Join others mourning the death of a loved one in a unique and supportive weekend retreat. Inspired by the 25+ years of the Bay Area Jewish Healing Center’s program of the same name, Grief and Growing offers opportunities for participants of all ages, infants through elders, to come together in community to experience the healing power of community and the power of gathering at Camp Newman.
Over a nurturing weekend program, participants will be invited to connect through the use of art, Jewish ritual, bodywork, nature, movement, all in the company of those also experiencing the process of rebuilding a life without the person who has died. We welcome individuals, couples, and families with children of all ages.
Registration information for this retreat is coming soon, but to indicate interest or request more information, with no obligation to attend, please fill out our Grief & Growing Retreat Interest Form above. You will be added to future communication, including when priority registration opens.
Retreat Accommodations
Cabin Accommodations: $1500 Shared or $1850 Private
Participants 17 and younger: $425
We have several cabin villages with a variety of amenities and all within a short walk to the heart of camp.
Offers:
- 1/2-cabins sleep up to 8 people and are great for larger families or multiple families together
- Each suite includes four sets of bunk beds with one private bathroom.
- All cabins include A/C and heat.
- Several ADA accessible cabins available.
The Lodge Accommodations:
$2100 per person- Double-Occupancy-Private Room
Participants 17 and younger: $425
$3350 per person – Private Room (1 person)
The Lodge, also knows as Village 2, is a brand new upscale, hotel-style building with 28-double occupancy rooms that sleep up to 4 people each. Centrally located at the heart of camp, steps from the Dining Hall and all that main camp has to offer. View the Village 2 Room Map >
Each room has:
-
- 2 queen beds & a private bathroom
- Mini fridge, microwave & Keurig coffee maker
- private small outdoor seating area with rocking chairs
- Several single ADA accessible rooms available
Grief and Growing Retreat Leaders
Liora Brosbe, Director
Liora Brosbe is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Liora and Registered Drama Therapist whose prior professional work included working with incarcerated women, foster youth, individuals living with grief and loss, traumatized children and families in school and clinic settings. A Bay Area native, Liora has worked as a Jewish communal professional for over 25 years. Liora is also a formally trained Maggidah, a Jewish storyteller and teacher and is passionate about working with families to engage in a meaningful Jewish life.
Yael Galinson, Assistant Director
Yael Galinson is an End-of-Life Doula, death educator, and grief companion. She is trained by INELDA, NEDA, the Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Foundation, and she is a graduate of the Gamliel Institute. Yael serves on the board of Sinai Memorial Chapel and the Jewish Association for Death Education. She is committed to providing emotional, spiritual, and practical support to families around illness, end of life, death, and bereavement.
Professional Leadership Team
Rabbi Dan Goldblatt, AriYael Jewish Healing Center
Zoe Goldblatt, AriYael Jewish Healing Center
Abra Greenspan, A Healing Legacy
Liz Orlin, Sinai Memorial Chapel
In addition the following leaders were central to the creation and development of the original Grief and Growing program. We are indebted to them for their vision and for serving the community.
Rabbi Eric Weiss, Co-Founder and Spiritual Director Emeritus
Lee Labe Pollack, LCSW-Co-Founder and Clinical Director Emerita
Ann Gonski z”l, Co-Founder and Camp Retreat Director Emerita
Vicky Kelman, Director of Family and Children Programming Emerita
We would also like to acknowledge the staff and co-directors throughout the years including:
Marsha Blachman, Rabbi Natan Fenner, Alissa Flores, Debby Graudenz, Mark Haviland, Ryley Katz, Sherry Knazan, Rabbi Elliot Kukla, Kiki Lipsett, Nathaniel Markman, Meira Salman, Rabbi Jon Sommers, and Melanie Wartenberg.
FAQs
How are retreat costs determined? Is there financial assistance?
Grief and Growing is an intensive weekend with many offerings to support mourners where they are in their process. The ratio of trained and skilled staff members to participants, the variety of workshop offerings, and the high quality of the retreat experience including dining and lodging all contribute to the overall costs for those attending.
- Children and Youth under age 17 are highly subsidized.
- Many of our staff provide their time and services pro-bono to make the weekend more accessible.
- Our generous funders are ensuring that all participants can attend, regardless of financial resources.
Please contact us to make arrangements for further fee reductions.
What are the dates and timing of the retreat?
The retreat begins on Friday, February 27 at 4pm and concludes on Sunday, March 1 at noon.
What is the schedule?
The schedule will be posted in December 2025. There will be workshops, rituals, activities, and plenty of time to connect or have space to yourself. Grief and Growing offers opportunities to be in nature, have bodywork (clothed massage), music and singing, yoga and movement, creative arts, and delicious, nourishing meals.