"May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year."
A Community Message from David Weisberg, Executive Director

It's a wish that's exchanged so often during the high holiday season that many of us likely rarely stop to consider it; almost like the perfunctory "How are you" "Good" exchange that happens while passing an acquaintance in the hallway when all we really mean to say is "Hello."

But consider all the measure that goes into a year: health and sickness, birth and loss, success and failure, joy and sadness, and, perhaps above all... change. Indeed, wishing a good year encompasses a lot.

When I exchanged such greetings with fellow congregants at my family's shul in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, last year, as I've done for most of the past forty years, I hadn't the faintest notion of the changes that 5771 would bring to my family, and that those changes would bring me to a new community with its own beautiful environment and a stunning synagogue unlike any I've ever experienced before, and in which this year we will be celebrating Rosh Hashanah 5772.

It's been a wonderful change for me, as well as for my family, and we will forever be grateful for the opportunity that I have to lead, serve, and be part of the Isabella Freedman community.

Of course, change isn’t reserved for people.

As the years go by, we see change all around us, in our neighborhoods, in our environment, and even in our organizations.

The "book" that I have the privilege to help write for Isabella Freedman for the year 5772 will mark great change. In the coming months, as we begin to announce details of the program offerings you'll be seeing at Isabella Freedman over the next twelve months, you will discover a calendar of opportunities that both pays honor to our historic and loyal constituencies—with programs such as senior camp and exciting new platforms for reinvigorated Elat Chayyim-style experiences—while looking forward to expand our community with a diverse set of new programs and events.

New programs already in the works for 5772 include a Kosher Adult Weight Loss & Fitness Camp, a Conference for Aspiring Interfaith Educators, a Judaism & Baseball Retreat, and much more.

As we enter 5772, I ask you to consider how you might inscribe your own name in the Isabella Freedman book in the coming year.

While change is a constant, one thing will not change in the coming year. Isabella Freedman will continue to be a Jewish institution unlike any other in the world; and that’s thanks to your participation and your support.

Please feel free to contact me at david@isabellafreedman.org to discuss how you can help ensure a sweet and wonderful year at Isabella Freedman for all of us.

L’shana Tova.

Best Always,

David I. Weisberg
Executive Director

At Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center, we create transformative experiences that integrate ecological awareness, vibrant Jewish spirituality, and social justice. On retreat and on the farm, our programs cultivate community, refresh the soul, and rekindle purpose.

We are located 1 hour from Hartford, CT, 2 hours from NYC, and 3 hours from Boston. Our 400-acre Connecticut Berkshire campus has a ten-acre farm, two lakes, and miles of hiking trails. We provide year-round accommodations for up to 150 guests and serve farm-to-table kosher cuisine.

Room & Board ranges from $75 to $295 per night per adult and does not include program fees. We offer children’s programs, on-site camping, financial aid, and transportation shuttles. We rent our site throughout the year for organizational retreats and family celebrations.