Jewish Women’s Retreat

begun back in 1990, the annual Jewish Women’s Retreat brings together women from MCJC and beyond for three days of study, prayer, ritual exploration, play and friendship in a beautiful retreat setting.

The 2026 Jewish Women’s Retreat will be on August 6-9th at the beautiful River’s Bend Retreat Center in Philo. There are only a few spaces left, so if you want to attend the retreat, please contact Harriet Bye ASAP at bysawyer@mcn.org or 707-684 9041. This year’s theme is An Invitation to Hear:

When Torah was given at Mount Sinai, rabbinic tradition asks what was heard by all of us standing at the base of the mountain. Some suggest that we heard the soundless ALEPH. What do we hear when we get below the noise of headlines and schedules and expectations?  Hearing is a sense, and we each hear a little differently.  But hearing is also paying attention, understanding, knowing, discerning, changing, connecting.  Jewish practice is rich with invitations to HEAR words, ideas, musical sounds, song, jokes, conversation, study, argument.  And it is also rich with the stillness of water and wilderness, of thought, of the amidah prayer, the first breath upon waking, the unpronounceable Divine Name.  

We will explore this theme through beautiful rituals and teaching, art making, singing, and prayer. We will enjoy our traditional river mikveh, fabulous vegetarian food, swimming, and the company of wise women and those who enjoy being part of women centered sacred space. This year’s retreat is taking place in the midst of much challenge in our world, but it will be an oasis where all can come, be refreshed and renewed.