Orthodox meditation retreat launched to help Jews prepare for High Holy Days
New Elul programme combines Jewish meditation, Torah learning and spiritual reflection within a fully Orthodox framework
A new meditation retreat designed specifically for Orthodox and halachically observant Jews will launch this September, offering participants a weekend of spiritual preparation ahead of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.
The three-day programme, organised by HaMakom, will take place from 4-6 September at Waterperry House near Oxford during the month of Elul, the traditional period of reflection and self-examination leading up to the High Holy Days.
Organisers say the initiative has been created in response to growing interest in Jewish mindfulness, personal growth and emotional wellbeing within the Orthodox community, while remaining firmly rooted in traditional Jewish practice.
The retreat, titled The Song of Stillness, will be led by Rabbi Dov Cowan, Dr Tamra Wright and Rabbi Dan Gigi, and will combine meditation, Torah Study, niggunim, prayer and reflective exercises.
Rabbi Dan Gigi said: “Elul invites us into a quieter, more reflective mode of being. We will create a space where inner spiritual work can unfold in a way that is deeply aligned with Halacha and Jewish tradition.”
The weekend will operate within an Orthodox framework, including full Shabbat observance, traditional public prayer service and kosher-supervised vegetarian catering.
Participants will be offered a mixture of guided meditation, periods of silence, group discussions and opportunities to engage directly with teachers through question-and-answer sessions.
Rabbi Cowan serves as a rabbi at South Hampstead Synagogue and the Jewish Learning Exchange, and is also a practising psychotherapist and meditation teacher. Dr Wright’s work combines the teachings of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks with insights from positive psychology and behavioural science. Rabbi Gigi, often known as “The Meditation Rabbi”, teaches Jewish meditation, mussar and Chassidic thought.
The retreat is open to both newcomers and those with previous experience of meditation and contemplative practice.
HaMakom, which organises Jewish wellbeing and spiritual programmes across the UK, said places will be limited to help maintain a small and supportive environment.
Click here for further details and application information.
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