Greetings!
We hope you can join us for this Summer's Lay retreat!
|
 |
Upcoming: Lay Retreat - July 8-11
|
|
Happiness is......Developing a Deeper Sense of Joy in One's Life
Reb Nachman of Breslov taught, "Mitzvah gedolah lihiyot b'simchatamid - It is an enormous mitzvah to be happy always." How is that possible? In
the rush of everyday life, amid the personal and professional
challenges that each of us faces, and in the midst of such world-wide
turmoil, how can we be expected to experience continual joy? It seems either foolish or irresponsible.
The simcha/happiness of which Reb Nachman speaks is one of equanimity, one of balance, and one of wholeness. It gives us perspective on life and strength to face the many things that each day might bring.
Join IJS
Rabbis Rachel Cowan, and Jonathan Slater, as well as IJS colleagues
Rabbi Jordan Bendat-Appell, Cantor Ellen Dreskin, and Robin Wald for a
different sort of Shabbat. Truly stepping out of our routine, we will
explore this quality of joy, and begin to understand the significance
of its practice in our lives. Joining with others in conversation,
study, prayer and contemplative silence, we will gain insights into
garnering our inner resources and directing our energies toward that
which may have lasting impact far beyond this weekend together. No
prior experience in text study, Hebrew, meditation or yoga is necessary
in order for you to participate fully in our entire program.
From Thursday
evening through Sunday morning, we will engage in a variety of
practices. We will nourish our minds, so that we can see clearly and
respond effectively to the events of our lives. We will nourish our
bodies - with excellent food, activity, and intentional rest, so that
we may truly be refreshed. And we will nourish our souls -
there will be space for reflection and internalization. Shabbat will be
the container in which these practices will find their expression.
One IJS's core practices is contemplative silence. We offer periods of
intentional silence in the form of mindfulness meditation each day, and
incorporate periods of quiet during prayer and study. We believe that
when we step back from the impulse to speak, we allow ourselves more
opportunities for clarity and truth. In no way is this silence meant to
stifle expression - rather, it is intended to expand the opportunities
for greater self-knowledge and more intentional, compassionate
expression and action.
Our daily program will include a variety of worship experiences. We invite you to bring a kippah, tallit and tefillin(if you use them). We will provide prayer books. We also offer
opportunities to bring mindful awareness to the body through entirely
accessible yoga sessions, as well as silent walks and other activities.
The program begins at 5pm on Thursday and will end at lunchtime on
Sunday.
Cost: Sliding scale according to ability to pay - $475-625 for a double; $650-850 for a single.
Registration: This retreat is open to the public; to register, please visit http://www.regonline.com/layjuly2010
|
|
Thank you! 
Thank you for taking time out of your day to be with us, we hope to see you on retreat soon! L'shalom, Rachel. |
