116 Johnson Rd Falls Village,
CT
06031United States+18608245991
Isabella Freedman
Illuminating Pathways to Our Inner Tree of Life
Step away from the rhythm of everyday life, as we intentionally create “an island in time.”
Together, through the study of ancient Jewish wisdom and the practices of yoga and other guided activities, we will reveal and illuminate the Torah within our body, mind, heart, and soul.
Come away with us this summer to a beautiful setting in the southern Berkshire mountains!
Torah Yoga Immersive Retreat: Friday July 14 – Wednesday July 19, 2023
This experience is for anybody looking to join an uplifting and relaxing Jewish-inspired spiritual retreat. No previous yoga practice or Torah study is necessary to participate, all are welcome!
Retreat Details
Pricing
All-inclusive retreat experiences range from $1,350 to $2,450 depending on the lodging style you reserve:
Standard Room (Private Bathroom): $1,850 per adult in double occupancy | $2,450 single occupancy
Basic Room (Shared full bathroom between two rooms): $1,600 per adult in double occupancy | $2,150 single occupancy
Dormitory Style (shared half bathroom between two rooms) multiple occupancy: $1,350 per adult
Other options
Commuter: $1,050 includes the complete retreat experience with the exception of overnight lodging
Shuttle service: between Wassaic Train Station and Isabella Freedman – $35 each way
The retreat opens with a celebration of Shabbat filled with communal and personal prayer, meditation, song and rituals, Torah reading, farm-to-table meals, and ample leisure time for rest and reflection.
Guided programming throughout the retreat includes options for yoga, meditation, dance, music, chanting, poetry, journaling, Torah study, and prayer.
The magical setting of Isabella Freedman offers unique opportunities to connect with nature through hiking, swimming, stargazing, and eco-awareness on the 10-acre organic farm.
Lev Shalem together with Torah Yoga are bringing together an inspiring group of practitioners, teachers, and Rabbis who artfully combine ancient Jewish wisdom with mindfulness practices to reveal and illuminate the Torah within body, mind, heart and soul.
Rabbi Tara Feldman
Rabbi Tara Feldman is the co-author of Into a Jewish Holiday Year with Yoga, a Workbook and Guided Journey for Body Mind and Soul. Tara was ordained by Hebrew Union College in 2001 and is Rabbi Emerita of Temple Beth-El of Great Neck, NY where she served for 13 years as co-senior rabbi. Her previous pulpits include Congregation Beth Elohim, Brooklyn, NY and Temple Israel, Memphis, TN. A lifelong exercise enthusiast, Tara’s passions include yoga, meditation, storytelling and environmental activism. Tara recently made aliyah and is living in Jerusalem where she works for Sia’h Shalom-Talking Peace, creating opportunities for dialogue within and beyond the Jewish community.
Sharon Epstein is also the co-author of Into a Jewish Holiday Year with Yoga, a Workbook and Guided Journey for Body Mind and Soul. Sharon Epstein is a licensed creative arts therapist and yoga teacher. Her work spans over 35 years in various settings – yoga studios, community centers, corporations, private homes, hospitals. Sharon is skilled at working with all levels of ability, from true beginners to experienced students, and for anyone looking for inspiration, modification and adaptation to meet their needs. As co-founder of Lev Shalem Yoga, alongside Rabbi Tara, Sharon focuses on widening the lens to experience and find understanding, meaning and joy in Judaism for the modern seeker. Yoga Alliance, E-RYT-500, YACEP, LCAT.
Diane Bloomfield, creator of Torah Yoga and a certified Iyengar yoga instructor
Diane Bloomfield is the creator of Torah Yoga and certified Iyengar yoga teacher. She is currently publishing her new book, Playing with Fire: Secret Hebrew Doorways to the Jewish Soul. Diane has over 30 years of experience in leading workshops and retreats throughout Israel, US and Canada. She has been a guest teacher at Birthright, AIPAC, Woman of the Wall, the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem. Diane lives in Jerusalem where she teaches Torah and Torah yoga classes. Diane loves leading retreats at the Isabella Freedman Retreat Center.
Julie Emden is the Founding Director of Embodied Jewish Learning and the Embodied Jewish Wisdom Network, a global collaborative of leaders and seekers of movement practices infused with Jewish wisdom. Julie is a graduate of five fellowship and teaching certification programs related to her work as a dancer, Jewish educator, Iyengar-based Yoga instructor and movement/expressive artist. She offers an Advanced Teacher Training in Embodied Jewish Wisdom and has over two decades of experience guiding others in somatic explorations of Jewish wisdom as a resource for living in balance and wholeness. Halprin Practitioner, Yoga Alliance, E-RYT-500, YACEP.
Nancy Wolfson-Moche is a certified macrobiotic counselor, cookbook author, and culinary arts educator. Her book, Vegetables for Breakfast from A to Z, invites the reader to re-imagine breakfast, lunch, and dinner by enjoying plant-based meals with locally grown produce. Nancy presents eating as a sacred Jewish practice, creating symbolic meals and menus infused with meaning and ritual. Certified Torah Yoga teacher, Yoga Alliance, RYT-200.
Baba Lou Haber, certified Yoga Teacher
Baba Lou Haber has led yoga in many Jewish settings including the Menschwork Jewish Men’s Retreat and a number of synagogues in the NY Metro area. He teaches Torah Yoga at Merkaz Community High School for Judaic Studies in CT and Kaia Yoga in CT and NY. He presently is studying to be an Ayurvedic Health Counselor. He is a certified Yoga Teacher.
Ashira Sheila Katz, PhD, BCBA
Ashira Sheila Katz brings a deep love of Jewish spiritual practices that cultivate awareness of the Divine connection within us all. She has completed multiple trainings in Jewish spirituality and brings over 18 years of experience in leading meditation groups and retreats that include modalities of chant, silent meditation, yoga/embodied prayer and Chasidic storytelling to communities nationwide. Ashira is also a licensed psychologist specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorder. PhD, BCBA.
Mark Russo, certified nature therapy guide
Mark Russo has completed several training programs including Torah Yoga Teacher Training, Jewish Meditation Teacher Training and Davening Leadership Training. He has served as chair of the Board of Directors of Elat Chayyim and Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center, treasurer of Hazon and chair of the Isabella Freedman Advisory Council. He is a certified nature therapy guide (forest bathing), and endeavors to unlock the magic of his Celtic harps!
For questions and more information about the retreat please reach out
Lev Shalem Yoga combines ancient Jewish wisdom with yoga practices for the modern seeker.
Details About Isabella Freedman
For more information about accommodations, dining, transportation, campus amenities, and COVID-related policies, please visit our Guest Information and FAQ page.
