Jewish Learning Retreats

As a MHWOW host, you juggle many roles: event planner, social connector, the chef (or takeout guru), and programmer just to name a few. When was the last time you slowed down and hit pause with yourself? Join us for *Community Starts with You*, the first MHWOW retreat of 2019. Part personal development, part wellness, part soaking up the California sunshine, the retreat will focus on you so you can return to your community focused and energized. We’ll connect together with a spiritual Shabbat overlooking the Bel Air hills, learn with LA’s top Jewish educators and experts, and relax with other MHWOW hosts from across the country. Take care of yourself as a Jewish leader so you can be inspired to create Jewish life for your community.

Shabbat is by far the most frequent (and arguably the most special) Jewish holiday since we get to celebrate it every week! It gives us an opportunity to reset, relax and reflect. At this retreat, we'll learn how to invigorate Shabbat programs by enhancing our understanding of the day of rest beyond just a Friday night meal into a 25-hour experience with several opportunities for new and innovative perspectives.

Havdalah, or "separation" in Hebrew, is the hallmark ritual that marks the transition between Shabbat and the rest of the week. We will learn how to curate Havdalah and other Shabbat programs for your home community and how best to utilize the public, outdoor resources available to you at home. Being in the beautiful setting of Sonoma County, California gives us a wonderful opportunity to be outdoors together and create an unforgettable Havdalah experience. (Warning: please DO try this at home!)

Have you ever wanted to spend Shabbat under the stars? This is your chance! With professional outdoor educators, we will venture into the woods of Rocky Mountain National Park for an amazing weekend of hiking, rock climbing and exploring the Colorado Wilderness. We'll also learn about why the outdoors are so important in Judaism. Join us for an incredible weekend of a shared outdoor experience that you won't forget!

Thousands years of history. Thriving culture. Faith. Betrayal. Politics. Plots of genocide and stories of unbelievable courage and perseverance that allowed Jewish nation to survive, get stronger and thrive no matter what are the obstacles. This Russian Speaking Jewish retreat we invite you to come and learn about these rich narratives that make Jewish nation a unique example among the nations. We will learn from the past, discuss the present and will try to imagine the future that we can help to create! Come as you are, we promise rich learning, great atmosphere and a unique experience with your fellow Russian Speaking Jews! Questions? Email yana@moishehouse.org.

Have you ever wanted to build a Sukkah but didn't know where to begin? We'll reflect on the Jewish harvest festival together by creating an amazing, sustainable temporary structure to honor the Israelites who wandered in the desert. The Sukkah is also a work of art, both in its design and the ambiance of hospitality that it creates for Jews everywhere. We'll explore how to become spiritual architects, curating Sukkot for our niche communities at home, be it your art studio, your book club or your Moishe House.

Spend some quality time with other Moishe House Without Walls hosts and staff in 2019. More information to come!

Coalition building is the process by which parties form a temporary alliance or partnering of groups in order to achieve a common purpose or to engage in joint activity. According to Jewish text, participation in communal affairs is not an option but a religious obligation. Going beyond the Jewish community and building relationships and partnerships is an important step to make the world a more just and peaceful place. Take a weekend to explore coalition building in order to build partnerships when you return home.

Retreatology is the premier training in the art of Jewish Retreat-Making. Participants (or “Retreatologists”) learn how to create a Jewish gathering for their friends and community from start to finish. From goal-setting to venue selection to experience design, we cover it all. We are looking for community builders, creatives, and people who dream big! Retreatologists are eligible for a grant of up to $5,000 to plan and execute the Jewish learning retreat they have always dreamed of creating. Whether it’s creative writing, Jewish mindfulness, Jewish food or Torah yoga, Retreatology and Moishe House are here to make it possible.

Many of us didn't get the education we need to understand how to navigate personal finance. This is crucial not only as a life skill, but also for identifying the life that one seeks to lead. Together we will explore the issues at the intersection of Jewish values and money: conscious consumption, ethical giving, and giving circles. An onsite Certified Financial Planner (CFP) will be available for financial planning sessions to work with you on your financial future. We will dive deep into the Jewish ethics of giving and receiving and come away with practical skills to take back to your home community.