isabella freedman jewish retreat center catalog 2007

New Programs for 2007 page 9

Jewish Arts InstituteWith Danny Maseng page 22

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Family RetreatRe-imagining an ancient rite page 23

The ADAMAH FellowshipGrowing organic produce, Jewishly page 28

Senior Adult Vacation CenterBack for its 50th year page 30

www.IsabellaFreedman.org (800) 398–2630

Isabella Freedman2007 program catalogJewish RetReat CenteR

� registeronline www.isabellafreedman.org

WhyCometoIsabellaFreedman?World-class teachers • Connection to nature

Relaxation • Spiritual renewal • Time for yourself Engaging Jewish learning • Healthy, delicious, kosher food

Community • Meditation • Family programs • Fun Yoga • Massage • Friendship

“Before i came to isabella Freedmani thought my Jewish journey was over.

now i know that it has just begun.”

—sabrina Malach, age 26, aDaMah Fellow 2005

table of Contents

ProgramCalendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–7

ElatChayyimCenterforJewishSpirituality . . 9

SpringRetreats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

SummerRetreats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1�

MeditationRetreatsandECAMP . . . . . .16

YogaTrainingInstitute . . . . . . . . . . . .17

JewishArtsInstitute . . . . . . . . . . . . . ��

Bar/BatMitzvahFamilyAdventure . . . . �3

SummerRegistration&GuestInfo . . . . �5

NeshamahSummerInternship . . . . . . �7

HighHolidays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . �7

ADAMAH:TheJewishEnvironmentalFellowship�8

SeniorAdultVacationCenter . . . . . . . . . 30

TevaLearningCenter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3�

PartnerOrganizationRetreats . . . . . . . . . .33

RentingIsabellaFreedman . . . . . . . . . . . 34

registerbyphone 800.398.2630 3

4 registeronlinewww.isabellafreedman.org

Dearfriends,

ForoveracenturytheIsabellaFreedmanJewishRetreatCenterhasservedasaplaceofrestoration,connectionandrenewalfortheJewishcommunityofNorthAmerica .TensofthousandshavecometoourcampusintheConnecticutBerkshires to deepen and reinvent their relationship toJewishtradition,tobepartofawarm,opencommunity,andtonurturetheirbody,mindandspirit .

AtIsabellaFreedman,allofourprogramsareinspiredbyadesiretocultivatetheevolutionofhumanconsciousness .ThisimpulseiseloquentlycapturedbytheJewishmysticRabbiAbrahamIsaacKookwhoinoneofhismanyessaysonspiritualitywrote:

There is one who sings the song of one’s own life, and in it, finds full spiritual satisfaction....

There is another who sings a song of his people. He leaves the circle of his own individual self because he finds it without sufficient breadth....

There is another who reaches toward the more distant realms, going beyond the boundary of Israel to sing the song of humanity....

Then there is one who rises towards the wider horizons, until she links herself with all existence, with all God’s creatures....

Ourhighesthopeisthatyourvisitwithuswillenableyoutohearyoursongmoreclearly,tosingitmoreoftenandtodeepenitsreachinthefourworldsofself,community,humanityandcreation .

Tothisend,itisourpleasuretosharewithyouour�007ProgramCatalog,ourmostexcitingandcomprehensivecalendarinour113-yearhistory,representingthelargestselectionofJewishretreatprogramsinoneplaceanywherein the world . Our current retreat listings reflect recentsignificant programmatic growth and our merger withElatChayyim,theJewishspiritualretreatcenterformerlylocatedinAccord,NewYork .OurcalendaralsomirrorsthediversityandrichnessofthelargerJewishcommunity .We are proud that people from all walks of life — fromnearly every Jewish background, sexual orientation, agegroup, race and denominational affiliation — today callIsabellaFreedmanhome .

WhetheryouarenewtoIsabellaFreedmanorhavebeencoming here for years, we hope that you will find ourretreatcenterahomecomingforbody,mindandsoul .Welookforwardtoseeingyousoon .

b’Shalom,

Message from the Directors

adam Berman ari weller ExecutiveDirector AssociateDirector,and DirectoroftheElatChayyim CenterforJewishSpirituality

LocationIsabellaFreedmanislocatednearthesmallNewEnglandtownofFallsVillage,Connecticut,approximatelytwohoursnorthofNewYorkCityandthreehourswestofBoston .Theretreatcenterrestson380acresofforestedlandandlushmeadowsinthefoothillsofthesouthernBerkshires .Therearetwolakesforboating,fishing,swimming,orsimplyforcontemplation .Well-groomedtrailswindaroundthelakesandstretchintotheadjacentforest,connectingafterashortdistancewiththeAppalachianTrailformilesofunspoiledhikingandviews .

accommodationsDuringyourtimewithus,youwillenjoythesimplicity,comfortandcharmofourcountrylodging .Wecanaccommodateupto180guestsinourwell-appointedrooms .Eachofourelevenlodgeshasitsownuniquecharacter,andallarefullyair-conditionedandwinterizedforuseatanytimeofyear .Somebuildingshaveroomswithprivatebaths;othersoffersharedbathrooms .Roomsforpeoplewithdisabilitiesarealsoavailableuponrequest .

Dining Weservegourmetwhole-foodscuisine,usingonlythefinestqualityandfreshestingredients .Wearecommittedtoprovidinglocal,organicproduce,grains,cheesesandmeatwhenavailable .Inseason,nearlyallofourproduceisgrownonourownorganicfarm .High-qualityvegetarian

andveganalternativesareofferedateverymeal .Ingredientsforalldishesarelabeledateachmealforthosewithfoodallergiesorspecialneeds .Forquestionsaboutourdiningservices,pleaseemail:dining@isabellafreedman .org .

KashrutTheIsabellaFreedmankitchenisglattkosherandunderthestrictsupervisionoftheHartfordKashrutCommission .Anon-sitemashgiachispresentinthekitchenatalltimes .Forkashrutquestions,pleaseemail:kashrut@isabellafreedman .org .

amenitiesDuringyourstayyoucanenjoy:•Hikingtrailsthatconnecttothe

AppalachianTrail•Ourorganicgardensandfour-acrefarm•Outdoorlakeswimmingandboatingwith

lifeguard,inseason•Outdoorpoolwithlifeguard,inseason•Hottub,open�4hoursaday,year-round•Tennis,volleyballandbasketballcourts•Indoorfitnessroom•Privatemassageandbodywork•Wi-Fihigh-speedInternetaccess•Artsandcraftscenter•Firecircleforeveningbonfireprograms•Lowelementsropescourseforteam-

buildingactivities•Glass-walledsynagoguewithviewsoflake

andmountain•Largetheatrespace•Bookstorestockedwithawideselectionof

Jewishbooks,musicandart

surrounding areaWithitsnaturalbeauty,quintessentialNewEnglandtowns,antiques,literaryhistoryandrichculturallife,it’snowondertheBerkshirescontinuestoattractandinspiresomanyvisitorsyearafteryear .LocatednearthehistorictownofFallsVillage,Connecticut,IsabellaFreedmanisonlyashortdistancefromtheworld-renownedcultural,historicandnaturalattractionsofthebeautifulBerkshires .

Commitment to sustainability IsabellaFreedmaniscommittedtooperatingourfacilityinwaysthatminimizeourenvironmentalimpact .Newbuildingsareconstructedwithenergyefficiencythatisatleast30%betterthanstatecode .Foodissourcedandgrownwithourenvironmentinmind .Non-toxicpaints,cleaningproductsandfinishesareusedthroughoutthefacility .Renewableenergytechnologiessuchasbiodiesel(useandmanufacturing),solarhotwaterandasmall-scalehydroelectricturbineareutilizedonthesite .Foranupdatedlistofenvironmentalprojectsandpolicies,pleasevisitourwebsite .

registerbyphone 800.398.2630 �

Our home


April 2–April 11, 2007 p. 30senior Passover Program

April 12–15, 2007 p. 33PaniM Retreat for Rabbis and Rabbinical students

April 13–15 p. 10spring shabbatonaligning the Desires of Your heart a workshop for Couples

Raziel and Efraim Eisen

walking to sinai: spiritual Practices to Get Us Up the Mountain

Rabbi Natan Margalit, Minna Bromberg, Lee Moore and Akiva Wharton

April 15–April 20 p. 31elderhostel (Course #14782) Untold stories in Jewish history

Andree Brooks

Great american songmakers: Blues, Ragtime and tin Pan alley

Laura Wetzler

into the Mystic: Uncovering the world of Jewish Mystical thought

Rabbi David Ingber

May 18–20 p. 10nehirim: GLBt spiritual Retreat

Rabbi Steve Greenberg, Jay Michaelson, Rabbi Jill Hammer, and many others

May 20–25 p. 11shavuot 5767/2007: Receiving the torah of today

Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi and Eve Ilsen, with Rabbi David Ingber

May 27– August 28 p. 27neshamah summer internship

May 27–September 3 p. 28aDaMah summer Fellowship

May 28–June 1 p.11the heart’s wisdom: a training in sage-ing

Rabbi Shaya Isenberg, Lynne Iser and Bahira Sugarman featuring Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi via teleconference

May 28–June 1 p. 31elderhostel (Course #14740) Life on the Lower east side

Ken Libo

a world of Jewish MusicLaura Wetzler

Using and Misusing Jewish JokesTom Friedmann

June 1–3, 2007 p. 33Jewish Multiracial network 10th annual Retreat

June 4–10 p. 12Pathways to an authentic Relationship with God MORninG CLassesDis-ease, healing and wholeness: Falling and Rising higher

Rabbi David Zeller

the “i” of “i aM”: Radical Unity with the Divine in the Jewish experience

Rabbi David Ingber

seeking Presence through Movement and Prayer

Julie Leavitt

aFteRnOOn CLassesFacing the Living God: Developing an authentic Relationship to spirit

Rabbi Tirzah Firestone and K’vod Wieder

holy Closeness: songs from the well of Jewish sacred world Music

Cantor Richard Kaplan

taste and see that God is Good: a Jewish Cleanse workshop

Ilana Fleisher-Margalit and Rabbi Natan Margalit

Discovering the aleph-Bet: an introduction to the hebrew Language

Deena Aranoff

June 11–17 p. 16Contemplative Practice week Oneadvanced Meditation Program (eCaMP): week 1

A NEW four-week Training Institute!

