This retreat is community-led rather than centered around a single retreat leader. Each person brings something unique: a helpful hand in the kitchen, an idea for an activity, a song, a meaningful conversation, or simply their presence.

We’ll create the weekend together, with shared opportunities to support food preparation, logistics, Shabbat, and programming. After purchasing tickets, you’ll choose how each guest would like to contribute.

We will be sleeping in a beautiful rustic cabin – Bears Den. The cabin has two large sleeping rooms with bunk beds.

There are three bathrooms and two showers, a living room and dining room area, and a full kitchen.

Please note that the cabin has running water and electricity but no AC.

Bears Den Lodge – Shenandoah, VA

Our retreat will be hosted at the historic Bears Den Lodge, located about one hour from Washington DC.

Bears Den is located on is a beautiful 66-acre wooded property, overlooking Shenandoah valley and 150 yards from the Appalachian Trail, a perfect place to slow down, connect, and spend Shabbat in nature.

Bears Den Lodge is located about a 1-hour drive from DC.

We recommend you coordinate carpools among participants, so you can connect with others traveling from your area. Exact arrival instructions and carpool details will be shared after signup.

(Subject to change)

Day 1 — Friday, November 27 – 1pm

We will meet at Bears Den by 1:00 PM.

We will move into our cabin and begin prepping for Shabbat. We'll hopefully finish our preparations quickly and can spend the rest of the day by the lake and in the forest.

Once Shabbat arrives, we'll bring in Shabbat with song and intentional conversation and then share in good Thanksgiving food and good company!

Day 2 — Saturday, November 28th

We spend Shabbat in the cabin, playing games, singing, exploring the grounds, and in some intentional exploration and prayer/meditation.

The day is open for rest, reflection, conversation, and time in nature, with optional short walks nearby (within your comfort level). This is a chance to fully unplug and experience Shabbat in a quiet, natural setting.

Day 3 — Sunday, November 29th

We will make breakfast, pack up, close our circle, and plan to head home around 12pm.

Thanksgiving

This retreat is an invitation to explore gratitude, its power, and how we can bring more of it in our lives.

Through meditation, prayer, Shabbat, song, learning, conversation, and quiet time in the woods, we’ll explore what helps us come home to ourselves and relax into the gift of what is now, right here. Together, we’ll make space for presence, honesty, joy, and rest.

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 arrive at our cabin before Shabbat on Friday where we will prepare for Shabbat together and spend Shabbat resting.

Lech-Lecha provides:

• All kosher food (We accomodate any dietary restrictions)

• Cooking equipment and eating utensils

• All communal gear

Pillows and bedding are provided by the cabin.

Participants should bring:

• Walking shoes

• Towel

• Books, games, or things for Shabbat

• Anything they'd like to share with the group over Shabbat

• Musical instruments for pre and post Shabbat

• Personal items, toiletries

• Comfortable clothing

To learn more about this retreat, please contact:

Noam Levenson – Noam@lechlechajourneys.org

Director of Programming