowtogetherthroughthesharedexperienceofJudaism .
teens will have the opportunity to:• Deepentheirunderstandingofbar/batmitzvahasarite
ofpassageandmanyofthetraditionalcomponentsoftheritual
• Exploretheirchangingrolesastheyenteradolescence• Challengethemselvestopushbeyondtheircomfortzones
physicallyandemotionally,sociallyandspirituallyasindividualsandasagroup
• CompleteoneortwocreativeprojectsthatreflecttheirvaluesthroughaJewishlens
• ExperienceJewishprayerasameaningfulandrelevantpartofone’sexpressionintheworld
adults will have the opportunity to:• Becomefamiliarwiththeoptionsavailabletothem
indesigningtheformandcontentoftheritual(whenapplicable) .
• Receivepracticalsupportinplanningtheirritual(whenapplicable) .
• Explorehowtobestsupporttheirteensduringthisriteofpassagewhilealsomakingthebar/batmitzvahmeaningfulfortheparents
• Exploretheirchangingrolesastheirchildrenenteradolescence .
Significantscholarshipfundingisavailable .Contacttheregistrarformoreinformation .
Tuition: $195 per adult, $125 per childRoom and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/bnaimitzvah
The Bar Mitzvah Family Retreat program is made possible through a grant from the UJA-Federation of New York.
�4 registeronlinewww.isabellafreedman.org
August 20–26, 2007co-sponsored by Congregation B’nai JeshurunMORNINGCLASSES
MakingParentingaSpiritualPracticeRabbis nadya and Victor Gross
ChildrencomeintothisworldbearingthewisdomgainedinlifetimeslivedbeforeandthememoryofGodbreathinglifeintothemonceagain .Theirgreatestgifttousistoopenoureyestotheunlimitedpotentialandpurityoftheuniverse .Ourgreatestgifttothemistoovercomeourcontrollingneedtoshapetheminourimage .Thespiritualpracticeofparentingseekstocreateasafe,lovingandsupportiveenvironmentwheretheseyoungbeingscangrowinconsciouspartnershipwiththeirDivineintention .Whenwelearntoparentinthisway,ourhomesaredefinedbylove,authenticityandmeaning .Comelearnthispractice,sourcedinourrabbinicandmysticaltradition,andfindnewjoyandpurposeinyourrelationshipswithyourchildren .Program fee: $300. Room and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/parenting
VoiceoftheHeartCantor Robert esformes
Openingourblessedmouthstosingorchant,pray,intoneorimprovise,wecanencounterthevastmeaningsandmysteriesofsound—andthesacredSourcefromwhichourwisdomrises .Throughvocalgames,guidedpractices,liturgyandlovesongs,thiscoursewillexplorethelinkbetweensoundandsoulfulness,andthesubtletiesoftheconnectionsbetweenthevoice,theheartandthespaceofourexpression .Thisworkshop/playshopwilldeepenourpersonalpleasureinmusic-makingandenhanceourskillsinleadingpublicworship .Beginnersandestablishedsingersarewelcome .Program fee: $300. Room and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/voice
AFTERNOONCLASS
ArtasaMirrortotheSoulnancy Katz
OurtraditionencouragesustobeGod’spartnersincreationthroughourpersonalcreativeexpression .Thisclasswillprovidethespace,timeandmaterialsforparticipantstovisuallyjourneyandarticulatetheirinnerSpirit .Usingoilpastels,collagematerialsandactualmirrors,wewillrevealourselves,toeachother,andtoourselvesinasafeandplayfulenvironment .Artphobicswelcome!Program fee: $300. Room and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/mirror
Family week
ADDITIONALFEATURESOFWEEK:Twice daily Open Yoga with Judith DackGuided nature walks with Ari WellerTAKEASECONDCLASSFOR50%OFF!
registerbyphone800.398.2630 �5
Financial Aid We strive to make our programs affordable to everyone. We provide limited scholar-ship funding of up to 40% of room and board fees for those in extreme financial need. Financial aid is only available for triple rooms with hall baths for individuals, and double rooms with hall baths for couples or families. Financial aid is available by ap-plication at IsabellaFreedman.org/financialaid. Please note financial aid requests must be received at least three weeks prior to the retreat.
