Although Or HaLev retreats take place in "social silence" they are far from quiet. We begin our mornings together in song and chant, and there are opportunities everyday to ask questions. Rather, we take silence in order to give our students the space to delve deeply inward. Therefore, while you're with us, you will not chat with other participants, use your phone, etc. We also ask that you refrain from reading and journaling as well. Over our six nights of practice, we'll gently journey from the world of words and labels into the world of unified being
Or HaLev offers Judaism as a transformative spiritual path. Through the creation of immersive experiences, we bring seekers into contact with the Jewish teachings and practices that lead to a deeper, more meaningful life. Under the guidance of our expert teachers, we invite practitioners to open their hearts, minds, and souls through a variety of spiritual modalities including mindfulness meditation, song, holy eating, contemplative and meditative prayer, and observing Shabbat as a practice of settling, realignment, unity, and communion
We welcome you! All Or HaLev retreats are conducted according to halakhah. We serve only kosher food and observe the laws of shabbat. We encourage our participants to make the retreat their own, and support them in fulfilling their personal religious obligations. Communal prayer on Or HaLev retreats is conducted in mixed settings (all genders together), but many of our students choose to pray on their own or not at all
We welcome you! While the journey we take together on Or HaLev retreats is a spiritual one, we welcome each of our students to take it on their own terms. There is no compulsory religious practice on the retreat. All questions, doubts and beliefs are welcome