Kabbalah: Jewish Mysticism

A silent retreat at VBC’s Lost River Retreat Center, WV

Weekend April 25–27 (Friday–Sunday)
or weekday May 5–7 (Monday–Wednesday)

Mysticism is an ancient thread in all the major religions, in which the person experiences the presence of God—the divine in the present moment. Prayer and meditation and other intentional disciplines are often the way one comes to know and feel the presence of God.

Our retreat will focus on Jewish mysticism, or Kabbalah. We will use Rabbi David A. Cooper’s book, Ecstatic Kabbalah (Boulder, CO: Sounds True, 2005) during meal times, and we’ll also experience the Kabbalah through meditations, chants, and exercises woven into our liturgies throughout the day.

Rabbi Cooper writes:

“Ecstatic Kabbalah is built upon the principal that the infinite light of universal truth is always present at all times. This ever-present light is not something that we need to acquire. That would be like trying to fill a bucket that is already completely immersed in the water. However, if the bucket has a tight cap that seals it, then it will be able to hold the water out. This example is appropriate to the kabbalistic teachings. We are always standing under an intense beam of light; however, we are sealed tight in our own sense of a separate self, and thus we experience an inner darkness and fail to realize that we are actually immersed in this light.” (p. 2)

Slow down and listen to the stillness. Silence has a way of opening our hearts to the Spirit. Being silent for a weekend in the presence of others is a unique experience in today’s world of constant chatter. After the first meeting on opening evening (8:00 p.m.), we will maintain silence until midmorning the last day. There will be times of group worship with simple liturgies and music. Meals will be taken in silence while a reader shares thoughts from devotional literature. Take a nap, read a book, hike, make the retreat your own.

Retreat leaders
Myra Bridgforth, a practicing psychotherapist in private practice in Vienna, Virginia (www.myrabridgforth.freewebspace.com)

Hank Dunn, a former hospice chaplain and the author of two books about death, dying, and letting be (www.hardchoices.com)

Both Hank and Myra are experienced retreat leaders and small group facilitators.

Lost River Retreat Center
Experience peace and tranquility perfectly suited for a time of silence and renewal at the retreat center owned and operated by Vienna Baptist Church. All guest rooms are heated, carpeted, and have private baths.

Fees and Registration
The cost is $120 (or $150 if you would like a guaranteed private room). This fee includes room and five meals at Lost River; supper the first evening is Dutch treat. Scholarship help is available, so don’t let lack of funds keep you from this experience. For scholarship help, contact Hank or Myra. We will hold all checks until April 14.

No more than two people will be assigned to one room, but if you would like to guarantee a private room, you may do so by paying the single occupancy cost ($150). A full refund will be given for cancellations made by Monday, April 14. After that date, a refund will be given if we’re able to fill your spot, or your registration fee can be converted into a tax-deductible contribution.

Download the registration form

For more information
Hank Dunn 703-869-0376, HankDunn@aol.com
Myra Bridgforth 703-281-4703, myralpc@verizon.net