Student Aid Up to 50% scholarship on room and board is available for graduate students in rabbinical school, cantorial school or in Master’s degree programs in Jewish Studies. Funding has been provided by both the Lasko and Grinspoon Foundations. To apply for this scholarship, please visit IsabellaFreedman.org/lasko.
Elat Chayyim Children’s ProgramSummer programs give children the gift of a joyous and engaging Jewish experience. Our children’s program for children ages 4–14 years old provides a balance of cre-ative learning, arts, sports and outdoor activities. Educators are trained to provide an emotionally safe environment to form a respectful and vibrant children’s community. Depending on the number of children, two to three groups will be formed by age for the formal program. If you are interested in more information about the children’s program, please contact K’vod Wieder at [email protected].
Children’s Program Dates for Spring/Summer 2007:May 20-25; August 6-12; August 13-19; August 20-26Program Fee: $200 Babysitting: If you are interested in child care services for ages 1-4 years, please call (800) 398-2630 x307 at least three weeks in advance. The fee is $12/hour for one child; $18/hour for two children.
elat Chayyim Registration and Guest information Accommodations and Rates To calculate the cost of your stay, add the tuition (indicated with course description) and your room and meals fee (see chart). We offer a variety of housing accommoda-tions that enable individuals with a wide range of financial capacities to participate in our programs.
Rooms are available as single, double or triple occupancy, with private, shared or hall bathrooms. Bedding options include, queen, twin or bunk beds and many rooms have beautiful lake views. All rooms are simply decorated in country style without modern multimedia distractions.
Tenting is another great overnight option. You must provide your own equipment. Showers and bathrooms are available for your use.
Commuters who live in the area and will not be sleeping at the Center pay a daily commuter’s fee, which covers meals and full access to site amenities during your program.
Meals Meals are included beginning with the arrival dinner through the closing brunch or lunch. Isabella Freedman serves a variety of healthy, delicious Glatt Kosher meals that are prepared only with the highest-quality ingredi-ents. During the harvest season (June to Oct.) much of the produce we use comes from our four-acre organic farm. All meals have a vegetarian option, and all meat served during Elat Chayyim retreats is organic and free-range. Ingredients for all dishes are labeled at each meal for those with food allergies or special needs. If you have any additional questions about your dietary needs, please contact the retreat manage at (800) 398-2630 x312 well in advance of your retreat.
What’s included? Prices include room, meals, prayer services, yoga classes, evening programs and full use of our facilities during the duration of your stay. All rates are per person. Pre-registration is required for all visits.
Payment Options We have several payment options to accommodate your needs:
1. Pay the full amount at the time of registration. 2. Pay 50% upon registration and the remaining 50% within 48 hours of the first
day of the retreat.3. Pay 50% upon registration and the remaining 50% over a two- or four-month
period.
Cancellation Policy Payments made will be refunded in full (less a $75 processing fee) if you cancel more than 30 days prior to retreat. If you cancel between 30 days and 1 day in advance, a non-refundable credit (less a $75 processing fee) will be held for one year from the date of issue. This credit is non-transferable. No credit or refund is available if you cancel less than 24 hours in advance or on the workshop’s arrival day, if you do not show up, or if you leave a retreat early for any reason.
Isabella Freedman reserves the right to cancel any program at any time. In this event, you will receive a complete refund.
For transportation refunds: A full refund is available if you cancel at least three days (72 hours) in advance. No refund is available if less than three days notice is given.
Non-meditation Retreats
Meditation Retreats
Training Programs
# of nights: 1 2 3 4 5 6 5 7 12 6
Single Room
w/ private bath & queen-sized bed 450 540 640 800 955 1,090 875 945 1,470 1,600
w/ private bath 375 465 595 700 830 965 750 795 1,270 1,450
w/ shared bath & queen-sized bed 375 465 595 700 830 965 750 795 1,270 1,450
w/ shared bath 325 375 495 550 655 725 625 695 925 925
w/ hall bath 235 275 350 425 470 545 550 595 725 750
Double Room
w/ private bath & queen-sized bed 220 280 385 460 550 610 550 720 1,045 1,025
w/ private bath 195 255 350 410 475 535 450 595 895 925
w/ shared bath & queen-sized bed 195 255 350 410 475 535 450 595 895 925
w/ shared bath 185 210 295 395 425 495 410 525 695 725
w/ hall bath 135 175 205 295 360 425 350 475 595 700
Triple Room
w/ private bath 185 205 235 310 370 430 375 495 725 725
w/ hall bath 110 150 175 265 340 410 295 395 550 650
Tent/Commuter 75 125 145 200 250 300 225 300 475 550
�6 registeronlinewww.isabellafreedman.org
ArrivalandDeparture
Check-In: Registration is between 2 pm and 5 pm on the first day of your retreat. Please do not arrive earlier than 2 pm as rooms are not guaranteed to be ready until 4 pm. Please let us know if you will be a late check-in.
