Omer Retreat: Sitting in the Light of Generosity and Awareness
 

Thursday, April 30-Sunday, May 3, 2026

13-16 Iyar 5786

Days 28-31 of the Omer

Himalayan Institute

Dear Friends,

We will return to the beautiful Himalayan Institute in Honesdale, PA, as we begin the fifth week of the Omer, which brings the energy of Hod. Hod calls forth presence, awareness, gratitude, trust and patience. It teaches about the transformation that comes through listening and being. The full moon of Iyar will be shining on our time together and we will open to its generous, healing light.

Our retreat will be held in the sacred vessel of silence that we will open to share teachings, songs, prayers and reflections.

After our festive dinner on Thursday evening, we will enter into shared silence until Sunday, creating a sacred vessel for our practice. The silence will help us focus, be present and listen into the heartbeat of Hod.

During the retreat we will open the silence mindfully to pray, chant, explore teachings and share reflections with each other.

Our practices will include:

• Sitting and Walking Meditation
• Prayer, Song, Chanting and Movement
• Exploration of Psalms
• Hitbodedut: Meditative Encounter
• Shared Reflections

I pray that the energy of Hod will call us present with loving strength, revealing our great capacity to be messengers for healing and peace.

I look forward to our explorations together.

Blessings,
Rabbi Yael

Jump down to Registration.

Here’s what registrants who attended past Omer Retreats had to say…

“This retreat was an absolute blessing. For me it was transformative. I will draw from this experience endlessly.”

“A beautiful experience in every way. I am deeply grateful!”

“Teachings were just right in intention and length. Body prayer outside at night was sweet.”

Register

IMPORTANT
Maximum retreat participation is 20

Please note that your room, meals and registration fee will be processed by the A Way In website this year.

Retreat registration, including your room selection, will be open until the maximum number of 20 participants is reached. To ensure space in our room block, and to avoid a $36 late fee, be sure to register by Tuesday, March 10, at 5PM Eastern.

Your payment includes your room, all meals and the A Way In registration fee of $360.

Cost per room/single occupancy:
Deluxe Suites (bedroom, sitting area with sleeper sofa) $329 per night;
Deluxe Room with private bath $249 per night; Standard room (hall bath) $199 per night.

*If you plan to share a room or are interested in a roommate, contact Bea c/o Retreats@awayin.org

Himalayan Institute is on two levels: our meeting room is on the second floor; the dining area and access to outside is on the first floor. Sleeping rooms are on both levels. Please let us know if you have a level preference by emailing Retreats@awayin.org.

To view room accommodations: https://himalayaninstitute.org/retreat-center/accommodations/

*A Way In Friends discount of $36 applies to individuals who have donated or pledged $500 or more to A Way In since July 1, 2025 and to Rabbinical students. There is an early bird discount of $18 for individuals registering prior to Sunday, February 15, at 5PM Eastern.

Questions about Logistics: Bea Leopold, Retreat Coordinator c/o Retreats@awayin.org

Questions about Teaching Content: rabbiyael@awayin.org