Norman Fischer, Rabbi Joanna Katz, Rabbi Alan Lew and Rabbi Jeff Roth

Meditation, Movement and Creativity Retreat: traditional and innovative Practices in silence

Rabbi David Zeller and Hannah Sara Zeller

June 18–24 p. 17Contemplative Practice week twoYoga and Jewish spirituality teacher training institute: week 1


Rabbi Miriam Klotz and Diane Bloomfield

Open Meditation Program: awakening through Jewish Meditation

Rabbis Alan Lew and Jeff Roth

2007 senior summer Vacations p.30trip One: June 25 – July 8, 2007trip two: July 9 – July 22, 2007trip three: July 23 – aug. 5, 2007

August 6–12 p. 18MORninG CLassUniting spirituality and social Change: Learning from heschel on Prayer, Pyramids and Politics

Rabbi Arthur Waskow with Professor Susannah Heschel

aFteRnOOn CLassLiberty in the Land for all her inhabitants: Justice, ecology, sustainability and human Rights

Rabbi David Seidenberg

isabella Freedman Program Calendar 2007

registerbyphone800.398.2630 7

August 6–12 p. 18training institutes in-ProgressKohenet

Rabbi Jill Hammer and Holly Taya Shere

Jewish shamanic healingRabbi Gershon Winkler and Miriam Maron

Davennen’ Leadership training Rabbi Marcia Prager, Cantor Jack Kessler and Rabbi Shawn Zevit

Kol ZimraRabbi Shefa Gold, Rachmiel O’Regan and Phyllis Berman

August 13–19 p. 19sacred earth experiencesa taste of aDaMah

Rabbi Jill Hammer, Shamu Sadeh and Adam Berman

torah trek: a Five-Day Jewish wilderness experience

Rabbi Mike Comins

August 13–19 p. 20Masters of Contemporary Kabbalah MORninG CLassesthe spirit of Prophecy

David Friedman

the Future of Judaism and the evolution of Consciousness

Rabbi Moshe Aharon (Miles) Krassen

Listening for the “torah within”: an introduction to spiritual Direction

Rabbi Howard Avruhm Addison and Dr. Barbara Eve Breitman

aFteRnOOn CLassesexploring the Zohar

Daniel and Hana Matt

everything is God, so what? the texts and Practices of nondual Judaism

Jay Michaelson

the Kabbalah of PeacemakingRabbi Lynn Gottlieb

August 20–26 p. 22the Jewish arts institute Music and Creative writing: week 1


Danny Maseng and others

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Family Retreat

Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb, Rabbi David Ingber, Andrew Stempel and Amelie Davidson

August 20–26 p. 24MORninG CLassesMaking Parenting a spiritual Practice

Rabbis Nadya and Victor Gross

Voice of the heartwith Chazzan Robert Esformes

aFteRnOOn CLassart as a Mirror to the soul

Nancy Katz

August 27– 31 p. 30elderhostel (Course #15082) the influence of Yiddish humor on american Popular Culture

Ken Libo

societal issues as seen in Jewish wisdom

Abraham Gittelson

Fabulous showbiz DivasLaura Wetzler

Aug 31–Sept 1, 2007 p. 33hazon nY Jewish environmental Bike Ride Kickoff weekend

September 2– 7 p. 30elderhostel (Course #15085) Kabbalah in Music, art, Literature and Film

Laura Wetzler

the Making of the Modern JewAbraham Gittelson

the Jews of india and ChinaBernard Raab

Sept. 9 – Dec. 16 p. 28 aDaMah autumn Fellowship

Fall 2007 p. 32the teva Learning Center

high holiday RetreatsSeptember 12–16 p. 27Rosh hashanah & shabbat shuvah

Rabbi David Ingber and the Isabella Freedman Community

September 21–23 p. 27Yom Kippur

Rabbi David Ingber and the Isabella Freedman Community

September 26–30 p. 27sukkahFest 2007: For adults ages 21–39

Rabbi Shefa Gold, Rabbi DovBer Pinson, Jodi Falk, Rabbi Daivd Ingber, Raziel and Efraim Eisen, and others

October 19–21 p. 27the 16th annual Jewish Men’s Retreat

October 25–28, 2007 p. 33PaniM Retreats for Rabbis and Rabbinical students

December 6–9, 2007 p. 33Shabbat Chanukah

hazon Food Conference

December 17–23 p. 17Yoga and Jewish spirituality teacher training institute: week 2

Rabbi Miriam Klotz and Diane Bloomfield

December 23-30Open Meditation Retreat

Rabbi David and Shoshana Cooper

December 30, 2007 – p. 16January 6, 2008advanced Meditation Program (eCaMP): week 2

Norman Fischer, Rabbi Joanna Katz, Rabbi Alan Lew and Rabbi Jeff Roth

“the meditation retreat i participated in radically changed my relationship to Judaism. For the first time, i experienced an approach to Judaism that felt alive and relevant to my life.”

—simon Greer, age 37,

executive Director, Jewish Funds for Justice


Photoandfacingpage:Shir-YaakovFeinstein-Feit


new home, same VisionTheElatChayyimCenterforJewishSpiritualityisaliving

laboratoryforthedevelopmentandrenewalofcontemporaryJewishspirituallife .ElatChayyimretreatsarebothgroundedintraditionandresponsivetotheevolvingspiritualneedsofJewstoday .TheCenterteachesexperientialapproachestoJewishlearning,ritualandprayerthathelpparticipantsintheirsearchtocultivatetheawarenessoftheDivinepresenceinallaspectsoflife .

ElatChayyim’sretreatswelcomepeoplefromallbackgrounds,includingindividualswithlimitedornoJewisheducation,seekerswhohavewalkedotherspiritualandreligiouspathsandthosewhoaretraditionallyobservant .Ourfacultyincludestoday’smostrespectedandinnovativethinkers,authors,teachers,cantorsandrabbisfromacrosstheJewishdenominationalspectrum .Our�007programcalendarfeaturesweekendandweek-longworkshops,professionaltraininginstitutes,meditationretreatsandholidayprograms .

A typical day on an Elat Chayyim retreat

6:30am OPTIONALMEDITATION7:00 OPTIONALYOGA-or- MORNINGPRAYERSERVICE8:00 BREAKFAST9:00 MORNINGCLASSNoon LUNCH�:00pm AFTERNOONCLASS5:00 OPTIONALYOGA-or- CONTEMPLATIVEHIKE6:00 DINNER7:30 MISHPACHAGROUPS (Facilitatedsmallgroupdiscussions)8:30 EVENINGPROGRAM (Music,lectures,bonfires,openmic,theatre&more)

Guestsarewelcometotakefulladvantageofsiteamenitiesduringtheirstay(seep .5foracompletelist) .

PrayeronElatChayyimretreatsisdesignedtoprovideanexperiencethatopenstheheartandfacilitatesconnectiontoourdeepesttruths,tocommunityandtotheDivine .PrayerservicesgenerallyfollowthestructureandrhythmoftraditionalJewishservicesandalsoincludechanting,musicalinstrumentsandmeditation .Translatedandtransliteratedprayerbooksandchantsheetsareprovided .Inthesummerof�007,wewillalsooffertraditionalegalitarianservicesduringsomeweeks .Pleasecontacttheofficefordetails .

Photo:JonathanSchachter


May 18–20, 2007

nehirim: GLBt spiritual RetreatRabbi steve Greenberg, Jay Michaelson Rabbi Jill hammer, and many others

TheNehirimSpiritualRetreatforGLBTJewsisasoulful,heartfulgatheringwhereyoucanrelaxandrefresh,openyourheartandexploreyourspiritualpathinawelcoming,diverseandacceptingcommunity .ForfouryearsNehirimhasinspiredacommunityofGLBTJewsofallages,backgroundsandlevelsofobservancetoclaimandcelebratetheirheritage .

Thisyear’sretreatfeaturesawiderangeofspiritualoptionsfromtraditionalShabbatdaveningtomeditation,yoga,drumming,hikinganddance .WorkshopswillbeofferedbyRabbiSteveGreenberg,RabbiJillHammer,JayMichaelson,RabbiJacobStaub,KenPage,JudithMiller,SusanBash,ShoshanaJedwab,DavidBergerandmanymore .Program fee: $85Room and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/nehirim

April 13–15, 2007

spring shabbatonco-sponsored by Hebrew College and Basherte

AligningtheDesiresofYourHeartAWorkshopforCouplesRaziel and efraim eisen

Thiscourseofferscouplesincommittedrelationshipsanopportunitytostrengthentheirconnectiontooneanother .Inthesupportivepresenceofotherlike-mindedcouples,youwilllearnnewstrategiesforhowtodeepenyourlove,heightenyoursensesandexpandyourcapacityforjoy .

Duringtheweekend,wewillcreateasafeandintimateenvironmentthatallowsyoutofocusonsharingwithyourpartner .Communicationprocessesandtextswillbeintegratedwithlovingpartnerrituals,yoga,Shabbatmagicandmore .Youwillalsoexplorethequalitiesofasuccessfulrelationshipandthepowerofblessings .AligningtheDesiresofYourHeartwillhelpyoufeelrenewedanduplifted,andmorealignedinyourcommitment,passionandcompassionasacouple .Program fee: $225 per coupleRoom and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/couples

WalkingtoSinai:SpiritualPracticestoGetUsUptheMountainRabbi natan Margalit, Minna Bromberg, Lee Moore and akiva wharton

“Freeyourselvesfrommentalslavery,nonebutourselvescanfreeourminds . . . .”SosangBobMarley,butitcouldhavebeenadescriptionoftheperiodbetweenPassoverandShavuot .AfterleavingEgyptonPassover,wenowareinvitedtotakeaninnerjourneytotrulyfreeourinnerselvesbeforewecanreceiveourownTorahontheholidayofShavuot,50daysafterPassover .ThisclasswillexplorethedepthoftheancientpracticeofcountingtheOmerandhowwecanuseeachdayoftheOmerasanopportunityfortikkun—repairingoneaspectofoursoulsandpersonalities .

Joinusforaweekendofecstaticprayer,musicandstudyofsacredtextstohelpfreeourselvesfromwhatevermayholdusbackfromopeninguptoourpurpose,ourjoyandourcreativity .Program fee: $150Room and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/walkingtosinai

May 20–25, 2007

shavuot 5767/2007: Receiving the torah of todayco-sponsored by Kehilat RomemuRabbi Zalman schachter-shalomi and eve ilsen with Rabbi David ingberChildren’s Program Available

TheholidayofShavuotcelebratestherevelationofreceivingtheTorahatMountSinai .JewishtraditionalsoteachesthateachgenerationreceivesitsownTorah,aprocessthatbeginsonPassoverandculminatesatShavuot .

Thisyear,withtheneedforrepairingtheworldsogreat,wefeeltheneedtoreceiveTorahallthemoreurgently .DuringourfivedaystogetherwewillexplorefreshperspectivesoftheTorahofourancestorsaswellasopenourmindsandheartstoreceiveourownTorahoftoday .Throughacombinationofexercises,lectures,practicesanddiscussion,wewillprepareforandexperiencetheSinaiofthismoment .Program fee: $350 Children’s program: $200Room and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/shavuot

May 28–June 1, 2007

the heart’s wisdom: a training in sage-ingAprogramofALEPHRabbi shaya isenberg, Lynne iser and Bahira sugarman, featuring Rabbi Zalman schachter-shalomi via teleconference

Traditionalculturesteachthat“acquiringaheartofwisdom,”asthepsalmsays,istheskillthatisspecifictoeldering .Thiscoursewillcultivateaparadigmshiftfrom“age-ing”to“sage-ing,”providingskillstoenableparticipantstoembracetheirelderyearswithanticipationandasenseofwholenessratherthanwithfearanddenial .Learnhowtotransformyourlife’sexperienceintowisdomandliveyourdayswithmeaning,joyandconnectiontothebestwithinyourself .

