The Sabbath Dance - Retreat 2024

September 12-15

Join us for The Sabbath Dance retreat, a transformative four-day journey that integrates the wisdom of Jewish spiritual traditions with the power of dance and movement. Over four days, we will peel back the layers of self to open and prepare our souls for Rosh Hashanah.

During the month of Elul, the final month of the Jewish year, we have the unique opportunity to reflect on our past and set intentions for the future. This retreat offers a dedicated space to delve into realms of consciousness that everyday life often obscures. By peeling back the layers of self, we aim to access the primordial waters at the core of our beings, aligning ourselves with the divine flow as we approach the new year.

Whether you are seeking spiritual renewal, or deeper self-awareness, The Sabbath Dance retreat provides a nurturing environment for profound personal growth.

Who Should Attend:

This retreat is open to all who are interested in Jewish spirituality, movement, and meditation. No prior experience is necessary—just a willingness to explore and connect. No prior knowledge of Jewish practices is required.

The Retreat Space:

Arts on Site

The retreat will be hosted at Arts on Site Residency and Retreat center offering uninhibited space in nature. The property is located in Kerhonkson, NY, in the Shawangunk Mountains, 2 hours north of NYC, and features 20 acres of forest adjacent to Minnewaska State Park.

The space includes a sprung dance floor inside a converted barn which will allow us to go deep into our movement practice.

“This retreat was such a special affinity community experience! I had such an amazing time and released so much that was no longer serving me. The yoga opened up my lungs and heart and grounded me. The food, the setting, the learning, and the human connection were so nourishing. I'm so grateful for all that I took home from the experience”

— Feedback from a past retreat participant.

Our sponsor -

This retreat was made possible through a generous gift from Moishe House. We are grateful for their support in making this happen. Learn more at https://www.moishehouse.org

 FAQs

  • You do not have to be Jewish to attend. This retreat is open to anyone interested in engaging with Jewish approaches to spirituality.

  • We aim to keep the event small with 20 people total (or less). By creating an intimate container, we hope to create a safe space for us to go deep together.

  • The retreat will not be strictly kosher, but everything will be vegetarian. Please share any allergies and dietary restrictions on the sign-up form.

  • Yes, we’d love to hear from you and discuss how we can fit your offering into the flow of the weekend. Please contact us with your ideas.
    avarembodied@gmail.com

  • Everyone will have a bed inside a bell tent or yurt at the beautiful retreat center at Arts on Site in Kerhonkson, New York. Sheets and blankets will be provided. That said, the sleeping arrangements are rustic. Do NOT expect a five-star hotel. Hot showers are available.

  • We’ll sed out a packing list closer to the start of the retreat.

  • We’ve worked hard to keep this event as affordable as possible. That said, if $150 is simply not accessible, please email us at avarembodied@gmail.com.

  • The schedule will include a mix of structured activities and free time. We will start each day with yoga and meditation, followed by workshops and dance. Shabbat will be a special time for rest and reflection (more information on this to come).

  • Participants must be at least 21 years old. Based on the grant we received for the event, we will prioritize participants ages 21-32 but we invite people older than that to apply as well.

  • Please let us know as soon as possible if you need to cancel. Cancellations made more than 30 days in advance will receive a full refund. Cancellations made within 30 days of the event will receive a 50% refund.

  • No required reading or preparation is needed, but we will provide some optional materials and resources to help you get the most out of the retreat.

    In addition, if you don’t already have a meditation practice, we encourage you to try meditating for 5-10 minutes each day leading up to the event. If you’re new to meditation, we recommend apps such as Headspace or Insight Time. While this is not required, it will help prepare your mind for the experience.

  • Kerhonkson, New York, is accessible by car and public transportation (the venue is about 30 minutes taxi from the bus stop). We will send detailed directions and transportation options upon registration. Carpooling options may also be available.

  • You can get in touch with us at avarembodied@gmail.com