This retreat will be led by Noam Levenson. Noam is an experienced trek leader and meditation guide. To learn more about Noam, you can read his bio here. You can listen to a meditation by him (for Pesach) as well.

You don't have to have meditated before to come on this retreat.

We will be directly exploring our own experience to see how unity and G-d are not concepts or beliefs, but felt experiences.

Our exploration will include a combination of talks, guided meditations, and quiet time to reflect alone.

We will also include Shabbat meals, song, Torah, games, and walks together.

Bear’s Den Lodge – Shenandoah National Park, VA

Located along the Appalachian Trail, Bear’s Den offers sweeping views, quiet forest trails, and a natural setting ideal for retreat.

• ~1.5 hours from Washington, DC

• ~4–4.5 hours from New York City

We will be camping at Bear's Den, with access to the lodge and nearby trails.

We recommend coordinating carpools with other participants where possible.

You are also welcome to drive independently and meet at Bear’s Den.

Details will be shared after registration.

Day 1 — Friday, July 24

Participants arrive at Bear’s Den in the afternoon.

We set up camp and gather for an opening session, followed by a gentle transition into the retreat and Shabbat in nature.

Day 2 — Saturday, July 25

A full day of retreat in the forest.

We move through guided meditation, silence, time in nature, and group exploration, allowing space for direct experience to unfold.

Day 3 — Sunday, July 26

We close the retreat together in the morning.

After a final session and shared reflection, we pack up and depart by late morning or early afternoon.

Beyond Belief

Judaism is not a religion rooted in belief like many others are. Our tradition is not rooted in belief – in the way we conceive of it today. Rather, it was rooted in felt-experience.

That which is seen directly with our own eyes does not have to be believed. It is known. Belief is so prolific today because we, as a people, have largely lost our direct connection/experience to the Divine.

But there's only one place to find it: right now, through direct investigation of our own experience.

We welcome people of all levels of Jewish observance. Our trips are structured to ensure that participants who observe Shabbat and kashrut can do so comfortably.

We will build a kosher eruv at the campground and keep full Shabbat observance.

Lech-Lecha provides:

• All kosher food

• Tents

• Cooking equipment and stoves

• All communal gear

Participants must bring:

• Sleeping bag

• Sleeping pad

• Hiking boots or trail shoes

• Chair or something to sit comfortably on

• Weather-appropriate outdoor clothing

Gear rentals are available for this trip, for an additional fee.

To learn more about this trek, please contact:

Noam Levenson – Noam@lechlechajourneys.org