Thisfive-dayworkshopwillincludejournalwritingexercises,textstudy,interactiveandindividualmeditations,movementandgroupsharing .The“sage-ing”toolspracticedinthiscoursecomefromJudaism,psychotherapyandcontemporaryintegralteachings .

Thecourseisappropriateforeldersandtheirfamilies,andprofessionalsworkingwithelders .Program fee: $375Room and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/sageing


Photo:JeremySparig

1� registeronlinewww.isabellafreedman.org

June 4–10, 2007co-sponsored by Hazon and Kehilat Romemu

MORNINGCLASSES

Dis-ease,HealingandWholeness:FallingandRisingHigherRabbi David Zeller

Illnessandhealth—fallingdownandrisingup—areintegralpartsoftheevolutionofourlife’sdestinyandpurpose .Aswecompletethemissionofoursoul,wemayfallfromourplaceofsecurity,orgetsick,forcingustochangeouridentityanddirectionandtakeonanewmission .

ThisclasswillexploreJewishmysticalteachingsandpracticesfromChassidutandKabbalah .Throughtheteachingsandpracticesofprayer,meditationandlearning,wewillcometoamoreexpansiveviewofourownandothers’difficultlifetransitions .Withagreaterunderstandingandacceptanceofthejourneyofoursoul,wecanmeetourchallengeswithtrustandjoy .Program fee: $300Room and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/healing

The“I”of“IAM”:RadicalUnitywiththeDivineintheJewishExperienceRabbi David ingber

ManypeopleexperiencetheseparationbetweenhumansandtheDivineasafundamentalJewishbelief .Thestatement“IamGod”couldbeconsideredatbestarrogant,andatworstheretical .Amazingly,almostallesoterictraditions,includingJewishmysticism,assertthatthisveryexperienceisamanifestationofthehighestspirituallevelonecanachieve .

Throughsong,textandmeditationwewillsampledifferentapproachestoexperiencingwhatthemysticsdescribeasdivineunion,andexploresourcesandpracticesfromthefounderofChabad,RebSchneurZalman,tothecontemplativepracticeofTibetanDzogchen .Program fee: $300Room and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/iam

SeekingPresenceThroughMovementandPrayerJulie Leavitt

TiredofengagingJudaismonlythroughyourhead?Bringyourwholeselftothisembodiedclass .GuidedbythenurturingandgentleinstructionofJulieLeavitt,tapintothewisdomofyourbodythroughthelensofJewishtradition .Preparetobesurprised,healedandliberatedthroughexplorationofyourownsacredvessel .Modalitiesthatwillinformtheclassincludedanceandmovementasliturgicalprayer,physicalexpressionofmidrash,AuthenticMovementasmeditationandincorporatingthebodyintotextstudy .Program fee: $300Room and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/movement

Pathways to an authentic Relationship with God

ADDITIONALFEATURESOFWEEK:Twice daily Open Yoga with Judith DackGuided nature walks with Ari Weller

TAKEASECONDCLASSFOR50%OFF!


AFTERNOONCLASSES

FacingtheLivingGod:DevelopinganAuthenticRelationshiptoSpiritRabbi tirzah Firestone and K’vod wieder

EmpoweredbyAbrahamandSarah’slegacyoficonoclasm,thiscourseinvitesparticipantstobreakwithantiquatedideologiesaboutGodandmovefreelytowardalivingexperienceofGod .DrawingfromZohar,ChassidicmastersandtheworkofCarlJung,wewillstudytheevolvingimageofGodasexpressedbytheancientJewishtradition,aswellaswithinourownevolvingpsyches .Beginningwithourearliestexperiencesandmemories,thecoursewillmapthedevelopmentofourpersonalGodimagestobetterunderstandhowthedivine“UrgetoWholeness”iscallingusforwardinourlives .Textstudy,activeimaginationandsacredtheatrecombinetohelpushearthevoiceofGodnow,intheeventsofourlives,andinthelifeofourstrugglingplanet,sothatallofouractionsmightbepermeatedwithclarity,purposeandmeaning .Program fee: $300Room and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/living

HolyCloseness:SongsfromtheWellofJewishSacredWorldMusicCantor Richard Kaplan

Thisclasswillexploretherichtraditionofmusicford’vekut—thecontinualturningandreturninginthoughtandfeelingtoourultimateSource .ConcentrationwillbeonseveralmusicalmeditationsfromtheJewishsacredmusicofTurkey,Salonica,Morocco,AndalusiaandEasternEurope .StudyingteachingsfromKabbalahandtheChassidicmasters,wewillcontextualizethesemusicalprayersofcontemplation,devotionandsurrender,ultimatelyallowingthemusictobeapowerfulcatalystofspiritualconnection .

Allsongswillbepresentedintheiroriginallanguages,aswellasintransliteration,Englishtranslationandinmusicalnotation .TheclasswillalsoshareitsmusicwiththelargerIsabellaFreedman/ElatChayyimcommunity .Nomusicalbackgroundnecessary .Program fee: $300Room and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/sacredmusic

TasteandSeethatGodIsGood:AJewishCleanseWorkshopilana Fleisher-Margalit and Rabbi natan Margalit

Learnhowyourdailymealscanbecomeaspiritualpracticeforfeedingbothbodyandsoul .ThisworkshopwillintegrateJewishspiritualinsightswiththeHeartofNourishmentCleanseTMdevelopedbynourishmentpioneerHaléSofiaSchatz .*Inthissupportivegroupexperience,participantswillhavetheopportunitytocleansetheirbodyoftoxins,cultivateholisticintentionsandlearntolistentotheirbody’sdivinewisdom .Experiencehowgoodyoucanfeelwhenyourbodyisnourishedwithsimple,wholefoodsintheappropriatecombinations .Theclasswillusethecleansediet,meditation,movement,journalingandexplorationofJewishtextstohelptransformourrelationshiptofood,thebody,thenaturalenvironmentandtheSourceofLife .

*Thiscleanseisnotappropriateforpregnantornursingwomenoranybodywithaseriousillness .FormoreinformationabouttheHeartofNourishmentCleanseTM,visitwww .heartofnourishment .com .Program fee: $300Room and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/tasteandsee

DiscoveringtheAleph-Bet:AnIntroductiontotheHebrewLanguageDeena aranoff

HaveyoutakenclassesinJewishstudiesbutlongforamoreintensiveexperience?Haveyoudiscoveredthatdespitethemanyhoursyou’vespentatlecturesandinsynagogue,yourconnectiontoJudaismremainstenuous?DoyoususpectthatknowledgeofHebrewcoulddeepenyourrelationshiptoTorahandthetradition?

ThiscoursewillofferHebrewlanguageinstructionofanunusualkind .ParticipantswillspendthefirstpartofthemorningstudyingHebrewwiththeaimofcultivatinganintimaterelationshipwiththeHebrewalphabetanditsBiblical,rabbinicandmysticalresonances .Inthesecondpartoftheclass,wewillexploreTalmudic,kabbalisticandmodernphilosophicaldiscussionsoftheHebrewlanguage .ThesediscussionswillprovideauniqueentryintoJewishhistoryandtradition .NopriorHebrewknowledgerequired .Program fee: $300Room and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/alephbet

by norman Fischer

ManyofofushavelosttouchwithGod .It’snormaltobecomedistracted,loseourconnection,whichiswhyallofus—nomatterwhoweareorhowwebehave—needtoreturn .TheneedtoreturntoGodisnotreallyachoice:itisbuiltintoourhumanmakeupandtoourhumanconsciousness,whichcanequallydreaddeathandimagineeternity .Itisalsobuiltintoourhumanpsyche—whichperpetuallydesiresandschemesanddeceives—thatwewillconstantlyloseourconnectiontoGod .ThisishowIreadtheAdamandEvestoryandthewholeoftheTorah .Itisnotreallyaquestionofsinandfailureaswenormallytakeittobe;ratheritexpressesthetragedyofthehumancondition .WearenecessarilyinarelationshipwithGodbecauseofwhatweareandwekeeplosingtrackofthatrelationshipbecauseofwhatweare .Israelmeansstruggle .

Mostpeoplefeeloppressed,understandably,byarelationshipinwhichGodseemslikeBigDaddy,theneuroticsuperegoweallwanttogetoutfromunder .Onthedeepestlevelthisconceptcouldn’tbefurtherfromthetruth .Andthis,Ithink,hasbeenthepurposeoftheJewishmeditationmovement—tobringourrelationshiptoGod,throughmeditationpractice,toadeeper,morebasicandmoredirectlevel .

Atthisdeeperlevelweseethatourhumanvulnerability,whichcausesussomuchanxietyandfear,canonlybehealedbyembracingaspaciousnesswithinourselvesthatincludesthatvulnerabilityyetextendsbeyondourselvestoreachalargerpresence .OurconsciousnessisasGod’sconsciousness .Atthelevelofconsciousness,whichisbeing,wecanmeetGodandbemetbyGod,asTorahsaysMosesdid,facetofaceasafriend .Thisistrueteshuvah—toreturntoGodfacetoface,toreturntowhatweare,tobringtheheartbackfromitsinevitablewanderingandlustingandwantingandschemingandworryandfearandallowittorestinitsbasicnature,whichistoloveandbecomfortedbyGod .Meditationpracticeoffersusaveryconcreteandrealisticwaytorealizethisprofoundandexperientialtruth .

Whenyoumeditateyouwilleventuallygetintouchwithhowmuchfearexistsinsideyou .Yougetusedtoit,andsometimesyou’reevenwillingtoacknowledgeitandexpressit .OvertheyearsI’veworkedwithpeopleinspiritualpracticeIhaveobservedthismanytimes .Peoplewhofunctionquitewell,wholivesuccessfullives,evensuccessfulpersonallives,tellmethatdeepdowntheyarequiteafraid .Whatdotheyfear?Life,death,failure,rejection,revealingwhotheyreallyare,engagingtheirlivesfullywithoutholdingback,lovingwholeheartedly,neverbeingabletolove,neverreallybeingloved .Maybetheyfearallofthisorperhapsnoneofit,it’shardtosay .Butthe

fearisquiterealanditisfundamental .Fearismorethananemotionamongotheremotions .Wheredoesfearcomefrom?Ithinkitcomesfromthestructureofidentity .

Wealltakeforgrantedoursenseofbeingsomeone .Thebody,thethoughts,feelings,desires,cherishedviewpoints,relationships—allthisisus .Butallofitisactuallyprettyshakystuff .Thebodyagesanddies .Thethoughtscomeandgoandaremostofthetimeboringorunreliable .Thefeelingsarealsounreliableandmostlyunsatisfactory—andtheoneswelikewecan’tproduceatwill,andwhentheydocometheypassawayalltooquickly .Ourviewpointsaremostlyunexamined;it’sdebatablewhetherweactuallybelievethem,andourrelationshipsareasapttodriveuscrazyasmakeushappy .Inotherwords,ouridentityisinherentlydubiousandentirelyunstable .Atthedeepestlevelsofourpsycheweknowthisandareafraid .

