Opening to the Lights of Chanukah: A Mindfulness Shabbat Retreat

November 30 – Dec 2, 2018

22 – 24 Kislev 5779

Long Beach Island, New Jersey

In these days just before Chanukah, we will gather by the ocean to welcome Shabbat and begin to open to the light that flows through this season. The flames of Chanukah, the mystics teach, come from the infinite light that flowed through the beginning of creation. This light is filled with chen—grace—a gift of pure love.

We will sit with the ocean and with each other, opening to the gifts of this season. Our time together will be held in silence, interwoven with teachings, prayers and song.

Our energy and intentions will continue to expand as we return to our own homes and communities to light the first Chanukah candle on Sunday night.

—Rabbi Yael Levy

Questions? Take a look at our Retreat FAQ's, watch the video with Rabbi Yael "Why Go on a Retreat?" or simply write us at info@awayin.org.

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Shabbat urges us to pay attention to right now, to bring ourselves again and again to the present moment. 

The practice of Shabbat is essential. It calls us to slow down, to notice the intricate patterns of creation, and to engage the world around us with our senses rather than our actions.

Shabbat helps us release the busyness of the mind, and for one day, to relieve us from planning, striving and doing. On this retreat, we will welcome Shabbat and experience its offerings.

Silence will fill the space in between our teachings.

We Experience

Schedule

Arrive between 3:00 – 4:00 PM on Friday.

Settle and meet the group.

The retreat will start at 5:00pm with song, prayer, a festive meal and teachings.

On Shabbat, we will join for morning practices, mindfulness prayer service, ocean time and rest.

On Saturday evening, we will celebrate Havdalah with ritual, song and teachings.

Sunday morning will be devoted to practice, a Mindfulness prayer service and preparing ourselves for the arrival of Chanukah.

We’ll plan to depart for home at approximately noon.

Location

We will be staying at two beach houses generously donated by Erika Aaron and Marc Fliegelman, located in High Bar Harbor and Barnegat Light, Long Beach Island, NJ. This time of year, the beach is serene, filled with the sounds of the birds and water, and quietly welcoming us to its off-season beauty.

Our time together will be equally divided between the two houses, ¼ mile apart, connected by a flat, paved road, an estimated 20-minute walk or 5-minute drive. Beach access is available. Ample parking is available at both beach houses. We will arrange for shared carpooling between the houses.

Everyone is welcome.

Register

Registration is limited. Please register early!

Your registration includes your room in one of the spacious beach houses, five catered wholesome vegetarian meals and a to-go snack for your ride home on Sunday as well as all teachings and guidance by Rabbi Yael.

A Late Fee will be applied after November 23.

Fees quoted are per person.

Discounts, if applicable, apply to A Way In Friends* and Mishkan Shalom members.*

* A Way In Friends' Discount applies to individuals who have donated or made a commitment of $1,000 or more to A Way In in 5779 (July 1, 2018 - June 30, 2019), as well as to Rabbis & Rabbinical Students. Deduct $72.

* Mishkan Shalom Members who do not qualify for the Friend Discount may apply this discount. Dedu