What is the vision for this retreat?
In our 31 years as a community, Chochmat has never held an overnight retreat, and now feels like the perfect moment to begin. Spending two nights away from our usual routines gives us the rare gift of real time together. Time to slow down, share meals, laugh, sing, rest, and learn side by side. These are the moments that deepen the bonds of spiritual friendship, what Jewish tradition calls Chavurah, sacred companionship on the path of awakening and living fully. Over the course of the weekend, we’ll have opportunities for play, reflection, prayer, music, movement, and rich conversation in small groups and workshops. You’ll return to Chochmat seeing many more familiar faces, feeling more rooted in community, and knowing there are people who will celebrate your joys and support you through challenges. This is how we weave a true spiritual home, together.

When is the retreat?
May 8–10, 2026, Mother’s Day Weekend (Yes! We will have a special Mother’s Day Ritual to celebrate all of our moms for those who want to participate)

Where is the retreat?
Camp Newman in Santa Rosa, CA, a 1.5 hour drive from Chochmat. Yes, we’ll help arrange carpools!

What happens at the retreat?
Everything you love about Chochmat HaLev: embodied prayer, soulful singing, ecstatic dancing, grounding meditation, deep learning, and connection across generations, brought to life over an immersive weekend together!

We’ll celebrate Shabbat in both ecstatic and contemplative ways, including a late night Mystical Tisch on Friday night and Havdalah (post-Shabbat fire ritual) on Saturday night. Throughout the weekend, there will be thoughtful, creative, and playful workshops, from Jewish chanting to ancestral crafting.

Expect games, a talent show, a dance, campfire (with s’mores!), and activities designed to weave our community even closer together. Kids will have their own engaging and age-appropriate programming, while adults enjoy time for reflection, creativity, and connection. It’s the full Chochmat experience: inspired, embodied, and shared.

Who is the retreat for?
The retreat is open to everyone: Chochmat HaLev members and non-members alike, of all ages and life stages: individuals, couples, and families. Space is limited to 150 participants, so Chochmat members will receive priority registration. After that, we’ll open remaining spots to non-members. If Chochmat has been a source of spiritual nourishment for you, we invite you to become a member and support the vibrant community that makes gatherings like this possible. If you’ve been visiting Chochmat, the retreat is a great way to feel more fully integrated into the community. Don’t hesitate to register, we have very limited spots and are anticipating selling out early!

Can my kids participate? Are there activities for them?
Absolutely! We’ll have dedicated programming for kids and teens, including a special Shabbat service just for them. Counselors will lead activities and be available throughout the weekend so parents can relax and fully enjoy the retreat, knowing their children are engaged and cared for.

What are the accommodations at Camp Newman?
Camp Newman offers a range of comfortable indoor lodging options. Choose among shared cabins (classic summer camp style) or private rooms for more quiet and privacy. Families or groups of friends can book a cabin together, or we’ll curate cabins to help you make new friends! Private options include rooms with two queen beds or two single beds (limited availability). We’ll prioritize private rooms for members with mobility challenges, CPAP machines, and elders. Camp Newman offers more private accommodations than any other retreat center in the area and we’ve reserved all of them! While we’ll do our best to honor everyone’s preferences, we gently invite you to stretch your comfort zone. Many retreat-goers say that some of the most joyful moments happen in shared rooms with new friends who were former strangers. Retreat pricing will be based on your lodging choices (private or shared).

Can I bring my tent and camp?
Unfortunately, Camp Newman doesn’t offer camping at this time.

Are meals included?
Yes, 6 kosher-style meals are included, from dinner on Friday through lunch on Sunday.

Can accommodations be made to meet my food allergies?
Yes! More details to come soon about this.

Can I come for some, but not all of the days?
The retreat is designed for participants to be together for the full weekend, from Friday through Sunday. Our goal is to create a supportive container where everyone can fully immerse themselves, connect deeply, and build lasting friendships and memories. Given the limited number of spots, we ask that participants attend the entire retreat, from Friday late afternoon through Sunday lunch.

What is my investment?
Pricing for the retreat depends on your lodging choice, includes two nights and six meals and snacks, and will range from $450 to $780 per adult. Children ages 0–2 are free, and children 3 and older are approximately $250 for the entire weekend. Prices are subject to change as we finalize the planning and expenses. Chochmat HaLev members will receive discounted rates. Chochmat HaLev is committed to NOT making a profit on this retreat – we’re actually subsidizing it – so we can keep it as affordable as possible for our community.

Will there be financial aid?
We are still finalizing details and we aim to offer some scholarship rates to help make the retreat accessible. We will do our best to provide a limited number of reduced-rate spots for those who need them.

When can I register for the retreat?
We will announce registration details at the end of 2025 or early in 2026. Chochmat HaLev members will receive priority registration. For now, please Save the Date: May 8–10, 2026! Please fill out this form to be notified as soon as registration opens.

What if I have special needs or mobility concerns?
Camp Newman is an accessible site. Other special needs may be named on the registration form and will be accommodated as much as possible.

How can I help or volunteer?
If you’re interested in helping plan the retreat, we still need more support.

We are specifically looking for folks to organize kids programming, community-building opportunities, marketing, participant communication and coordination, volunteer management, musician coordination and accessibility. Please reach out to brittany@chochmat.org if you want to get in on this!

We will have planning committee t-shirts!

What other amenities will be available to us at the retreat:
Pool, Archery, Pickleball, Disc Golf, Trails for Hiking, Basketball, Volleyball, Field Sports, Volleyball Court, Campfire and S’mores and MORE!

I have more questions; whom should I ask?
A contact list of point people for different areas will be provided on the registration form. We ask for your patience while we continue to organize and finalize our plans.

Who is on our committee:
6 incredible Chochmat members who deeply believe in the power of community spending uninterrupted time together to build real connection.