The period between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is the peak period in the Jewish Holy-day cycle for the inner work that can enhance our sense of non-separation from the Divine as it manifests in “All Being”. Spending these days in silent meditation and contemplating the experience of life is a profound way to enter Yom Kippur itself. Seven days of contemplative practice is a uniquely powerful way to identify old patterns, gain balance in our lives and cultivate a grateful heart, which can see the truth of our lives more clearly. It is a form of entering the Holy of Holies where the Divine Presence can be found.

Using the vehicle of silence and a variety of Jewish meditation approaches this retreat will help you to look deeply into your own life. The retreat includes daily periods of liturgical chant. Daily instruction in meditation will help guide both beginning and advanced practitioners into the sacred space of the retreat process.

Throughout the intensive we encourage you to practice silence in your home environment and to disconnect from the e-mail and news programs. If you are living with others you might want to try having only one meal per day with your housemates maintaining silence at other times. There will also be times for questions and answers as well as individual conferences with the teachers. The retreat includes a celebration of Shabbat. On the final Sunday we will have a chance to hear of each other’s experience as the retreat comes to a close in time to have a meal before Yom Kippur.