Calendar of Events

Among the many events held at Am Kolel Sanctuary, there are groups that offer retreats that are open to the public. These retreats provide opportunities for new experiences, for expanding present talents, skills and abilities, and/or to deepen your own practices with an intentional group.

Attending these retreats can support your own growth and interests, the groups themselves, and Am Kolel Sanctuary's mission and vision to provide an environment that honors body, mind and spirit.

Check out the upcoming retreats for 2008 and see if something strikes your fancy! And if you know of groups looking for a beautiful space to hold a retreat or training, please guide them our way.

Please contact group leaders directly for more
information about attending an open retreat.

Lunch & Learn in the Country at Am Kolel Sanctuary & Renewal Center www.sanctuaryretreatcenter.co
Am Kolel Sanctuary is a place of natural beauty and serenity, a place to relax and renew, and to celebrate life. We are a spiritual retreat center on 28 beautiful acres in the Agricultural Reserve of Upper Montgomery County. Please join us for these wonderful seminars !	10:00 AM Welcome & Continental Breakfast 10:30 - 12:00 PM Presentation:  Part One 12:15 - 1:00  PM Kosher Dairy/ Vegetarian Lunch 1:00 - 1:30 PM Relax and Tour Sanctuary 1:30 - 3:00 PM Presentation:  Part Two
	Wednesday, March 19, 2008 RABBI MAX TICKTIN Professor of Jewish Studies, George Washington University, renowned scholar and Yiddishist. “The Humor of Shalom Aleichem”
Wednesday, April 9, 2008 MYRA SKLAREW Professor Emerita of Literature, American University, and author of six collections of poetry. “The Poets of Israel”
	Wednesday, May 14, 2008 RABBI DAVID SHNEYER Founder & Director of Am Kolel, spiritual leader of Kehila Chadasha and member of the Fabrangen Fiddlers. “The Songs of Israel”
Individual Lunch & Learn Seminar:   $40                                    All Three Lunch & Learn Seminars: $100 Reservations Required For more information or to register:  Contact Gilah at 301.349.2799 or gilah@am-kolel.org

June 6-8, 2008

PLEASE JOIN US FOR 4 DAYS OF COMMUNITY AND CELEBRATION!

“The Passion & The Joy”… A Shabbat and/or Shavuot Retreat
with Rabbi Avram Davis,
Hazzan Sunny Schnitzer & Reb David Shneyer

Torah
The Path of Joy

Judaism is a deeply spiritual practice, rooted in principles of joy and inner purpose. Drawing from Tanach, Talmud, and the mystic literature, we will follow our joy to receive the Torah together.
 
Ayin
Non-Duality Teachings of Judaism

No deeper understanding of Torah can be had without a true grasp, both intellectually & experientially of Ayin— ‘no-thing-ness’. It is the simplest yet the most complex of ideas. And this paradox — this simultaneous simplicity and complexity — is itself the very nature of Ayin. 

Passion
The Foundation of Judaism

* * * * *

Retreat includes lodging (linens & towels provided) and dairy-vegetarian-fish Kosher meals. Relax in the country! A large deck overlooks our gorgeous 28 acres that boast a variety of special spaces in which to delight in nature, including a meditation garden, labyrinth, outdoor chapel, picnic area, screened gazebo and woods. We have an excellent massage therapist on site!

FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE

July 11 - 13, 2008

Yoga & Meditation Immersion
with Joanna Brandt, R.Y.T.

Yoga and Meditation have been my passion for 40 years.  
Now I am ready to offer you a fuller experience and help you deepen your practice. 
I will be leading a yoga and meditation retreat weekend!

August 15 - 17, 2008 Rabbi Shefa Gold "The Path of Comfort - Shabbat Nachamu" Tisha b'Av is marked not only by the necessary shattering of our connection to the Great Mystery, but also by the birth of a profoundly hopeful vision - the possibility of recreating ourselves, and re-encountering that Mystery during the High Holy Days. How do we nuture that vision and honor its growth? How do we make this journey from devastation to renewal? We are guided and inspired through this journey by 7 amazing texts - the Haftarot of consolation, readings from Isaiah that show us the pathway from desolation to comfort, from utter destruction to dazzing hope. Join us for Shabbat Nachamu - as together we take the first step on this Path of Comfort through study, chant, meditation and sacred conversation! For more about Rabbi Shefa Gold and to register for this weekend program, please click here.

October 10 - 12 , 2008

“Cultivating Mindfulness: Opening to Insight and Compassion“

With Hugh Byrne and Jon Waterman. The focus of this retreat is on cultivating concentration and mindfulness to help us see clearly, to release patterns of holding, and to strengthen our connection to all of life.   Silence will be observed and practiced throughout the weekend with opportunities to process individually and in groups.  All levels of experience are welcome. 

For more information and to register: visit www.imcw.org and contact Hugh Byrne, hughgbyrne@yahoo.com and 202-966-2572.

The Insight Meditation Community of Washington (IMCW) is a spiritual community teaching and practicing Vipassana meditation.

October 23 – 26, 2008

“Spinners, Knitters and Weavers Retreat.” This retreat is for anyone interested in the arts of spinning, weaving, knitting, beading and more! We will share our knowledge together, learn together, relax, play, laugh and eat! All levels of experience are welcome!  For more information and to register please contact Sharie Blum at sharieblum@verizon.net or 410-262-0740.