Connecting Heaven & Earth:
Jewish Contemplative Practices in Nature
Monday, June 17 – Friday, June 21, 2013
Rabbi Jeff Roth and Sarah Chandler
Find the Divine in the earth, in ourselves, and in all things
Join us for this week of theory and practice learning meditative tools that bring us in touch with the Divine Presence that is manifesting at all times in all things. Through Jewish mindfulness meditation you will learn ways to counteract the negative habits of mind that lead towards greed, anger and resentment. Learning to rest in the direct sensory experience of the natural world around us and within us is one focus of the retreat. We will also learn practices that cultivate the wholesome mind-states of joy, compassion, and thankfulness. As we begin to understand and dispel confusing mental habits, we can enter a state of recognition and appreciation of the Divine Presence pervading all life.
- Enjoy creative farm-to-table feasts
- Take guided, silent meditative walks and hikes on our 400-acre Berkshire campus
- Sit with a mindful, supportive community
- Tour our permaculture garden and organic fields while learning about sustainable agriculture
Please note that this is a Jewish meditation experience, but not a silent retreat. There will be other classes taking place on site the same week as part of the Elat Chayyim Living Laboratory.
Five Labs, One Community.
Connecting Heaven & Earth is part of the Elat Chayyim Living Laboratory, a week dedicated to continuing the experiment in renewing Jewish spirituality. To explore the other labs, click here.
Extend your retreat into the weekend with Elat Chayyim Shabbat June 21 - 23.
Rabbi Jeff Roth is the founder and Director of The Awakened Heart Project for Contemplative Judaism. He was the co-founder of Elat Chayyim where he served as Executive Director and Spiritual Director for 13 years. He is the co-leader of the Jewish Mindfulness Teacher Training program and has facilitated of over 90 Jewish meditation retreats. He is the author of Jewish Meditation Practices for Everyday Life, Jewish lights Publishing.
Sarah Chandler serves as the Director of Earth Based Spiritual Practice for Hazon's Adamah Farm at Isabella Freedman. She is a Jewish experiential educator, community activist, and spiritual leader. She has her M.A. in Jewish Communal and Experiential Education and Hebrew Bible from the Jewish Theological Seminary. Sarah is a student of Kohenet: The Hebrew Priestess Institute, IJS's Jewish Mindfulness Teacher Training, and serves on the Green Hevra Stewardship Committee.
If you're new to Isabella Freedman, check out our Frequently Asked Questions for information about where we're located, arrival and departure times, what to bring, etc.
Registration Information
Use Discount Code EARLY when you register by May 17th and save $25.
All-inclusive rates start at $466 per person. Click the purple button to the right for information, rates, and to register online. Online registration is for full credit card payments only. If you would like to pay in installments, pay by check, or apply approved financial aid, please call 800.398.2630 x4. Please review our lodging options and rates prior to calling.
If you'd like to extend your stay to join us for Elat Chayyim Shabbat,
you will be able to select that option when you register.
You will receive a confirmation email once you have registered and made a payment online or by phone. If you do not receive the confirmation email within 24 hours of registering, please call us at 800.398.2630 x4.
We strive to make our programs affordable to everyone. Click here for information about Financial Aid.
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