Soweneedtoexpandouridentity .Thisistheonlywaytodealwithourbasicfear .WheninmeditationpracticeweopenupthroughourfearandreachouttoGod;thisisexactlywhatwearedoing .Wearesaying,“Okay,myusualsenseofidentityworksjustfinetogetmethroughtheday,butinthedarkofnight,atthebottomofmyheart,inlifeanddeathmatters,whicharealwaysonlyabreathaway,itdoesn’twork .”

Hereonmymeditationcushion,inthestillnessofmyheart,whatamI?IamonewhoiswillingtoadmitmyradicalvulnerabilityandexactlybecauseofittoreachoutmyhandtoGodasGod’sfriendandpartner .Iamahusband,afather,amother,awife,aworker,afoolmaybe,adistractedperson,butIamalsoGod’scompanion .IamGod’sexpressioninthisworld .Godaloneisnothing,maybewithacapitalN,butstillnothing .Godneedsothers,needsus,inordertorealizeGod’sself .ThisiswhatBuberandHeschelhavetaughtus:GodcreatesaworldasGod’sexpression .AndGodcreateshumanbeingsinGod’simage,thatis,asconsciousbeingscapableofprofoundmindfulawareness,sothatGodcanhavesomeonetotalkto .Godtalksbecausewearecapableoflistening .That’swhytheShemaisourcentralprayer .Listen .Godistalking .LoveGodwithallyourheartandallyourmightandremainmindfulofthiseverydayalldaylong .AndGodmakesdemands:liverighteously,liveprofoundly,don’tforgetwhoyouare .ReturnoverandoveragaintoGod .AndwehavetorespondtoGod’swordsandGod’sdemands .Bigjob .

norman Fischer is the founder of Makor Or, the Jewish meditation center in san Francisco, and a co-facilitator of the elat Chayyim advanced Meditation Program, starting June 10th, p. 16


the Point of Jewish Meditation

the purpose of Jewish meditation is to bring our relationship to God to a deeper, more basic and more direct level.


Photo:RachelBarenblatt


norman Fischer, Rabbi Joanna Katz, Rabbi alan Lew and Rabbi Jeff Roth

Wearedelightedtoannouncethenextcycleofourpopulartwo-yearmeditation-trainingprogrambeginningJune�007 .Thiscontemplativetrainingprogramincludesfourseven-dayretreatsthatcultivateinnerwisdom,openthehearttocompassionandinspireself-reflectionandpersonaltransformation .

Eachretreatsisheldincommunalsilence .Basicpracticeincludessitting,walkingandeatingmeditation .Contemplativedavennen(prayer)takesplaceeverymorningandconsistsofacombinationofkavvanot(intentions),chantsandsilence .

Program Dates Week 1: June 10-17, 2007 Week 2: December 30, 2007 – January 6, 2008 Week 3: June 8-15, 2008 Week 4: December 28, 2008 – January 4, 2009 How to Apply

Theprogramisopentoanyonewhohasalreadysatatleastoneweek-longretreatinsilence .Ifyoudonotmeetthisrequirement,youwillneedtoreceivetheconsentoftheinstructors .Pleaseemailecamp@elatchayyim .orgwithanyquestionsyoumighthaveaboutparticipationintheprogram .

alumni of previous two-year meditation programs (MLt, JMat and eCaMP) are welcome to attend any of the weeklong eCaMP retreats for a $300 program fee (plus room and board).Training institute tuition: $1,700 ($1,050 deposit) Room and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/ecamp

Meditation,Movement,andCreativity:TraditionalandInnovativePracticesInSilenceRabbi David Zeller and hannah sara Zeller

Thisseven-daysilentmeditationretreatwillteachpracticesthatleadtoadeeperexperienceoftheindwellingpresenceofGod .Judaismteachesthatcreationflowsfromvisiontoformtosubstance—fromGod’sinfinitethoughttoholyletters,toTorah,toourhumanformsandtoalloflife .CoretechniquesofthisretreatwillberootedintraditionalJewishmeditationsusingbreath,mantra,guidedimageryandHebrewletters .TheywillalsoincorporateTorah-Yogamovementpractices,whichopenandstrengthenthebodytoreceiveDivineenergythroughthelettersoftheAleph-Bet .Forbothbeginnerandadvancedmeditationpractitioners .Program fee: By donationRoom and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/zeller

Contemplative Practice weeks June 11–17, 2007ElatChayyimAdvancedMeditationProgram(ECAMP)New Training Institute beginning June 10th!

June 11–17, 2007


YogaandJewishSpiritualityTeacherTrainingInstituteNew Training Institute beginning June 18th!

Rabbi Myriam Klotz and Diane BloomfieldThis18-monthprogram

providesinstructionandcertificationforteacherstodeepenandintegratetheirpracticeofhathayogaandJudaism .Theprogramiscomprisedoffourseven-dayintensiveretreats,interimstudycoursesandindividualizedprogramsthatprovidetoolsforintegratingyogaandJewishspirituality .JoinacommunityofpeerswhoseektodeepentheirpracticebyfocusingonaspectsofJudaismthatyogateachersaremostoftencalledtoexplore:JewishHolyDays,weeklyTorahreadings,Jewishprayer,Shabbat,Hebrewlanguageandmore .

Participantswillspendsignificanttimelearningaboutmiddot (innerqualities)thatwewillwanttoembodyasweteach .Wereflectonourselves,understandingthatcultivationoftheinnerlifeandself-awarenessarenecessarycomponentsofbecomingaJewishspiritualteacherandleader .ThosewithexperienceteachingyogaorJewishlearning,andwhoarecalledtodevelopthemselvesasteachersofanintegratedpracticeofbothTorahandyoga,areencouragedtoapply .

GraduatesofthisprogramwillbeabletoteachtheirstudentswaystoaccessandexperiencethedepthsofJewishspiritualitybybringingthewisdomofthebodyintothestudyofJewishtexts .

Program Dates Week 1: June 18-24, 2007 Week 2: December 17-23, 2007 Week 3: August 4-10, 2008 Week 4: December 15-22, 2008 Who Should Apply?

ThistrainingprogramencouragesthosecalledtodevelopthemselvesasteachersofanintegratedpracticeofbothTorahandyoga,andwhowanttoconnectwithotherswhosharethatcalling .ThosewithexperienceteachingyogaorJewishstudiesshouldapply .Thosewhohopetoteachintheseareaswillalsobenefitfromthetraining .DiversityinapproachestobothJudaismandyogapracticeishonored .Everyoneinterestedisencouragedtoapply .Applicationswillbeconsideredonanindividualbasis .Training institute tuition: $1,400 ($900 deposit)Room and board options: page 25Apply online: IsabellaFreedman.org/yoga/apply

AwakeningthroughJewishMeditationRabbis alan Lew and Jeff Roth

Bringawarenesstotheinternalobstaclesthatimpedeopen-heartedness,andlivelifewithmorejoyandcompassion .Thisseven-daysilentmeditationretreatisopentobothbeginnersandadvancedpractitionersandwillconcentrateonthepracticesandunderpinningsofcontemplativeJewishteachingsinformedbythefour-worldsmodelofJewishmysticism .

Thisretreatfostersadeepexplorationofparticipants’ownlivesandconsciousness,bringingustoagreaterexperienceoftheDivineinourlivesandinallthings .

Silenceisheldthroughouttheretreat,includingatmealsandintheguestrooms .Practicessuchasmindfulnesstobreathandbodysensationshelpusslowdown,reconnectwithourselvesandbecomeconsciousofinnerstatesandexperiences .Daysarestructuredtoincludeacontemplativemorningprayerservice,yoga,individualinterviewswithfacilitatorsandeveningteachingsessions .TheweekwillculminatewithacontemplativeShabbat .Program fee: By donationRoom and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/awakening

June 18–24, 2007


August 6–12, 2007co-sponsored by The Shalom CenterChildren’s program available

MORNINGCLASSUnitingSpiritualityandSocialChange:LearningfromHeschelonPrayer,PyramidsandPoliticsRabbi arthur waskow with Professor susannah heschel

ThisyearisthecentenaryofthebirthofRabbiAbrahamJoshuaHeschel,thePolishChassidwhosespirituallyrootedsocialactionhasdeeplyeffectedJewishandChristianthoughtandbehavior .RabbiHeschel,whowasafriendandcoworkerofDr .MartinLutherKingJr .,taughtthattheprophetsspokeofhumansufferingasGod’sownsuffering,prayerasthe“songtheuniversesingstoitself”andpoliticalactivismasprayer .Inthiscourse,wewillstudyhowRabbiHeschelgroundedhispoliticalactionintheSpiritandintheteachingsoftheBaalShemTov,insistingthatprayeraddresstheGodwhosufferswhenhumanbeingssuffer .

ProfessorSusannahHeschel,RabbiHeschel’sdaughterandeditorofacollectionofhisfinestessays,willjointhecourseasavisitingteacher .Program fee: $300Room and board options: page 25

IsabellaFreedman.org/heschel

AFTERNOONCLASSLibertyintheLandforAllHerInhabitants:Justice,Ecology,SustainabilityandHumanRightsRabbi David seidenberg

ThisclasswillexplorehowhumanrightsandethicsaregroundedintheTorah’sconceptoflandrightsandwilllookatwaystobringtheintegrationofsocialjusticeandenvironmentalstewardshiptoourworkandtoourcommunities .SourceswillincludeKabbalah,theBaalShemTov,RebbeNachman,theIzhbitzer,AldoLeopold’sThe Land Ethic andteachingsfromdeepecologyandsocialecologyProgram fee: $300Room and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/liberty

August 6–12, 2007

in-Progress summer training institutes EachTrainingInstituteisaweek-longretreatthatispartofafour-weekcoursetaughtovertwoyears.

KohenetRabbi Jill hammer and holly taya shere

KohenetteachesJewishwomen'sspiritualleadershipfromanearth-honoring,feministperspective .IsabellaFreedman.org/ kohenet

JewishShamanicHealingRabbi Gershon winkler and Miriam Maron

Exploreancienttextsandoraltraditionsfromalong-neglectedbodyofJewishhealingwisdom .IsabellaFreedman.org/ shamanichealing

Davennen’LeadershipTraining(DLTI)A program of ALEPHRabbi Marcia Prager and Rabbi shawn Zevit

Providingtheskillstodeepenthequalityofcommunalprayersothatitactivatesthebody,touchestheheart,engagesthemindandnourishesspiritualgrowthandinsight .IsabellaFreedman.org/dlti

KolZimraA program of ALEPHRabbi shefa Gold, Rachmiel O’Regan and Phyllis Berman

KolZimraisaprofessionalchantleadershiptrainingcourseforrabbis,cantors,healers,ritualfacilitators,layleaders,meditationteachersandrosh chodeshleaders .IsabellaFreedman.org/ kolzimra




August 13–19, 2007ATasteofADAMAHco-sponsored by HAZONRabbi Jill hammer, shamu sadeh and adam Berman

JoinusforatasteoftheADAMAHprogram:fivedaysofdigginginJewishtraditionandinthesoil .

Theprogramwillintegratestudy,workingwithourhands,andcreativeritualaimedatrestoringJewishecologicalwisdom .Learntobrewbiodieselfuel,groworganicvegetablesonourfive-acrefarm,milkgoats,makepicklesandcheeseandstudyourancestralagriculturalandEarth-basedheritage .

