We will also meet at Chochmat Halev on Friday evening and Saturday.
Elders Shabbaton (Ages 55+)
November 6 - November 7
Tilden Park (Berkeley, California)
An Immersive Shabbat Experience
For local Bay Area commuters, this immersive Shabbat experience will explore the elder journey through Jewish spirituality and nature connection.
Event Details
Discover what it means to move from simply growing older to becoming an elder at this immersive commuter Shabbaton for Jewish adults 55+. This is a unique opportunity to spend Shabbat reflecting on your elder journey through the lens of Jewish wisdom, spiritual practice, nature connection, life review and a meaningful community.
From Friday afternoon through Havdalah on Saturday evening, participants will engage in Jewish learning, contemplative practices, nature connection, music, prayer, shared meals, and deep conversation. Together, we will explore how Jewish tradition and life experience can support the journey into elderhood.
Co-Sponsored with Chochmat HaLev
- Welcoming Shabbat with ritual, song, and community at Chochmat HaLev
- Shabbat morning movement, prayer, music, and interactive Torah study
- Nature-based practices, including a solo wilderness wander in Tilden Regional Park
- Workshops on life review/cultivating wisdom, and Jewish spiritual practices for the elder journey
- Personal reflection, journaling, and chevruta (partner conversations)
- Opportunities for rest, contemplative walking, and informal connection
- Closing Havdalah ceremony
Sunday, October 11
4:00–5:30 PM | Pre-Shabbaton Gathering on Zoom
Meet fellow participants and prepare for the retreat experience.
Friday, November 6
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Tilden Regional Park
- Opening circle and introductions
- Nature connection practices
- Solo wilderness wander and journaling
- Group reflection and snacks
6:00 PM | Chochmat HaLev, Berkeley
- Kabbalat Shabbat services
- Community potluck dinner
Saturday, November 7
9:30 AM – 7:15 PM | Chochmat HaLev
- Movement, prayer, music, and Torah study
- Workshop: Life Review and Cultivating Wisdom
- Workshop: Jewish Spiritual Practices for the Elder Journey
- Shared lunch and conversations
- Havdalah and closing ceremony
- Open to Jewish adults age 55+
- Commuter retreat in the SF Bay Area (no overnight accommodations)
- Limited to approximately 25 participants
- Work/trade Scholarships are available for people who are open to assisting at the retreat
- Dan and Zoë Goldblatt
- Tom Levy
- Drew Sproul
- Ellie Schindelman
- Amanda Nube
- Elizheva Hurvitch
- Bob Smith
- The Chochmat Kabbalat Shabbat Team
Leader Bios Coming Soon!
- Friday and Saturday afternoon snacks – we provide
- Friday evening – potluck dinner
- Saturday lunch – we provide
Sliding Scale: $225- $295
Growing older happens naturally. Becoming an elder is a sacred choice.
Join us for a nourishing Shabbat dedicated to wisdom, connection, and the unfolding journey into elderhood.
Registration Deadline: September 15, 2026