Arrival dinner is usually held at 6 pm or 6:30 pm for weekday retreats, and at 7:30 pm or 8 pm on Shabbat. There will be guest orientation sessions either before or after dinner and will be posted upon arrival.
Check-out: We request that all departing guests vacate their rooms by 8 am so that we may prepare for incoming participants. Programs are typically over between 11 pm and 2 pm on the final day, and include either a lunch or brunch. The specific details and times for your retreat will be included in your confirmation letter.
What to bring?We provide alarm clocks, bedding, soap and towels, though you might want to bring a beach towel if you plan to use the hot tub or swim in the pool or lake (in season only; bathing suits are required at all times).
We provide cushions for meditation; however, we suggest that during meditation retreats you bring your own cushion or backrest. We recommend packing hiking footwear, comfortable yoga clothing, a flashlight and inclement weather gear for all seasons. Ritual wear for services (kippot, tallesim, tefillin, etc.) is optional. Many people wear white on Shabbat and holidays. Prayer books are provided, though you may choose to bring your own.
The Isabella Freedman Bookstore The bookstore is a resource center for the further-ance of Jewish spirituality, learning and culture. Along with books and inspirational music, you will find beautiful hand-woven kipot, tallisim, jewelry and other hand-made crafts. The store also carries a limited sup-ply of scent-free toiletry products if you forget yours.
Internet and Phone Access Wireless internet access is available in our main build-ing. Phone service is provided, but calling cards are required. Most cell phones do not work in our area. Please come with your own calling card.
Joyful Service Joyful service is a wonderful way to give back to our community. We are always in need of helping hands in the kitchen, dining room and housekeeping. Please sign up at the registration table when you arrive.
Emergency Messages Emergency messages may be left for you at (800) 398-2630 x303. Messages left after 10 pm will be heard the next morning at 9 am. Please use this number for emergencies only.
AFewRequests
Silence: We practice silence from wakeup through breakfast during most retreats and at ALL times during meditation retreats.
Scent-free Environment : Some of our guests are sensitive and or allergic to scented products. Please use unscented products while on retreat. Some prod-ucts are available in our bookstore.
high holiday Retreats
registerbyphone800.398.2630 �7
September 12–16, 2007RoshHashanahandShabbatShuvah
September 21–23, 2007YomKippurSponsoredbyRomemuRabbi David ingber and the isabella Freedman Community
WelcometheNewYearwithinspiringservices,deepTorahdiscussionsandavarietyofalternativeprogrammingincludingyogaandmeditation,guidednaturewalks,farmtours,canoeing,latenightsongsessionsandmuchmore .
RoshHashanah,ShabbatShuvahandYomKippurservicesandTorahstudywillbeledbyRabbiDavidIngberandwillreflecthismulti-denominationaltraining .Serviceswillfollowthetraditionalstructureoftheliturgy,yetwillincludemeditation,chantingandmusicalinstruments .
Childrenarewelcomeandtherewillbechildren’sprogramingavailableduringspecifictimes .Atallothertimes,parentsmustsupervisetheirchildren .Rosh Hashanah with Shabbat Shuvah program fee: $135Yom Kippur program fee: $110Room and board options: page 25
September 26–30, 2007Sukkahfest2007:foradultsages21-39SponsoredbyBasherte,Iyyun,Hazon,ALEPH,B'naiJeshurun,andRomemuRabbi shefa Gold, Rabbi DovBer Pinson, Jodi Falk, Rabbi David ingber, and Raziel and efraim eisen (Basherte)
SpendthegloriousfestivalofSukkotonafour-nightretreatamongacommunityofpeers .LearnwithleadingJewishscholars .Dineinoursukkahbythelake .Practiceyogaandmeditation .Soakinthehottub .Workonourorganicfarm .CanoeontheHousatonicRiver .HiketheAppalachianTrail .
