Ritualwell Immersions have, for several years, served as a digital hub for learning, creation and connection in a supportive Jewish environment. Participants in these four-to-six-week virtual courses have explored spirituality, examined the ethics of their own behavior, developed new rituals, created works of art, written poetry and more, all while engaging with Jewish traditions and teachings.
Now, with “Count on Telling Your Story” Ritualwell is bringing its Immersion experience live and in-person. The June 9 daylong retreat will take place in a historic mansion on the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College’s suburban Philadelphia campus. It’s a scenic and ideal setting to disconnect from screens and build relationships with fellow ritual creators, writers and artists.
“Four years after the start of the COVID pandemic, people are demonstrating an energy and a desire to be in person together,” said Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer, Ritualwell’s director of virtual content and programs. “Online learning can be deep and dynamic, and have numerous advantages. Yet being together in person offers something different. When you are sharing physical space with people, it is a different kind of experience.”
“Spontaneous connection can happen in a different way,” she added. “Chatting between sessions and eating together builds relationships in a unique way!”
The retreat’s title refers to the conclusion of the counting of the Omer, marking the 49 days between Passover and Shavuot.
Kaplan-Mayer said the retreat will appeal to those wanting to jumpstart their creativity, engage in Jewish learning, connect with others or simply enjoy delicious vegetarian food in the company of peers and stimulating teachers.
Online learning can be deep and dynamic, and have numerous advantages. Yet being together in person offers something different. When you are sharing physical space with people, it is a different kind of experience.
Cathleen Cohen, a poet and visual artist, will teach on creativity through the lenses of Mussar, the system of Jewish ethics; Rabbi Malkah Binah Klein will offer a workshop on creating new Jewish rituals; poet Elana Bell is teaching a poetry workshop enhanced by sounds; and Kaplan-Mayer will teach on writing Jewish spiritual memoirs.
Participants will be able to take at least two of the workshops.
“It’s going to be a full day — packed with learning, connecting and exploring rituals, writing and art all at the beautiful building and grounds of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College,” said Cohen. “We’ll be exploring ourselves and our souls in connection with those of others.”
Klein said that participants in her workshop can expect to leave with an outline for a new ritual marking an important moment in life.
“I’m looking forward to meeting new people, building a class community and having the opportunity to teach on a topic that’s very dear to me,” said Klein. “And teaching always brings out wonderful creativity.”
While some might be reticent to craft a new Jewish ritual, Klein thinks that everyone has the potential to frame meaningful moments.
“We all have the skills to listen more deeply,” said Klein. “And if we have the desire and are spiritually open, wonderful things can happen.”
For details, logistics and registration, click here.