DuringthisweekofthenewmoonofElul,discoverhowtheprocessofspiritualreturnisconnectedtotherenewaloftheground .Program fee: $450Room and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/tasteadamah

TorahTrek:A5-DayWildernessExperienceRabbi Mike Comins

JoinRabbiMikeCominsforaweekofinnerandouterexplorationintheexquisiteTaconicStateParkinCopakeFalls,NewYork(picturedabove) .WewillleaveIsabellaFreedmanonTuesdaymorningandreturnonFridayafternoon,spendingfournightscampinginthepark .FromthebasecampwewilltakedayhikesthatexploreoneofNewYork’smostbeautifulnaturalareas .ShabbatwillbespentcampingatIsabellaFreedmanwiththerestoftheElatChayyimsummercommunity .

Thecoursewillteachhowtobefullypresentinthenaturalworldthroughsilenthiking,walkingmeditationandothermindfulnessexercisesonthetrail .WithQigong-stylemovingmeditation,wewilllearntosensetheshefa(divineenergy)inGod’screation .Intheheightenedawarenessofthesacredthatwildernessevokes,weinviteGod’spresencethroughblessings,chant,Torahstudy,four-windsceremonyandprayer(contemplativeandtraditional) .Eachdaywillculminateinhitbodedut,safeandsupervisedalonetime .Therewillalsobetimeeachdayforpersonalprayer,journaling,yogaandgeneralmerry-making .

Appropriateforexperiencedcampersandnovices .Program fee: $350 (includes food for the week)Camping and facilities fee: $300IsabellaFreedman.org/torahtrek

sacred earth experiences

Photo:RickTyrseck

August 13–19, 2007 Children’s program available

MORNING CLASSES

TheSpiritofProphecyDavid Friedman

Thisyearmarksthe300thanniversaryofthebirthofthegreatItalianKabbalistRabbiMosheChaimLuzzatto(theRamchal) .Inhonorofthisoccasion,thisclasswillexploreselectedpassagesfromsomeoftheRamchal’sleastknownKabbalisticworks .TheemphasiswillbeonteachingsaboutDivineInspiration(ruach hakodesh)andprophecy .AccordingtotheRamchal,prophecyisprimarilyadeepexperienceofconnection(d’vekut)oralignmentwiththeDivine,whereonegainsaclearinsightintothepurposeofCreation .Heteachesthatthisprophecyisattainablebyeveryone .Program fee: $300Room and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/ramchal

TheFutureofJudaismandTheEvolutionofConsciousnessRabbi Moshe aharon (Miles) Krassen

Inthistimeofpoliticalandsocialturmoil,weneedawayofseeingtheworldthatallowsourchoicesandactionstocomefromahighlevelofawareness .ForJewsandJudaismtobeabletorespondtothisnecessaryshiftinconsciousness,weneedfindawaytothoughtfullytranscendandincludetheessentialelementsofourtradition .

InthisclasswewillexplorethetransformationalteachingsoftheBaalShemTovandhisdisciples,aswellascontemporaryvoicesspeakingforanewlevelofconsciousness .Wewillalsoexplorepracticesthatcansupportthisevolvedstateofawarenessandilluminatetherelationshipbetweendivinityandthecreatedworld .BepreparedtosoaronanadventureinthinkingasweexploreanewvisionofJewishtradition .Program fee: $300Room and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/evolution

Listeningforthe“TorahWithin”:AnIntroductiontoSpiritualDirectionRabbi howard avruhm addison and Dr. Barbara eve BreitmanPsalm40describesourlivesassacredscrolls,witheachofuspersonallyembodyingaTorahwithin .Yethowmightweregularlyaccessthisdivinewisdomuniquetoeachofus?Spiritualdirection(hashpa'ah)isbothatraditionalandanevolvingJewishpractice .Inindividualandgroupsettings,wewillmeettoexploreourrelationshipswiththeHoly,expandingourawarenessofthesacreddimensionsthatunderlieboththeordinaryandextraordinaryeventsoflife .Spiritualdirectorsarecompanionswhohelpseekersdiscernpatterns,noticeresistancesandcultivatewillingnessalongtheirspiritualjourneys .Thisclassisanopportunityforrabbis,chaplains,psychotherapists,educatorsandotherswhoseguidanceissoughttoglimpsethisdisciplineanddevelopprofessionalskills .TogetherwewillexaminetheinsightsofJudaismandothertraditionsintospiritualguidanceandexploretherelationshipbetweenpsychologyandspirituality,contemplationandsocialconscience .Program Fee: $300Room and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/levshomea

Masters of Contemporary Kabbalah

�0 registeronline www.isabellafreedman.org

EverythingisGod,SoWhat?TheTextsandPracticesofNondualJudaismJay Michaelson

Youmayhaveheardpeoplesaythat“everythingisGod,”orthatGodis“Ein Sof,”withoutend .Formanyofusthisoffersapromiseofliberation .Butitalsocausesconfusion .DoesthismeanGodwasinthegaschamberstoo?AndifGodiseverything,what’sthepointofdoinganything?

Inthisuniqueclass,wewillexploreJewishtextsonnonduality,fromMaimonides’GuidetothePerplexedtotheZohar,writingsofMosesCordoveroandthelittle-knownteachingsofRabbiAaronofStaroselse .WewillcomparetheseteachingswiththoseofTibetanBuddhismandAdvaita .Studywillbebalancedwithpracticesofcontemplation,inquiry,prayerandmeditation .Wewillalsoexploreanondualapproachtothemitzvottocultivateaboundlessawarenessthatisalwaysavailable,omnipresentand,inasense,themostobviousthingintheworld—eventhoughit’sreallyhardtosayanythingaboutit .Ifyou’vehadsomeexposuretoKabbalah,HasidismornondualBuddhism,comedeepenyourunderstanding,practiceandrealization .Bepreparedforsurprise .Enlightenmentisnotwhatyouthink—andneitherisGod!Program Fee: $300Room and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/nondual

AFTERNOON CLASSESExploringtheZoharDaniel and hana Matt

WhatexactlyistheZohar?WhyisitconsideredthemasterpieceofKabbalah?HowdoesitrevolutionizeJudaism?Howcanitsdeep,ancientwisdomtransformustoday?DanielandHanaMattwillexplorethesequestionswithus,studyingtheteachingsoftheZoharandengaginginspiritualpracticestodirectlyexperienceDivinePresenceanddeepenourspirituallives .

TheselectionswewillstudyarefromDaniel’sgroundbreakingtranslationandcommentary—TheZohar:PritzkerEdition .Amongthetopicstobecovered:thefeminineaspectofGod(Shekhinah),themysticaldimensionofTorah,theradicalideathatGodneedsus,thespiritualandpsychologicalmeaningofthetensefirot(divinequalities),andKabbalistictechniquesofmeditation .Program fee: $300Room and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/zohar

TheKabbalahofPeacemakingRabbi Lynn Gottlieb

Thisclasswillexplorethespiritualfoundationsofpeacemakinginourselvesandintheworldthroughanexaminationofthecorekabbalisticprinciplesofhospitality,self-awakening,reconciliationandcreativeresponsetoconflict .Usingritual,textstudy,practicalkabbalahandstorytelling,RabbiGottliebwillengageparticipantsinameaningfulencounterwithJewishnon-violenceasawayoflife .OpenyourheartandsoultobecomingaShomer Shalom(GuardianofthePeace)throughthekabbalahofpeacemaking .Program fee: $300Room and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/peacemaking

registerbyphone 800.398.2630 �1



�� registeronlinewww.isabellafreedman.org

August 20–26, 2007Children’s program available

NEWINSTITUTE!the Jewish arts instituteco-sponsored by Zeek Directed by Danny Maseng with visiting faculty

TheJewishArtsInstitute(JAI)isanintensivefourweekprogramconductedoverthecourseoftwoyears .ThecurriculumisinterdisciplinaryandweavestogetherJudaismandartinallitsformsincludingmusic,theatre,visualartsandcreativewriting .

TheinstituteisdesignedtogiveJewishartistsandJewisharteducators—workingwithdiverseartisticmedia—thetoolstosuccessfullyintegratetheirart,theirJewishidentities,andspiritualjourneys .Thecoursewillalsoofferinstructionineffective,integratedteachingmethodologiessuchasutilizingoftheartsasawaytomakeJewishlearningcompelling,relevantandfun .Eachweek-longretreatcombinesrigorousstudy,artisticexplorationandcommunitybuilding .

Building a network of artists and educators

TheJewishArtInstitute'sparticipantcohortwillformanationalnetworkofleadersintheartsandartseducationwithintheJewishcommunity .Alist-serve,blogandothervirtualcommunitybuildingtechnologieswillsupportparticipantcollaborationandconnectionbetweenretreatsandaftertheinstituteiscompleted .

who should apply?JAIislookingforopenminded,intellectuallycurious

individuals,willingtoengageinarigoroustrainingseminarthatpromisestoopennewpersonalandprofessionalpathways .TheinstituteismeantforJewishartistsandprofessionalsinvolvedinartseducation,teachersandpractitionersalike,whoarededicatedtoadvancingtheevolutionofJewishartsandJewishartseducation .

Toapply,pleasecompletetheapplicationavailableon-lineatIsabellaFreedman .org/jewisharts .SpaceislimitedandapplicantsmustdemonstratetheircommitmenttoJewishartsand/orJewishartseducation .

Faculty includeCreativeWriting:ProfessorRickChessofthe

UniversityofNorthCarolina-AshevilleandJayMichaelsonofZeek

Theatre:AaronDavidman,ArtisticDirectorofTheTravelingJewishTheatre,SanFrancisco

VisualArts:OhadShaltiel,DirectorofSpecialEducationattheTel-AvivMuseumofArt

Program DatesWeek1:MusicandCreativeWriting Aug .�0–�6,�007Week�:VisualArts Jan .7–13,�008Week3:TheatreandMovement Summer�008Week4:Integration Winter�009

Significantscholarshipfundingisavailablefortuition,roomandboard .Contacttheregistrarformoreinformation .

Traininginstitutetuition:$500perweekRoomandboardoptions:page�5IsabellaFreedman .org/jewisharts

DannyMaseng,JAIDirector

The Jewish Arts Institute is made possible through a grant from the Mazer Family Fund of the UJA–Federation of New York.

registerbyphone800.398.2630 �3

August 20–26, 2007Children’s Program Available

NEWPROGRAM!Bar/Bat Mitzvah Family Retreatco-sponsored by Moving Traditions and the Teva Learning CenterRabbi Lynn Gottlieb, Rabbi David ingber, andrew stempel and amelie Davidson

Forchildren(andtheirfamilies)becomingbar/batmitzvahbetweenSeptember�007andJune�009 .

TheB’naiMitzvahFamilyRetreat(BMFR)rekindlesthepotencyofthebar/batmitzvahritualasariteofpassageforadolescentJewsandtheirfamilies .

Thisprogramisnotapracticalbar/batmitzvahpreparatorycoursebutaspiritualjourneyfortheentirefamilytodevelopadeeper,morepersonalrelationshiptoJudaism .