Bothtraditional/orthodoxandrenewal/contemplativeserviceswillbeoffered .Program fee: $125Weekend program fee: $100Room and board options: page 25
October 19–21, 200716thAnnualJewishMen'sRetreat
ThisannualretreatwillcelebratemasculinitythroughecstaticShabbatprayer,contemplativepractice,Jewishlearning,music,andthearts .Theweekendwillhonorthetapestryofpastexperiencesandre-weaveawayofbeingforthefuture .Thisretreatismadeupofanintergenerationalgroupofmen,andwelcomeseveryoneregardlessofobservancelevelorJewishbackground .
neshamah summer internship ProgramThisthree-monthprogram(5/�7–8/�8,�007)incorporatesin-
depthspiritualpractice,servicetotheretreatcenter,andalovingandinclusivecommunityinwhichparticipantscanexperienceadeeperdepthofspiritualconnectiontoJewishtradition .Inexchangeforworkingforthecenter,participantstakecoursesduringtheElatChayyimandSeniorAdultCampsummerprogram,learntobuildcommunity,andstudywithleadingJewishspiritualteachers .
Internsgenerallyrangeinagefrom�0sto60s .TheycomefromallovertheworldandfromdiversebackgroundswithdifferentlevelsofJewisheducationandpractice .ItisimportantthatinterestedapplicantsarefamiliarandcomfortablewithElatChayyim'spractices;,willingnessandabilitytoworkhardandtoseeworkitselfasaspiritualpractice;adesiretocreatearespectfulandcaringcommunityamonginternsandotherstaff .
Toapplyorformoreinformation,pleasevisitisabellaFreedman.org/internship
�8 registeronlinewww.isabellafreedman.org
ADAMAHisathreemonthleadershiptrainingprogramforJewishyoungadults—ages�0to�9—thatintegratesorganicfarming,sustainableliving,Jewishlearning,teachingandcontemplativespiritualpractice .Fellowsspendmuchoftheirtimelearningandpracticingsustainableagricultureandanimalhusbandryonthefour-acreADAMAHfarmandinsmallgardensthroughouttheretreatcenter .Fellowsalsoparticipateinleadershiptraining,communitylivingandecologicalandJewishlearningseminarswithvisitingfaculty .
2007FellowshipsSummer: May 27 to September 3
Fall: September 9 to December 16
Applicationsfor�007ADAMAHfellowshipsareacceptedonarollingbasis .The�007programcanaccommodate14SummerFellowsand14FallFellows .ThereisnocosttoparticipateinADAMAH .
TolearnmoreaboutADAMAHandtodownloadanapplication,pleasevisitIsabellaFreedman .org/adamahorcontactShamuSadehatadamah@isabellafreedman .org .
ADAMAH provided the leadership, structure and community that enabled me to re-awaken to Judaism in a profound and lasting way.
—Adina Allen, Berkeley, California
The ADAMAH Fellowship is made possible through the financialsupportofthefollowingindividualsandfoundations:UJA-FederationofNewYork,theNathanCummingsFoundation,theDorotFoundation,Hazon, Aaron and Rita Berman, Laura Rothschild, Lisa and MauryFriedmanFoundation,JakeKriger,DavidBermanandRobertReid .
ADAMAHThe Jewish Environmental Fellowship
registerbyphone800.398.2630 �9
the aDaMah teen institute (ati)Inthesummerof�004,IsabellaFreedmanpilotedthe
ADAMAHTeenInstitute .Over100teensfromNewYorkCityparticipatedinthissix-dayprogramthatintegratesorganicfarmingandenvironmentalstudywithgroupbuilding,Jewishlearning,outdooradventureandcommunityservice .AdultADAMAHFellowsserveastheprimaryteachingstaffforATI .
DuringtheirstayatFreedman,ATIparticipantsliveink'far adamah,ourteenvillage,whichconsistsoffourrusticcabins .IsabellaFreedmaniscurrentlyraisingfundstocompleteconstructionofthisvillagewhichstillneedsasepticsystem,diningfacilityandbathhouse .Wehopetocompleteconstructionandre-launchthisexcitingprograminthesummerof�008 .
