Doorways: A Jewish Silent Meditation Retreat
Description
Commuter – $375.00
Private Room: Single – $615.00
Private Room: Couple – $1,065.00
Junior Suite: Single – $825.00
Junior Suite: Couple – $1,350.00
Date & Time Details: Thursday, June 25 (check-in 3–6 PM; dinner at 6 PM, program begins at 7 PM) through Sunday, June 28 (program ends at 12 PM, with lunch from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM)
Location: Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing
Address: 191 Cragsmoor Road, Cragsmoor, New York 12566, USA
Contact:
Check-in Time: 3 PM – 6 PM
Per Person Price: Rates include three meals per day and access to all campus facilities. All bedrooms feature one double bed.
Private Room (shared bath), single: $615.00 per person
Private Room (shared bath), couple: $532.50 per person
Junior Suite (private bath), single: $825.00 per person
Junior Suite (private bath), couple: $675.00 per person
Commuter: $375 per person
To extend your stay for personal retreat, simply add extra days before or after the program during step 2 of the reservation process.
Cancellation Policy: Program and accommodation fees are refundable up to two weeks before the program, less a $50 processing fee. See the policy for full details.
This second annual Bnai Keshet Meditation Retreat, “Doorways: A Jewish Silent Meditation Retreat,” invites participants into a meaningful weekend of guided and silent meditation practices drawn from the diverse backgrounds of five co-facilitators. A daily optional yoga session is also included, along with generous free time to wander the wooded trails, spend time in the library, or simply rest. No prior meditation experience is necessary, and everyone is welcome. The retreat will be co-facilitated by Jackie Baillargeon, Siddhu Nadkarni, Max Polaner, Beth Sandweiss, and Rabbi Elliott Tepperman.
“Overall, the retreat was simply perfect. The kavanah was powerfully felt and manifested in the attentive and thoughtful programming. I had never done this in quite this way and found the gradual progression very sensitive and rewarding to build connection and emerge into speaking.” 2025 BK retreat participant
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Throughout the weekend, participants will be introduced to a rich range of meditation traditions through both instruction and practice. The retreat will be held largely in “noble silence,” allowing guests to refrain from speaking with one another and with the instructors so attention can remain on deepening meditation practice.
Daily yoga sessions are designed to ease tension in the body and support concentration, helping the mind settle more fully. During unscheduled time, guests may enjoy the Center’s peaceful surroundings—sit on the patio, walk the 98 acres of woods, read in the library, or look up at the stars beside the fire pit.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
- Teaching, instruction, sitting meditation, walking meditation, and yoga sessions
- Exposure to a variety of meditation traditions based on the teachers’ backgrounds
- Interactive teacher sessions with question-and-answer periods
- Delicious all-vegetarian meals made with locally sourced ingredients
- An extensive library of meditation books
- Expansive wooded grounds with beautiful paths, flora and fauna, and walking trails
OPEN TO ALL
No previous meditation experience is required, and all are welcome.
SCHEDULE
(subject to change)
Thursday, June 25
3:00 PM Check-in begins
6:00-7:00 PM Dinner
7:00-9:00 PM Welcome and Introduction
Silence Begins
Friday, June 26
7:00-7:30 AM Morning Meditation (optional)
7:30-8:30 AM Chanting Service
8:30-9:30 AM Breakfast
9:30 AM-12:00 PM Teaching, Meditation and Q&A
12:00-1:00 PM Lunch
1:00-2:00 PM Personal time, woods walk, or personal meditation
2:00-3:00 PM Gentle Yoga
3:00-5:00 PM Teaching and Meditation
5:00-6:00 PM Candle Lighting and Kabbalat Shabbat
6:00-7:00 PM Dinner
7:00-9:00 PM Teaching and Meditation
Saturday, June 27
7:00-7:30 AM Morning Meditation (optional)
7:30-8:30 AM Chanting Service
8:30-9:30 AM Breakfast
9:30 AM-12:00 PM Teaching, Meditation and Q&A
12:00-1:00 PM Lunch
1:00-2:00 PM Personal time, woods walk, or personal meditation
2:00-3:00 PM Gentle Yoga
3:00-6:00 PM Teaching and Meditation
6:00-7:00 PM Dinner
7:00-8:00 PM Teaching and Meditation
8:00-9:00 PM Havdallah
Sunday, June 28
7:00-7:30 AM Morning Meditation (optional)
7:30-8:30 AM Chanting Service
8:30-9:30 AM Breakfast
9:30-10:00 AM Meditation
10:30 AM-12:00 PM Group Closing and End of Silence
12:00-1:00 PM Lunch
1:00 PM Checkout and Departure
Accommodation Options
Private Room: Couple
This registration fee is for two people. This comfortable room has one double bed, and may be shared by couples in a committed relationship. With ample room for meditation, it features a desk and small table suitable for a meditation object. All rooms are furnished with linens, pillows, blankets, coverlets, and towels, as well as a meditation cushion and zabuton. The room shares a bath with one or two other rooms. Room rates include three delicious vegetarian meals each day (6 total meals for a couple room); there is also a tea station on each hall.
Junior Suite: Single
These large rooms have one double bed, a private bath, private terrace, a refrigerator and ample room for practice. Each room has a small table suitable for a meditation object and a meditation cushion and zabaton, as well as a desk and an armoire. Room rates include three delicious vegetarian meals each day; there is also an in-room tea station.
Junior Suite: Couple
This reservation fee is for two people and includes three delicious vegetarian meals each day (6 total for a couple). This large room has one double bed, which may be shared by couples in a committed relationship. In addition, it has a private bath, private terrace, a refrigerator and ample room for practice. Each room has a small table suitable for a meditation object and a meditation cushion and zabaton, as well as a desk and an armoire.
Teachers
Jackie Baillargeon
Siddhu Nadkarni
Max Polaner
Beth Sandweiss
Rabbi Elliott Tepperman
Place
191 Cragsmoor Rd, Pine Bush, NY 12566, USA
Pine Bush
Place map
Categories
Contact Information
Thu, Jun 25