In less than a month, over 150 women of all ages will come together for the 2nd Annual Women’s Retreat Weekend: a 3-day immersive experience with soul-filling workshops, opportunities for artistic creation, community-guided activities like yoga, mah jong, hiking and even Forest Bathing. But beyond the activities, participants will have the time and space to break out of daily routine, where the physical environment and collective experiences are infused with Jewish values. 

The weekend will officially kick off Friday afternoon as participants make themselves at home in our cozy, upscale cabins or hotel-like rooms in The Lodge.  A glass of wine and a bit of nosh will help everyone shed the stress of travel and the past week and open to new experiences, deepened connections and a whole lot of fun!

As the sun sets participants will welcome in Shabbat, gathering as a full community over a delicious Shabbat dinner, courtesy of Chef Danny and his amazing team. The energy and togetherness of dinner will flow into a spirit-filled Shabbat song session complete with Israeli dancing, giving way to a relaxing campfire where conversations and connections will continue to blossom.

After a blissful night’s sleep and a stunning breakfast spread, attendees will let their inner campers out with a morning of Shabbat and camp activities. With options ranging from a vigorous hike to a grounding yoga practice or a more traditional Shabbat experience, participants will start the day off with intention and rejuvenation.  The adventure continues – in whatever way attendees choose – perhaps with a trip to our 50-foot climbing tower and some of the best views at camp or in our art room for some tie-dye and crafting.

Fueled by another scrumptious meal from Chef Danny, participants will move into our slate of “by-women-for-women” workshops. The unique combination of offerings will allow attendees to design the afternoon themselves – check out the workshop leaders and descriptions. 

When asked why she was excited to be leading “By Accident”, a workshop about navigating life’s toughest moments, at this year’s retreat, Joanne Greene replied 

“Showing up, being present, listening and sharing what we’ve learned is what I most love about being with women. We bring and share our gifts, and we leave with full hearts, the feeling of being seen, and the certainty that being in Jewish space and time with other women nurtures our souls.” 

For Jenna Robinow, LCSW, who will be leading “Fueling your Strength in a Diet Culture of Confusion”, the power of women coming together in community is also a driving force: 

“When I became a first-time mom in 2023, my conceptualization of feminine wisdom deepened 10-fold. I greatly needed the energy and influence of other women who had been in the thick of it, where I was. Their reassurance went further than I could have guessed.

Separately, as a therapist and body image expert, my peers and clients have always been predominantly women, and what a gift! I’m really fortunate that my work presents so many opportunities to create safe, non-judgmental spaces, where we can be vulnerable and heal together. Whether it’s navigating body image, societal pressures, or personal growth, being in community with other women fosters a sense of belonging that is both grounding and empowering.”   

The Saturday afternoon schedule makes space to simply “be”. Our beautiful campus is the perfect place to explore along the creek or find the perfect rock to perch on for a moment of quiet meditation. Perhaps a lively game of pickleball or a round of frisbee golf is more your speed? An extra campy Happy Hour will mark the transition into the evening activities featuring wine pairings, s’mores, and other sweet treats. Dinner will offer attendees more time to shmooze (and enjoy the delicious food!) before an evening of fun and relaxation around the campfire.

On Sunday morning, we’ll squeeze in all the time together we can with a community art project that will allow everyone to come together to add our own beautiful mark to camp. Participants will finish with a closing circle, joining together in community one last time just as they did on the retreat’s first night. Attendees will say l’hitraot, see you later, to friends old and new, with the promise to be back together next year at Women’s Retreat, May 1-3, 2026. 

The joy and connectedness that’s possible when women come together in intentional community is best summed up with words from Michelle Tandowsky, Women’s Retreat Chair:  

“There is something deep and ancient about the connections between women.  We understand each other at almost the level of our DNA.  We learn that we do best when kindred spirits — our mothers, grandmothers, sisters, daughters, friends — help us bear up under the challenges we face.  We find that our best chances for health, happiness, success, and sometimes even survival can come to us by tapping into the wisdom and strength of other women, and we find joy in doing this for each other.” 

Feeling some FOMO? We still have space in our cabin accommodations – grab your best friend and join us for Women’s Weekend. Book your retreat!