The spirit of the ADAMAH staff was infectious. They, and the program itself, are role models for the values we are trying to instill in our kids. At the ADAMAH Teen Institute, our group came together in an incredibly deep way. The impact lasted all summer.
—Tamar Field Director, Tiyul, 92nd St. Y, Pilot ATI Chaperone
the Produce of the LandEachyear,theADAMAHsadeh(field)producesover
�0,000poundsofproduce .MostisconsumedintheIsabellaFreedmandininghall .Someisusedintomakepickles,sauerkraut,kimchiandotherproductsforsaleintheIsabellaFreedmanbookstore .Also,atleast10%oftheannualharvestofdonatedtolocalsoupkitchens .
why Jewish Farming? a message from shamu sadeh, ADAMAHProgramDirector
FortheADAMAHcommunity,Jewishfarminginvolvesathree-wayrelationshipbetweenhumans,theEarthandGod .Jewishfarmingmustbepracticedinwaysthathonoreachofthesethreepartners .WeareJewishfarmersbecausewedonatepartofourharvesttothehungry,becausewegiveourselvesandthelandrestonShabbat,becausewespraynopoisons,andbecausewereciteblessingswhenweeatofourharvest .Atitscore,JewishfarmingisinformedbytheessentialTorahprinciplewhichteachesthathumansdonotownthelandbutratherserveasstewardsofGod’searth .WestrivetoworkthesoilandtendtoplantsandanimalsinwaysthatacknowledgeandsanctifytheSourceofLife,waysthatprotecttheland,andwaysthatpromotejusticeintheworld .
30 registeronlinewww.isabellafreedman.org
senior adult Vacation Center
Youthfulnessisagelesswhenyouarepassionateaboutlife!
Forover50yearsourSummerVacations,ElderhostelsandPassoverRetreatprogramshavebeenwinningravereviewsandrepeatattendance .Ourvacationsforsenioradults,ages55andolder,promisefun,connection,enrichingJewishexperiencesandawholelotmore .
SummerVacationsStrolldownacountrylane .Listentoclassicalmusicunder
thestarsatTanglewood .CelebrateShabbatasthesunsetsovertheBerkshiremountains .Exploreyourcreativesidewitharangeofartsduringtheday,andliveentertainmentatnight .Orsimplyrelaxwithfriendsforgamesintheloungeandconversationsinthegazebo .
AtIsabellaFreedman,thereisneveradullmoment .Onanygivenday,therearedozensofoptionsforspendingyourtime .Joinusthissummerandenjoy:
•TripstoTanglewood,Jacob’sPillowDanceFestival,MusicMountain,theNormanRockwellMuseumandotherculturalattractions
•SeminarsinJewishhistory,literature,theater,music,humorandmore
•ShabbatservicesandJewishlearningexperiencesinourglass-walledsynagogue
•Liveentertainment,folkdancing,artsandcrafts,computerclasses,bridgelessons,
•Fitnesscenter,exerciseclassesandwateraerobics•Boatingandfishinginourprivatelakeandswimmingin
ourheatedpool•Gettingtoknowotherguests,facultyandstaffinawarm
andwelcomingenvironment
2007SeniorSummerVacationsTrip One: June 25 to July 8, 2007Trip Two: July 9 to 22, 2007Trip Three: July 23 to August 5, 2007
Transportation in air-conditioned buses is provided at no cost from New York City.
Passover April 2–11, 2007
Whycook,clean,andkasher?Weinviteyoutofocusinsteadonthecelebrationandspiritualityofthefestival .Enjoyarich,KosherforPassoverprograminacommunityofpeers,all55orolder .
Betweenourwonderful,traditionally-leadprayerservicesandseders,enjoyfabulousactivities—fromlecturestoperformancesbylocalandnationallyrenownedentertainers,artsandcrafts,Israelidancingandboatingonourlake .Duringyourstay,youmayalsoparticipateintripstolocalpointsofinterestsuchasthecharmingtownofKent,Connecticut,andtheNormanRockwellMuseum .