Throughanintensiveweekofprogramsforbothteensandparents,BMFRwillfosterachild’sspiritualmaturationduringacriticaltimeofdevelopmentwhilehelpingfamiliesgrowtogetherthroughthesharedexperienceofJudaism .

teens will have the opportunity to:• Deepentheirunderstandingofbar/batmitzvahasarite

ofpassageandmanyofthetraditionalcomponentsoftheritual

• Exploretheirchangingrolesastheyenteradolescence• Challengethemselvestopushbeyondtheircomfortzones

physicallyandemotionally,sociallyandspirituallyasindividualsandasagroup

• CompleteoneortwocreativeprojectsthatreflecttheirvaluesthroughaJewishlens

• ExperienceJewishprayerasameaningfulandrelevantpartofone’sexpressionintheworld

adults will have the opportunity to:• Becomefamiliarwiththeoptionsavailabletothem

indesigningtheformandcontentoftheritual(whenapplicable) .

• Receivepracticalsupportinplanningtheirritual(whenapplicable) .

• Explorehowtobestsupporttheirteensduringthisriteofpassagewhilealsomakingthebar/batmitzvahmeaningfulfortheparents

• Exploretheirchangingrolesastheirchildrenenteradolescence .

Significantscholarshipfundingisavailable .Contacttheregistrarformoreinformation .

Tuition: $195 per adult, $125 per childRoom and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/bnaimitzvah

The Bar Mitzvah Family Retreat program is made possible through a grant from the UJA-Federation of New York.

�4 registeronlinewww.isabellafreedman.org

August 20–26, 2007co-sponsored by Congregation B’nai JeshurunMORNINGCLASSES

MakingParentingaSpiritualPracticeRabbis nadya and Victor Gross

ChildrencomeintothisworldbearingthewisdomgainedinlifetimeslivedbeforeandthememoryofGodbreathinglifeintothemonceagain .Theirgreatestgifttousistoopenoureyestotheunlimitedpotentialandpurityoftheuniverse .Ourgreatestgifttothemistoovercomeourcontrollingneedtoshapetheminourimage .Thespiritualpracticeofparentingseekstocreateasafe,lovingandsupportiveenvironmentwheretheseyoungbeingscangrowinconsciouspartnershipwiththeirDivineintention .Whenwelearntoparentinthisway,ourhomesaredefinedbylove,authenticityandmeaning .Comelearnthispractice,sourcedinourrabbinicandmysticaltradition,andfindnewjoyandpurposeinyourrelationshipswithyourchildren .Program fee: $300. Room and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/parenting

VoiceoftheHeartCantor Robert esformes

Openingourblessedmouthstosingorchant,pray,intoneorimprovise,wecanencounterthevastmeaningsandmysteriesofsound—andthesacredSourcefromwhichourwisdomrises .Throughvocalgames,guidedpractices,liturgyandlovesongs,thiscoursewillexplorethelinkbetweensoundandsoulfulness,andthesubtletiesoftheconnectionsbetweenthevoice,theheartandthespaceofourexpression .Thisworkshop/playshopwilldeepenourpersonalpleasureinmusic-makingandenhanceourskillsinleadingpublicworship .Beginnersandestablishedsingersarewelcome .Program fee: $300. Room and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/voice

AFTERNOONCLASS

ArtasaMirrortotheSoulnancy Katz

OurtraditionencouragesustobeGod’spartnersincreationthroughourpersonalcreativeexpression .Thisclasswillprovidethespace,timeandmaterialsforparticipantstovisuallyjourneyandarticulatetheirinnerSpirit .Usingoilpastels,collagematerialsandactualmirrors,wewillrevealourselves,toeachother,andtoourselvesinasafeandplayfulenvironment .Artphobicswelcome!Program fee: $300. Room and board options: page 25IsabellaFreedman.org/mirror

Family week

ADDITIONALFEATURESOFWEEK:Twice daily Open Yoga with Judith DackGuided nature walks with Ari WellerTAKEASECONDCLASSFOR50%OFF!


Financial Aid We strive to make our programs affordable to everyone. We provide limited scholar-ship funding of up to 40% of room and board fees for those in extreme financial need. Financial aid is only available for triple rooms with hall baths for individuals, and double rooms with hall baths for couples or families. Financial aid is available by ap-plication at IsabellaFreedman.org/financialaid. Please note financial aid requests must be received at least three weeks prior to the retreat.

Student Aid Up to 50% scholarship on room and board is available for graduate students in rabbinical school, cantorial school or in Master’s degree programs in Jewish Studies. Funding has been provided by both the Lasko and Grinspoon Foundations. To apply for this scholarship, please visit IsabellaFreedman.org/lasko.

Elat Chayyim Children’s ProgramSummer programs give children the gift of a joyous and engaging Jewish experience. Our children’s program for children ages 4–14 years old provides a balance of cre-ative learning, arts, sports and outdoor activities. Educators are trained to provide an emotionally safe environment to form a respectful and vibrant children’s community. Depending on the number of children, two to three groups will be formed by age for the formal program. If you are interested in more information about the children’s program, please contact K’vod Wieder at [email protected].

Children’s Program Dates for Spring/Summer 2007:May 20-25; August 6-12; August 13-19; August 20-26Program Fee: $200 Babysitting: If you are interested in child care services for ages 1-4 years, please call (800) 398-2630 x307 at least three weeks in advance. The fee is $12/hour for one child; $18/hour for two children.

elat Chayyim Registration and Guest information Accommodations and Rates To calculate the cost of your stay, add the tuition (indicated with course description) and your room and meals fee (see chart). We offer a variety of housing accommoda-tions that enable individuals with a wide range of financial capacities to participate in our programs.

Rooms are available as single, double or triple occupancy, with private, shared or hall bathrooms. Bedding options include, queen, twin or bunk beds and many rooms have beautiful lake views. All rooms are simply decorated in country style without modern multimedia distractions.

Tenting is another great overnight option. You must provide your own equipment. Showers and bathrooms are available for your use.

Commuters who live in the area and will not be sleeping at the Center pay a daily commuter’s fee, which covers meals and full access to site amenities during your program.

Meals Meals are included beginning with the arrival dinner through the closing brunch or lunch. Isabella Freedman serves a variety of healthy, delicious Glatt Kosher meals that are prepared only with the highest-quality ingredi-ents. During the harvest season (June to Oct.) much of the produce we use comes from our four-acre organic farm. All meals have a vegetarian option, and all meat served during Elat Chayyim retreats is organic and free-range. Ingredients for all dishes are labeled at each meal for those with food allergies or special needs. If you have any additional questions about your dietary needs, please contact the retreat manage at (800) 398-2630 x312 well in advance of your retreat.

What’s included? Prices include room, meals, prayer services, yoga classes, evening programs and full use of our facilities during the duration of your stay. All rates are per person. Pre-registration is required for all visits.

Payment Options We have several payment options to accommodate your needs:

1. Pay the full amount at the time of registration. 2. Pay 50% upon registration and the remaining 50% within 48 hours of the first

day of the retreat.3. Pay 50% upon registration and the remaining 50% over a two- or four-month

period.

Cancellation Policy Payments made will be refunded in full (less a $75 processing fee) if you cancel more than 30 days prior to retreat. If you cancel between 30 days and 1 day in advance, a non-refundable credit (less a $75 processing fee) will be held for one year from the date of issue. This credit is non-transferable. No credit or refund is available if you cancel less than 24 hours in advance or on the workshop’s arrival day, if you do not show up, or if you leave a retreat early for any reason.

Isabella Freedman reserves the right to cancel any program at any time. In this event, you will receive a complete refund.

For transportation refunds: A full refund is available if you cancel at least three days (72 hours) in advance. No refund is available if less than three days notice is given.

Non-meditation Retreats

Meditation Retreats

Training Programs

# of nights: 1 2 3 4 5 6 5 7 12 6

Single Room

w/ private bath & queen-sized bed 450 540 640 800 955 1,090 875 945 1,470 1,600

w/ private bath 375 465 595 700 830 965 750 795 1,270 1,450

w/ shared bath & queen-sized bed 375 465 595 700 830 965 750 795 1,270 1,450

w/ shared bath 325 375 495 550 655 725 625 695 925 925

w/ hall bath 235 275 350 425 470 545 550 595 725 750

Double Room

w/ private bath & queen-sized bed 220 280 385 460 550 610 550 720 1,045 1,025

w/ private bath 195 255 350 410 475 535 450 595 895 925

w/ shared bath & queen-sized bed 195 255 350 410 475 535 450 595 895 925

w/ shared bath 185 210 295 395 425 495 410 525 695 725

w/ hall bath 135 175 205 295 360 425 350 475 595 700

Triple Room

w/ private bath 185 205 235 310 370 430 375 495 725 725

w/ hall bath 110 150 175 265 340 410 295 395 550 650

Tent/Commuter 75 125 145 200 250 300 225 300 475 550


ArrivalandDeparture

Check-In: Registration is between 2 pm and 5 pm on the first day of your retreat. Please do not arrive earlier than 2 pm as rooms are not guaranteed to be ready until 4 pm. Please let us know if you will be a late check-in.

Arrival dinner is usually held at 6 pm or 6:30 pm for weekday retreats, and at 7:30 pm or 8 pm on Shabbat. There will be guest orientation sessions either before or after dinner and will be posted upon arrival.

Check-out: We request that all departing guests vacate their rooms by 8 am so that we may prepare for incoming participants. Programs are typically over between 11 pm and 2 pm on the final day, and include either a lunch or brunch. The specific details and times for your retreat will be included in your confirmation letter.

What to bring?We provide alarm clocks, bedding, soap and towels, though you might want to bring a beach towel if you plan to use the hot tub or swim in the pool or lake (in season only; bathing suits are required at all times).

We provide cushions for meditation; however, we suggest that during meditation retreats you bring your own cushion or backrest. We recommend packing hiking footwear, comfortable yoga clothing, a flashlight and inclement weather gear for all seasons. Ritual wear for services (kippot, tallesim, tefillin, etc.) is optional. Many people wear white on Shabbat and holidays. Prayer books are provided, though you may choose to bring your own.

The Isabella Freedman Bookstore The bookstore is a resource center for the further-ance of Jewish spirituality, learning and culture. Along with books and inspirational music, you will find beautiful hand-woven kipot, tallisim, jewelry and other hand-made crafts. The store also carries a limited sup-ply of scent-free toiletry products if you forget yours.

Internet and Phone Access Wireless internet access is available in our main build-ing. Phone service is provided, but calling cards are required. Most cell phones do not work in our area. Please come with your own calling card.

Joyful Service Joyful service is a wonderful way to give back to our community. We are always in need of helping hands in the kitchen, dining room and housekeeping. Please sign up at the registration table when you arrive.

Emergency Messages Emergency messages may be left for you at (800) 398-2630 x303. Messages left after 10 pm will be heard the next morning at 9 am. Please use this number for emergencies only.

AFewRequests

Silence: We practice silence from wakeup through breakfast during most retreats and at ALL times during meditation retreats.

