Ancient Jewish mystery wisdom considers illness a major opportunity for personal life shifting and unfolding. Healing is not about fixing but about directing the flow of the ailment toward the restoration of balance in the dynamics between soul and body. Rituals include prayers and incantations that call upon forces active in the spirit realms, various plants, incense smoke, the ram's horn, planetary influences, and stones. Some ceremonies also involve drawing a circle on the earth with specific mystical symbols, and many such rites require chanting and drumming. Often, the purpose of these rites is to clear the body's own channels of impediments and resistance to enable the smooth flow of the life force within each of us.
During this rare opportunity to explore the lesser-promulgated body of Jewish tradition, Rabbi Gershon will familiarize participants with ancient and medieval Aramaic and Hebraic source texts as well as oral traditions from which this long-neglected body of wisdom originates. Miriam will guide you through practicums of ceremony, guided imagery, chant, and movement toward experiencing these teachings and drawing them deeper within yourself, beyond the intellect, and into actual practice.
Single Room | |
w/ private bath & queen-sized bed |
1,600 |
w/ private bath |
1,450 |
w/ shared bath & queen-sized bed |
1,450 |
w/ shared bath |
925 |
w/ hall bath |
750 |
Double Room | |
w/ private bath & queen-sized bed |
1,025 |
w/ private bath |
925 |
w/ shared bath & queen-sized bed |
875 |
w/ shared bath |
725 |
w/ hall bath |
700 |
Triple Room | |
w/ private bath |
725 |
w/ hall bath |
650 |
Tent/Commuter | |
550 | |
Children (Ages 3-14) | |
per night |
35 |
The tuition for this institute is $1,400 ($900 deposit) and does not include the cost of Room and Board (see table on the right). Listed room and board fees are per week.
Room and board includes housing, meals, Shabbat services, evening activities, hot tub, yoga, meditation, and full use of our facility. All rooms are air-conditioned in the summer and heated in the winter.
Financial assistance for graduate students in rabbinic, cantorial, or Jewish education are eligible for aid through a generous grant provided by The Lasko Family Foundation of Philadelphia. Click here to apply.
Limited financial aid is also available through the Elat Chayyim scholarship fund.
Please arrive between 2pm and 5pm on the day your retreat begins. Retreats end with brunch at 11:30am on the last day of the retreat.
The Elat Chayyim Center for Jewish Spirituality reserves the right to cancel any program at any time. In this event, you will be given a complete refund.
For transportation: A full refund of transportation fees 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. For more information on getting here, please visit our Travel & Transportation page.
In case of cancellation of the entire Institute, Elat Chayyim retains a $200 enrollment deposit, plus tuition for any weeks attended or partially attended. Any tuition paid in excess of these amounts is refunded.