Transportationinair-conditionedbusesprovidedatnocostfromNewYorkCity .
registerbyphone800.398.2630 31
elderhostelsTakeanexcitingjourneyintoJewishlifeandcultureby
attendinganElderhostelprogram .Elderhostelcoursesfeaturethreedifferentlectureseriesoverafive-orsix-dayperiod .Youwillhavetheopportunitytoattendatleastthreedifferentlectureseachday .Programsarekeptsmall(30–60people)soyoucandevelopwarmandpersonalrelationshipswiththelecturersandotherparticipants .
Whenyou’renotattendingalecture,youcanenjoyIsabellaFreedman’sbeautifulgroundsandactivitiesorvisitanyofthenumerousnearbyculturalandnaturalattractionstheBerkshireshavetooffer .Avariedprogramofprofessionalentertainmentisalsoofferedeachevening .
2007CourseOfferings April 15–20 (Course #14782) Untold stories in Jewish historyAndree Brooks
Great american songmakers: Blues, Ragtime & tin Pan alleyLaura Wetzler
into the Mystic: Uncovering the world of Jewish Mystical thoughtRabbi David Ingber
May 28–June 1 (Course #14740) Life on the Lower east sideKen Libo
a world of Jewish MusicLaura Wetzler
Using and Misusing Jewish JokesTom Friedmann
August 27–31 (Course #15082) the influence of Yiddish humor on american Popular CultureKen Libo
societal issues as seen in Jewish wisdomAbraham Gittelson
Fabulous showbiz DivasLaura Wetzler
September 2–7 (Course #15085) Kabbalah in Music, art, Literature and FilmLaura Wetzler
the Making of the Modern JewAbraham Gittelson
the Jews of india and ChinaBernard Raab
For More InformationTorequestaregistrationformorformoreinformation
aboutanyseniorprogram,includingprices,availabilityandscholarships,pleasecontactusat(�1�)�4�-5586,orvisitusonlineatwww .isabellafreedman .org .
ToregisterforanElderhostelcourse,callElderhosteldirectlyat(877)4�6-8056,orvisitwww .elderhostel .org .Usethecoursenumberslistedabovetoidentifyeachprogram .
3� registeronlinewww.isabellafreedman.org
June 4-8, 2007 at Surprise Lake CampThe13thAnnualJewishEnvironmentalEducationSeminar
Thisseminarisaninnovativeprofessionaldevelopmentopportunityforthoseinterestedinintegratingenvironmentalconsciousness,campingorgardeningintoJewisheducation .ThroughworkshopswithleadingTorahscholars,scientists,educatorsandactivists,youwillgaintheskillstobringexcitementandvibrancytomyriadformalandinformalJewisheducationalsettings .Nopreviousenvironmentalknowledgeisnecessary .
the teva Learning Center is a program of surprise Lake Camp .
IsabellaFreedmanhasbeenthefallhomeoftheTevaLearningCentersinceitsfoundingin1994 .Sincethen,over15,000studentsfromJewishdayschools,synagoguesandHebrewschoolsthroughoutNewEngland,NewYorkandNewJerseyhaveparticipatedinitsdynamicexperientialprograms,whichcombineecology,Jewishenvironmentalethics,communitybuildingandenvironmentalactivism .
TolearnmoreabouttheTevaLearningCenterortobookaprogramforyournextschool,synagogue,youthgrouporfamilyretreat,pleasecontactTevaat(�1�)807-6376orvisitwww.tevacenter.org.
registerbyphone800.398.2630 33
Partner Organization Retreats June 1–3, 2007JewishMultiracialNetwork10thAnnualRetreat
JoindozensofotherJewishmultiracialandmulticulturalfamiliestocelebrateShabbatandthediversityofourcommunitytogether .Joindiscussions,participateinrousingsongsessionsandperforminourfamilytalentshow .OrjustrelaxandtakeadvantageofallthattheIsabellaFreedmanJewishRetreatCenterhastooffer .Tolearnmorevisit:JewishMultiracialnetwork.org .Toregister,contactCynthiaWeingerat(�1�)�4�-558�ordownloadaregistrationformonline .
