What do you mean by a "Silent Retreat?"

Although Or HaLev retreats take place in "social silence" they are far from quiet. We begin our mornings together in song and chant, there are opportunities everyday to ask questions, participants will meet regularly with teachers over the course of the retreat, and the teachers will provide guided instruction. Rather, we use silence as a way to create a sacred container and give our students the space to delve deeply inward.

Therefore, while you're with us, you will not chat with other participants, use your phone, etc. We also ask that you refrain from reading and journaling as well. Over the course of the retreat, we'll gently journey from the world of words and labels into the world of unified being. While social silence is typically the most worrying aspect of retreat for beginners, it is the least mentioned once the retreat actually begins.

How is it Jewish?

Or HaLev offers Judaism as a transformative spiritual path. Through the creation of immersive experiences, we bring seekers into contact with the Jewish teachings and practices that lead to a deeper, more meaningful life. Jewish tradition offers many types of meditation, from hashkata (quieting the mind) to hitbonenut (contemplation) to blessing practice. The Torah teaches that Yitzchak went out into the field to meditate before meeting his soul mate. It’s written in the Talmud that the early Hasidim would meditate for an hour before and after prayer!

Under the guidance of our dedicated teachers, we invite practitioners to open their hearts, minds, and souls through a variety of spiritual modalities including chanting, mindful eating, hitbodedut (talking to the Divine), introspective prayer, and observing Shabbat as a practice of settling, realigning, unifying, and connecting.

What if I’m religious?

We welcome you! Or HaLev retreats are a pluralistic space, built to accommodate everyone. We serve only kosher food and observe Shabbat as a community. We encourage our participants to make the retreat their own, and support them in fulfilling their personal religious obligations. Communal prayer is conducted in a variety of ways (feel free to reach out about the particular retreat you are interested in) and is designed to be inclusive and accommodating. Space is always available for participants to pray in the way that is appropriate for them.

What if I’m not at all religious?

We welcome you! The journey we take together on retreat is a spiritual one, and we welcome each of our students to take it on their own terms. There is no compulsory religious practice. All questions, doubts and beliefs are welcome.

What if I suffer, or have suffered, from a mental health condition?

Difficult emotional and mental states often arise on retreat. It is important for all participants to be aware of this fact and to fully and accurately fill out the mental health and other questions that will be included as part of the registration process so that we can best support you in your practice. The retreat has been designed in consultation with leading experts in meditation safely with the understanding that the retreat will not be staffed by trained mental health professionals. Per their recommendations, regrettably, the program is not able to accept those who are currently suffering from a serious mental health condition, have had a manic episode in the past 6 months, and/or have had a psychotic episode at any point in their life. At the same time, we aim to be as inclusive as possible while maintaining a safe experience for both participants and staff. Given the broad spectrum of conditions and disorders that fall under the category of mental health, many of which are perfectly compatible with retreat, we rely on your honest self-assessment for compatibility with the retreat experience. If you do choose to apply, you will be asked to fill out a form that details your meditation and mental health history.   

If you would like to discuss your mental health with us, or have concerns about whether this program is appropriate for you, please email our Community Manager at carrie@orhalev.org and she will refer you to the lead teacher of the retreat.

What should I pack?

• Yoga Mat

• Alarm clock/watch

• Layers to wear (might be cold/hot)

• Tallit/Tefillin/Siddur (as is your custom)

• Water bottle/Mug with Cover

• Indoor slippers

• Toiletries

• Rain gear where appropriate – umbrella, jackets, rain boots or shoes that slip easily off and on. (check forecast)

• Blanket or shawl for sitting in the evening

• Nutritional supplements and medicines

• Earplugs & eye mask

• If you have any allergies or special medicinal needs, please bring appropriate medication.

• Teacher donations at the end of the retreat. (Our teachers are not paid from the fees participants pay before joining retreat - that simply covers operational costs. We ask at the end of retreat for terumot - donations from the heart - for our teachers time, presence, and guidance, preferably in the form of online payment but checks are also accepted.

• An open heart 

• Meditation bench/chair/cushion (depending on the retreat site we use there may or may not be meditation cushions available)