Scent-free Environment : Some of our guests are sensitive and or allergic to scented products. Please use unscented products while on retreat. Some prod-ucts are available in our bookstore.

high holiday Retreats


September 12–16, 2007RoshHashanahandShabbatShuvah

September 21–23, 2007YomKippurSponsoredbyRomemuRabbi David ingber and the isabella Freedman Community

WelcometheNewYearwithinspiringservices,deepTorahdiscussionsandavarietyofalternativeprogrammingincludingyogaandmeditation,guidednaturewalks,farmtours,canoeing,latenightsongsessionsandmuchmore .

RoshHashanah,ShabbatShuvahandYomKippurservicesandTorahstudywillbeledbyRabbiDavidIngberandwillreflecthismulti-denominationaltraining .Serviceswillfollowthetraditionalstructureoftheliturgy,yetwillincludemeditation,chantingandmusicalinstruments .

Childrenarewelcomeandtherewillbechildren’sprogramingavailableduringspecifictimes .Atallothertimes,parentsmustsupervisetheirchildren .Rosh Hashanah with Shabbat Shuvah program fee: $135Yom Kippur program fee: $110Room and board options: page 25

September 26–30, 2007Sukkahfest2007:foradultsages21-39SponsoredbyBasherte,Iyyun,Hazon,ALEPH,B'naiJeshurun,andRomemuRabbi shefa Gold, Rabbi DovBer Pinson, Jodi Falk, Rabbi David ingber, and Raziel and efraim eisen (Basherte)

SpendthegloriousfestivalofSukkotonafour-nightretreatamongacommunityofpeers .LearnwithleadingJewishscholars .Dineinoursukkahbythelake .Practiceyogaandmeditation .Soakinthehottub .Workonourorganicfarm .CanoeontheHousatonicRiver .HiketheAppalachianTrail .

Bothtraditional/orthodoxandrenewal/contemplativeserviceswillbeoffered .Program fee: $125Weekend program fee: $100Room and board options: page 25

October 19–21, 200716thAnnualJewishMen'sRetreat

ThisannualretreatwillcelebratemasculinitythroughecstaticShabbatprayer,contemplativepractice,Jewishlearning,music,andthearts .Theweekendwillhonorthetapestryofpastexperiencesandre-weaveawayofbeingforthefuture .Thisretreatismadeupofanintergenerationalgroupofmen,andwelcomeseveryoneregardlessofobservancelevelorJewishbackground .

neshamah summer internship ProgramThisthree-monthprogram(5/�7–8/�8,�007)incorporatesin-

depthspiritualpractice,servicetotheretreatcenter,andalovingandinclusivecommunityinwhichparticipantscanexperienceadeeperdepthofspiritualconnectiontoJewishtradition .Inexchangeforworkingforthecenter,participantstakecoursesduringtheElatChayyimandSeniorAdultCampsummerprogram,learntobuildcommunity,andstudywithleadingJewishspiritualteachers .

Internsgenerallyrangeinagefrom�0sto60s .TheycomefromallovertheworldandfromdiversebackgroundswithdifferentlevelsofJewisheducationandpractice .ItisimportantthatinterestedapplicantsarefamiliarandcomfortablewithElatChayyim'spractices;,willingnessandabilitytoworkhardandtoseeworkitselfasaspiritualpractice;adesiretocreatearespectfulandcaringcommunityamonginternsandotherstaff .

Toapplyorformoreinformation,pleasevisitisabellaFreedman.org/internship


ADAMAHisathreemonthleadershiptrainingprogramforJewishyoungadults—ages�0to�9—thatintegratesorganicfarming,sustainableliving,Jewishlearning,teachingandcontemplativespiritualpractice .Fellowsspendmuchoftheirtimelearningandpracticingsustainableagricultureandanimalhusbandryonthefour-acreADAMAHfarmandinsmallgardensthroughouttheretreatcenter .Fellowsalsoparticipateinleadershiptraining,communitylivingandecologicalandJewishlearningseminarswithvisitingfaculty .

2007FellowshipsSummer: May 27 to September 3

Fall: September 9 to December 16

Applicationsfor�007ADAMAHfellowshipsareacceptedonarollingbasis .The�007programcanaccommodate14SummerFellowsand14FallFellows .ThereisnocosttoparticipateinADAMAH .

TolearnmoreaboutADAMAHandtodownloadanapplication,pleasevisitIsabellaFreedman .org/adamahorcontactShamuSadehatadamah@isabellafreedman .org .

ADAMAH provided the leadership, structure and community that enabled me to re-awaken to Judaism in a profound and lasting way.

—Adina Allen, Berkeley, California

The ADAMAH Fellowship is made possible through the financialsupportofthefollowingindividualsandfoundations:UJA-FederationofNewYork,theNathanCummingsFoundation,theDorotFoundation,Hazon, Aaron and Rita Berman, Laura Rothschild, Lisa and MauryFriedmanFoundation,JakeKriger,DavidBermanandRobertReid .

ADAMAHThe Jewish Environmental Fellowship


the aDaMah teen institute (ati)Inthesummerof�004,IsabellaFreedmanpilotedthe

ADAMAHTeenInstitute .Over100teensfromNewYorkCityparticipatedinthissix-dayprogramthatintegratesorganicfarmingandenvironmentalstudywithgroupbuilding,Jewishlearning,outdooradventureandcommunityservice .AdultADAMAHFellowsserveastheprimaryteachingstaffforATI .

DuringtheirstayatFreedman,ATIparticipantsliveink'far adamah,ourteenvillage,whichconsistsoffourrusticcabins .IsabellaFreedmaniscurrentlyraisingfundstocompleteconstructionofthisvillagewhichstillneedsasepticsystem,diningfacilityandbathhouse .Wehopetocompleteconstructionandre-launchthisexcitingprograminthesummerof�008 .

The spirit of the ADAMAH staff was infectious. They, and the program itself, are role models for the values we are trying to instill in our kids. At the ADAMAH Teen Institute, our group came together in an incredibly deep way. The impact lasted all summer.

—Tamar Field Director, Tiyul, 92nd St. Y, Pilot ATI Chaperone

the Produce of the LandEachyear,theADAMAHsadeh(field)producesover

�0,000poundsofproduce .MostisconsumedintheIsabellaFreedmandininghall .Someisusedintomakepickles,sauerkraut,kimchiandotherproductsforsaleintheIsabellaFreedmanbookstore .Also,atleast10%oftheannualharvestofdonatedtolocalsoupkitchens .

why Jewish Farming? a message from shamu sadeh, ADAMAHProgramDirector

FortheADAMAHcommunity,Jewishfarminginvolvesathree-wayrelationshipbetweenhumans,theEarthandGod .Jewishfarmingmustbepracticedinwaysthathonoreachofthesethreepartners .WeareJewishfarmersbecausewedonatepartofourharvesttothehungry,becausewegiveourselvesandthelandrestonShabbat,becausewespraynopoisons,andbecausewereciteblessingswhenweeatofourharvest .Atitscore,JewishfarmingisinformedbytheessentialTorahprinciplewhichteachesthathumansdonotownthelandbutratherserveasstewardsofGod’searth .WestrivetoworkthesoilandtendtoplantsandanimalsinwaysthatacknowledgeandsanctifytheSourceofLife,waysthatprotecttheland,andwaysthatpromotejusticeintheworld .


senior adult Vacation Center

Youthfulnessisagelesswhenyouarepassionateaboutlife!

Forover50yearsourSummerVacations,ElderhostelsandPassoverRetreatprogramshavebeenwinningravereviewsandrepeatattendance .Ourvacationsforsenioradults,ages55andolder,promisefun,connection,enrichingJewishexperiencesandawholelotmore .

SummerVacationsStrolldownacountrylane .Listentoclassicalmusicunder

thestarsatTanglewood .CelebrateShabbatasthesunsetsovertheBerkshiremountains .Exploreyourcreativesidewitharangeofartsduringtheday,andliveentertainmentatnight .Orsimplyrelaxwithfriendsforgamesintheloungeandconversationsinthegazebo .

AtIsabellaFreedman,thereisneveradullmoment .Onanygivenday,therearedozensofoptionsforspendingyourtime .Joinusthissummerandenjoy:

•TripstoTanglewood,Jacob’sPillowDanceFestival,MusicMountain,theNormanRockwellMuseumandotherculturalattractions

•SeminarsinJewishhistory,literature,theater,music,humorandmore

•ShabbatservicesandJewishlearningexperiencesinourglass-walledsynagogue

•Liveentertainment,folkdancing,artsandcrafts,computerclasses,bridgelessons,

•Fitnesscenter,exerciseclassesandwateraerobics•Boatingandfishinginourprivatelakeandswimmingin

ourheatedpool•Gettingtoknowotherguests,facultyandstaffinawarm

andwelcomingenvironment

2007SeniorSummerVacationsTrip One: June 25 to July 8, 2007Trip Two: July 9 to 22, 2007Trip Three: July 23 to August 5, 2007

Transportation in air-conditioned buses is provided at no cost from New York City.

Passover April 2–11, 2007

Whycook,clean,andkasher?Weinviteyoutofocusinsteadonthecelebrationandspiritualityofthefestival .Enjoyarich,KosherforPassoverprograminacommunityofpeers,all55orolder .

Betweenourwonderful,traditionally-leadprayerservicesandseders,enjoyfabulousactivities—fromlecturestoperformancesbylocalandnationallyrenownedentertainers,artsandcrafts,Israelidancingandboatingonourlake .Duringyourstay,youmayalsoparticipateintripstolocalpointsofinterestsuchasthecharmingtownofKent,Connecticut,andtheNormanRockwellMuseum .

Transportationinair-conditionedbusesprovidedatnocostfromNewYorkCity .


elderhostelsTakeanexcitingjourneyintoJewishlifeandcultureby

attendinganElderhostelprogram .Elderhostelcoursesfeaturethreedifferentlectureseriesoverafive-orsix-dayperiod .Youwillhavetheopportunitytoattendatleastthreedifferentlectureseachday .Programsarekeptsmall(30–60people)soyoucandevelopwarmandpersonalrelationshipswiththelecturersandotherparticipants .

Whenyou’renotattendingalecture,youcanenjoyIsabellaFreedman’sbeautifulgroundsandactivitiesorvisitanyofthenumerousnearbyculturalandnaturalattractionstheBerkshireshavetooffer .Avariedprogramofprofessionalentertainmentisalsoofferedeachevening .

2007CourseOfferings April 15–20 (Course #14782) Untold stories in Jewish historyAndree Brooks

Great american songmakers: Blues, Ragtime & tin Pan alleyLaura Wetzler

into the Mystic: Uncovering the world of Jewish Mystical thoughtRabbi David Ingber

May 28–June 1 (Course #14740) Life on the Lower east sideKen Libo

a world of Jewish MusicLaura Wetzler

Using and Misusing Jewish JokesTom Friedmann

August 27–31 (Course #15082) the influence of Yiddish humor on american Popular CultureKen Libo

societal issues as seen in Jewish wisdomAbraham Gittelson

Fabulous showbiz DivasLaura Wetzler

September 2–7 (Course #15085) Kabbalah in Music, art, Literature and FilmLaura Wetzler

the Making of the Modern JewAbraham Gittelson

the Jews of india and ChinaBernard Raab

For More InformationTorequestaregistrationformorformoreinformation

aboutanyseniorprogram,includingprices,availabilityandscholarships,pleasecontactusat(�1�)�4�-5586,orvisitusonlineatwww .isabellafreedman .org .