April 12–15, 2007 October 25–28, 2007PANIMRetreatsforRabbisandRabbinicalStudents
Twiceayear,PANIM:TheInstituteforJewishLeadershipandValuessponsorsafour-dayretreatforrabbinicalstudentsfromacrossthedenominationalspectrum .TheretreatsarebasedontwogroundbreakingbooksauthoredbyPANIMpresident,RabbiSidSchwarz .Thespringretreatison“Spirituality,SocialJusticeandtheRabbinate”andisbasedonJudaismandJustice:TheJewishPassiontoRepairtheWorld(JewishLights,�006) .Thefallretreatison“Re-imaginingtheAmericanSynagogue”andisbasedonFindingaSpiritualHome:HowaNewGenerationofJewscanTransformtheAmericanSynagogue(JewishLights,�000) .Formoreinformation,visitwww.panim.org .
Aug 31–Sept 1, 2007HazonBikeRideKickoffWeekend
TheHazonJewishEnvironmentalBikeRidekicksoffwithanextraordinaryshabbatonatIsabellaFreedman .Morethan�00ridersthenmakethe1�0-mile,two-daytrektoNewYorkCity .TheweekendandtheridebringtogetherJewsofallagesandfromacrossthedenominationalspectrumtostudy,playandcelebratetogether .TheridealsoraisesthousandsofdollarsforenvironmentalprojectsintheUnitedStatesandIsrael .Formoreinformation,visitwww.hazon.org .
December 6–9, 2007 (Shabbat Chanukah)HazonFoodConference
JoinHazonforthe�ndannualconferenceonJews,FoodandContemporaryLife .HazonisattheforefrontofanemergingnewJewishfoodmovementandthisconferenceisquicklybecomingthesinglebestplacetotalkaboutcontemporaryfoodissuesinaJewishcontext .Thisfamily-friendlyconferenceoffersamixtureofengagingspeakers,panels,hands-onworkshops,cookingdemonstrationsandopportunitiesforcollectiveandindividualJewishlearningandprayer .ComeandcelebrateShabbatChanukahandbeinspiredbythe“foodforJewishthought .”Formoreinformation,visitwww.hazon.org .
Fall 2007TheTevaLearningCenter
IsabellaFreedmanhasbeenthefallhomeoftheTevaLearningCentersincetheprogram’sfoundingin1994 .Sincethen,over15,000studentsfromJewishdayschoolsthroughoutNewEnglandandNewYorkhaveparticipatedinitsdynamicexperientialprograms,whichcombineecology,Jewishenvironmentalethicsandenvironmentalactivism .Tevaeducatorsarealsoavailabletoteachduringretreatweekends .Formoreinformation,seethefacingpage,orvisitwww.tevacenter.org .
Photo:DonnaFoster
Organizations that have held retreats at Isabella freedman in recent years:
American Jewish World ServiceAnshe Chesed B’nai JeshurunBais Chana Basherte Board of Jewish Education The Bronfman Youth FellowshipConservative Synagogue of
Jamaica EstatesDorot FoundationDorshei TzedekHazonHarold Grinspoon Foundation Hebrew High School of New England Hebrew High School of West Hartford Hebrew Institute of White Plains Hillel of New York IsralightJewish Life NetworkJewish Funders NetworkJewish Coalition for Service JCH of Bensonhurst Jewish Theological Seminary Kane Street Synagogue Mayanot The Meaningful Life Center Nesiya Institute New Hyde Park Synagogue92nd Street YMCAPanim Ramaz SchoolReconstructionist Federation of
New EnglandSalanter Akiba Riverdale AcademySociety for the Advancement of JudaismSolomon Schechter of Long IslandTemple EmunahUnited Synagogue YouthUpper West Side JCCUJA-Federation of New York Woodbury Jewish FederationYeshivat Chovevei TorahYoung Israel of New Hyde Park
Renting isabella FreedmanLookingforaplacetohostyourorganizationalretreatorpersonal
affair?LetIsabellaFreedmanbeyourhostandenjoyallthatourfacilityhastooffer(seepage5) .Asanadditionalservice,ourretreatcoordinatorcanhelpyoucreateyouridealretreatprogrambytakingadvantageofournetworkofspecialists,educators,entertainersandrabbis .Letusenhanceyourretreatthrougharts,music,environmentaleducation,aropescourse,yogaormeditation,textstudy,prayerservicesandmuchmore .Foracompletelistofprogramoptions,pleasevisitourwebsite .
