The Festival of Passover calls us to leave the narrow places in our hearts and minds and expand our capacity for compassion, empathy, understanding and relationship.
Through sitting and walking meditation, yoga, prayer, reflection on traditional texts and listening to the wisdom of the water, sky and Earth we will practice softening our hearts and releasing thoughts, habits and behaviors that keep us bound. Our aim is to touch the courage, strength and faith that will guide us in stepping into the fullness of our lives and serving the highest good.
We will engage in the practices of:
Tikkun halev: The softening of the hardened heart
Bedikat chamaytz: Taking notice of what keeps us from engaging fully with the challenges and gifts of life, and
Yitziat mitzriam: Leaving the narrow places of judgment and fear, to enter into a wider expanse of perspective and possibility.
Wisdom from the river, trees, hills and sky will help guide the journey as we welcome the month of Nisan and turn our attention to the spiritual work of preparing for Passover. The sacred beauty of the retreat center will bring strength to our practice.
I welcome you to join us for this annual retreat to prepare our hearts and souls for Passover.
— Rabbi Yael Levy
Location
We will gather at Garrison Institute, a renovated former Capuchin Monastery, located on the Hudson River amid rolling hills and forests.
The drive is about 2.5 hours from Philadelphia.
For directions by train or car from New York, New England or points South, look at Garrison Institute’s transportation information.
Schedule
Arrive between 3:00 – 4:00PM on Friday.
Settle and meet the group.
The retreat will start at 5:00PM with song, prayer, a festive meal and teachings.
Shabbat: morning practices, mindfulness prayer service, outdoor time and rest
Saturday evening: Havdalah and evening teachings
Sunday: morning practices and setting intentions for the journey into Passover and the Omer
Plan to depart for home after lunch.
For more information and registration go to:
https://www.awayin.org/retreat-2019-passover
Or write retreats@awayin.org
https://www.facebook.com/events/2259815957604146/