ToregisterforanElderhostelcourse,callElderhosteldirectlyat(877)4�6-8056,orvisitwww .elderhostel .org .Usethecoursenumberslistedabovetoidentifyeachprogram .

3� registeronlinewww.isabellafreedman.org

June 4-8, 2007 at Surprise Lake CampThe13thAnnualJewishEnvironmentalEducationSeminar

Thisseminarisaninnovativeprofessionaldevelopmentopportunityforthoseinterestedinintegratingenvironmentalconsciousness,campingorgardeningintoJewisheducation .ThroughworkshopswithleadingTorahscholars,scientists,educatorsandactivists,youwillgaintheskillstobringexcitementandvibrancytomyriadformalandinformalJewisheducationalsettings .Nopreviousenvironmentalknowledgeisnecessary .

the teva Learning Center is a program of surprise Lake Camp .

IsabellaFreedmanhasbeenthefallhomeoftheTevaLearningCentersinceitsfoundingin1994 .Sincethen,over15,000studentsfromJewishdayschools,synagoguesandHebrewschoolsthroughoutNewEngland,NewYorkandNewJerseyhaveparticipatedinitsdynamicexperientialprograms,whichcombineecology,Jewishenvironmentalethics,communitybuildingandenvironmentalactivism .

TolearnmoreabouttheTevaLearningCenterortobookaprogramforyournextschool,synagogue,youthgrouporfamilyretreat,pleasecontactTevaat(�1�)807-6376orvisitwww.tevacenter.org.


Partner Organization Retreats June 1–3, 2007JewishMultiracialNetwork10thAnnualRetreat

JoindozensofotherJewishmultiracialandmulticulturalfamiliestocelebrateShabbatandthediversityofourcommunitytogether .Joindiscussions,participateinrousingsongsessionsandperforminourfamilytalentshow .OrjustrelaxandtakeadvantageofallthattheIsabellaFreedmanJewishRetreatCenterhastooffer .Tolearnmorevisit:JewishMultiracialnetwork.org .Toregister,contactCynthiaWeingerat(�1�)�4�-558�ordownloadaregistrationformonline .

April 12–15, 2007 October 25–28, 2007PANIMRetreatsforRabbisandRabbinicalStudents

Twiceayear,PANIM:TheInstituteforJewishLeadershipandValuessponsorsafour-dayretreatforrabbinicalstudentsfromacrossthedenominationalspectrum .TheretreatsarebasedontwogroundbreakingbooksauthoredbyPANIMpresident,RabbiSidSchwarz .Thespringretreatison“Spirituality,SocialJusticeandtheRabbinate”andisbasedonJudaismandJustice:TheJewishPassiontoRepairtheWorld(JewishLights,�006) .Thefallretreatison“Re-imaginingtheAmericanSynagogue”andisbasedonFindingaSpiritualHome:HowaNewGenerationofJewscanTransformtheAmericanSynagogue(JewishLights,�000) .Formoreinformation,visitwww.panim.org .

Aug 31–Sept 1, 2007HazonBikeRideKickoffWeekend

TheHazonJewishEnvironmentalBikeRidekicksoffwithanextraordinaryshabbatonatIsabellaFreedman .Morethan�00ridersthenmakethe1�0-mile,two-daytrektoNewYorkCity .TheweekendandtheridebringtogetherJewsofallagesandfromacrossthedenominationalspectrumtostudy,playandcelebratetogether .TheridealsoraisesthousandsofdollarsforenvironmentalprojectsintheUnitedStatesandIsrael .Formoreinformation,visitwww.hazon.org .

December 6–9, 2007 (Shabbat Chanukah)HazonFoodConference

JoinHazonforthe�ndannualconferenceonJews,FoodandContemporaryLife .HazonisattheforefrontofanemergingnewJewishfoodmovementandthisconferenceisquicklybecomingthesinglebestplacetotalkaboutcontemporaryfoodissuesinaJewishcontext .Thisfamily-friendlyconferenceoffersamixtureofengagingspeakers,panels,hands-onworkshops,cookingdemonstrationsandopportunitiesforcollectiveandindividualJewishlearningandprayer .ComeandcelebrateShabbatChanukahandbeinspiredbythe“foodforJewishthought .”Formoreinformation,visitwww.hazon.org .

Fall 2007TheTevaLearningCenter

IsabellaFreedmanhasbeenthefallhomeoftheTevaLearningCentersincetheprogram’sfoundingin1994 .Sincethen,over15,000studentsfromJewishdayschoolsthroughoutNewEnglandandNewYorkhaveparticipatedinitsdynamicexperientialprograms,whichcombineecology,Jewishenvironmentalethicsandenvironmentalactivism .Tevaeducatorsarealsoavailabletoteachduringretreatweekends .Formoreinformation,seethefacingpage,orvisitwww.tevacenter.org .

Photo:DonnaFoster

Organizations that have held retreats at Isabella freedman in recent years:

American Jewish World ServiceAnshe Chesed B’nai JeshurunBais Chana Basherte Board of Jewish Education The Bronfman Youth FellowshipConservative Synagogue of

Jamaica EstatesDorot FoundationDorshei TzedekHazonHarold Grinspoon Foundation Hebrew High School of New England Hebrew High School of West Hartford Hebrew Institute of White Plains Hillel of New York IsralightJewish Life NetworkJewish Funders NetworkJewish Coalition for Service JCH of Bensonhurst Jewish Theological Seminary Kane Street Synagogue Mayanot The Meaningful Life Center Nesiya Institute New Hyde Park Synagogue92nd Street YMCAPanim Ramaz SchoolReconstructionist Federation of

New EnglandSalanter Akiba Riverdale AcademySociety for the Advancement of JudaismSolomon Schechter of Long IslandTemple EmunahUnited Synagogue YouthUpper West Side JCCUJA-Federation of New York Woodbury Jewish FederationYeshivat Chovevei TorahYoung Israel of New Hyde Park

Renting isabella FreedmanLookingforaplacetohostyourorganizationalretreatorpersonal

affair?LetIsabellaFreedmanbeyourhostandenjoyallthatourfacilityhastooffer(seepage5) .Asanadditionalservice,ourretreatcoordinatorcanhelpyoucreateyouridealretreatprogrambytakingadvantageofournetworkofspecialists,educators,entertainersandrabbis .Letusenhanceyourretreatthrougharts,music,environmentaleducation,aropescourse,yogaormeditation,textstudy,prayerservicesandmuchmore .Foracompletelistofprogramoptions,pleasevisitourwebsite .

Forratesandavailability,contactAdamBermanat(860)8�4-5991x305orbyemailatrentals@isabellafreedman .org .



MarilynAlperRitaAranow

BlairAxelPhyllisBass

AbrahamBerkovitsAaronandRita

BermanDavidBermanJoshuaBermanReenaBernardsJeffreyBoltonEzraBuchwald

JoelCaplanCaseyCogut

Eli&BessCohenFoundation

JonathanCohen

StevenCohnWarrenandDana

CohnNathanCummings

FoundationDavidA .Cooper

MarkDorfDorotFoundation

TamarEarnestPaulandJoanne

EgermanMarkFinkelstein

EnidFisherSSFisher

FoundationMartyFriedman

KennethFriedman

EvanFriedmanEverettandMary

GendlerGerryGolden

HaroldGrinspoonRichardHirsch

JosephHofheimerLawsonHughes

MyronandAnnetteKaplan

SimonKatzBarbaraKatzander

PaulKieselJakeKrigerLaskoJointInvestmentsNealLerner

MichaelLevineJeffLewis

RuthLindenbaumBenjaminMarks

PeterMayMichelleOres

IraPierceAnthonyandDale

PiroTheRitaPoretsky

FoundationRoniPosner

GeorgePrussinStephanieRiesel

RobRosenLauraRothschild

JohnRuark

MarkRussoSaalFamilyFoundationIraSahlman

MichaelSalzhauerHelenSamuelsNigelSavage

RachelSchneiderChipSchorin

RichardShusterJulieSmith

EllenSosnowJulietSpitzerRonaldStein

SharonStrassfeldSwirnowCharitable

Foundation

ElliotTaftTidesFoundation

MarcUtayCharlesandJudith

WeinbergJeffWeinberger

MichaelWeisbergRon&VickiWellerWestchesterReform

TempleGaryWexlerGaryYarus

MichaelandLeighZiegler

SeymourZisesAudreyZucker

isabella Freedman Board of Directors

President: LauraRothschildVice President: SharonStrassfeld

Vice President:NigelSavagetreasurer: RachelSchneider

secretary: MichaelSalzhauer

MarilynMarcusAlperPeterBregman

EnidFisherGeneFleishmanEvanFriedman

MartyFriedmanJoanIlivickyGoldstein

LynneIserSaulKaiserman

IraPierce

RoniPosnerSteffieRiesel

LauraRothschildMarkRusso

MichaelSalzhauer

HelenSamuelsNigelSavage

RachelSchneiderEllenSosnow

SharonStrassfeld

adam BermanExecutiveDirector

ari wellerAssociateDirector/

ElatChayyimDirector

Michelle OresDevelopmentDirector

Rosalie BouchardChiefFinancialOfficer

K'vod wiederProgramDirector

al MarcianoMaintenanceDirector

Cynthia weingerAssistantDirector/SeniorPrograms

Olga PermitinaProgramAssistant

Vlastimil ValasekRetreatManager

tamuz shiranRetreatManager

annie GilbertRegistrar

shir Yaakov Feinstein-FeitCommunicationsDirector

Ben appelleBookstoreManager

shamu sadehADAMAHDirector

naftali hanauADAMAHStaff

Josh RosensteinADAMAHStaff

"super" Ben RosenthalSpecialProjects

isabella Freedman staff

the work of the isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center is made possible through the generosity of the following individuals and foundations. (Contributions over $1,000 since sept. 2006)

HighHolidayRetreatsFillUpWeeksinAdvance.RegisterToday!

Rosh HashanahSeptember 12–16, 2007

Yom KippurSeptember 21–23, 2007

SukkahFest 2007October 26–30, 2007

Location and DirectionsIsabella Freedman is located just two hours from New York City, three hours from Boston and one hour from the Bradley International Airport in Hartford. Shuttle service is available from the airport and from the Wassaic train station, the last stop on the Metro-North Harlem Line from New York City. Please visit our web site for driving directions: www.isabellafreedman.org

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Springfield

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Mt. Vernon

Massachusetts

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IsabellaFreedmanJewishRetreatCenter116JohnsonRoadFallsVillage,CT06031–1619

Printedon50%recycledpaperwith15%post-consumercontent

isabella freedman jewish retreat center catalog 2007

Documents

year page

jewish background

jewish journey

ancient rite page

jewish learning healthy

song of humanity

song of ones

isabella freedmani