Forratesandavailability,contactAdamBermanat(860)8�4-5991x305orbyemailatrentals@isabellafreedman .org .
34 registeronlinewww.isabellafreedman.org
registerbyphone800.398.2630 35
MarilynAlperRitaAranow
BlairAxelPhyllisBass
AbrahamBerkovitsAaronandRita
BermanDavidBermanJoshuaBermanReenaBernardsJeffreyBoltonEzraBuchwald
JoelCaplanCaseyCogut
Eli&BessCohenFoundation
JonathanCohen
StevenCohnWarrenandDana
CohnNathanCummings
FoundationDavidA .Cooper
MarkDorfDorotFoundation
TamarEarnestPaulandJoanne
EgermanMarkFinkelstein
EnidFisherSSFisher
FoundationMartyFriedman
KennethFriedman
EvanFriedmanEverettandMary
GendlerGerryGolden
HaroldGrinspoonRichardHirsch
JosephHofheimerLawsonHughes
MyronandAnnetteKaplan
SimonKatzBarbaraKatzander
PaulKieselJakeKrigerLaskoJointInvestmentsNealLerner
MichaelLevineJeffLewis
RuthLindenbaumBenjaminMarks
PeterMayMichelleOres
IraPierceAnthonyandDale
PiroTheRitaPoretsky
FoundationRoniPosner
GeorgePrussinStephanieRiesel
RobRosenLauraRothschild
JohnRuark
MarkRussoSaalFamilyFoundationIraSahlman
MichaelSalzhauerHelenSamuelsNigelSavage
RachelSchneiderChipSchorin
RichardShusterJulieSmith
EllenSosnowJulietSpitzerRonaldStein
SharonStrassfeldSwirnowCharitable
Foundation
ElliotTaftTidesFoundation
MarcUtayCharlesandJudith
WeinbergJeffWeinberger
MichaelWeisbergRon&VickiWellerWestchesterReform
TempleGaryWexlerGaryYarus
MichaelandLeighZiegler
SeymourZisesAudreyZucker
isabella Freedman Board of Directors
President: LauraRothschildVice President: SharonStrassfeld
Vice President:NigelSavagetreasurer: RachelSchneider
secretary: MichaelSalzhauer
MarilynMarcusAlperPeterBregman
EnidFisherGeneFleishmanEvanFriedman
MartyFriedmanJoanIlivickyGoldstein
LynneIserSaulKaiserman
IraPierce
RoniPosnerSteffieRiesel
LauraRothschildMarkRusso
MichaelSalzhauer
HelenSamuelsNigelSavage
RachelSchneiderEllenSosnow
SharonStrassfeld
adam BermanExecutiveDirector
ari wellerAssociateDirector/
ElatChayyimDirector
Michelle OresDevelopmentDirector
Rosalie BouchardChiefFinancialOfficer
K'vod wiederProgramDirector
al MarcianoMaintenanceDirector
Cynthia weingerAssistantDirector/SeniorPrograms
Olga PermitinaProgramAssistant
Vlastimil ValasekRetreatManager
tamuz shiranRetreatManager
annie GilbertRegistrar
shir Yaakov Feinstein-FeitCommunicationsDirector
Ben appelleBookstoreManager
shamu sadehADAMAHDirector
naftali hanauADAMAHStaff
Josh RosensteinADAMAHStaff
"super" Ben RosenthalSpecialProjects
isabella Freedman staff
the work of the isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center is made possible through the generosity of the following individuals and foundations. (Contributions over $1,000 since sept. 2006)
HighHolidayRetreatsFillUpWeeksinAdvance.RegisterToday!
Rosh HashanahSeptember 12–16, 2007
Yom KippurSeptember 21–23, 2007
SukkahFest 2007October 26–30, 2007
Location and DirectionsIsabella Freedman is located just two hours from New York City, three hours from Boston and one hour from the Bradley International Airport in Hartford. Shuttle service is available from the airport and from the Wassaic train station, the last stop on the Metro-North Harlem Line from New York City. Please visit our web site for driving directions: www.isabellafreedman.org
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IsabellaFreedmanJewishRetreatCenter116JohnsonRoadFallsVillage,CT06031–1619
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