From Older to Elder: Hybrid Program
The Retreats
Location & Accommodations
Ralston White Retreat Center, on Mt Tamalpais in Mill Valley (Marin county in the Bay Area)
Located on 43 acres in beautiful Mill Valley, California, the Ralston White Retreat was designed by one of San Franciscoโs most prolific architects, Willis Polk. The retreat was completed in 1913.The 14,000 square foot home has three stories, nine relaxing porches and balconies with spectacular views.The heart-shaped lawn and beautiful grounds invite you to enjoy your surroundings. There are several walking paths on the property as well as connecting trails that lead to the top of Mt. Tamalpais. The retreat building is surrounded by beautiful redwoods.
Quote from a review:
โThis place is seriously a hidden gem! Ralston White Retreat is a gorgeous redwood venue that is the perfect balance of being secluded but also not too far from civilization. You truly feel transported into another time when you arrive.โ
Lodging & Accessiblity
The retreat center has a variety of unique bedrooms (see photos below). Almost all have shared bathrooms, except two that have their own bathroom. Some of the larger, nicer rooms have balconies. In your application, please let us know your lodging preferences.ย
The rooms are either on the second or third floor, so require going up and down stairs multiple times each day.
The main indoor meeting room is on the first floor. We will also be meeting sometimes on the large front porch or in a lovely grassy area behind the house.
To be part of the hybrid program, you need to be able to manage the stairs, and be able to walk on the trails near the house. (Some trails are easy, some more challenging. That will be your choice during our nature wander times).
Format & Schedule
After an opening ceremony and checking in at the retreat center, we will get acquainted, circle up for songs, and have dinner together.
Each day will begin with morning prayers and reflections, followed by time spent in nature, discussions, interactive programming, and meals together.ย Some meals will be catered and others individuals will make on their own (breakfasts and most lunches).
We will also build in time for breaks, journaling, movement and connecting with your fellow elders.
Retreat Leaders
Who will be leading the retreats?
This year, we have a leadership team of alumni from the first cohort, who will be working with Ellie Schindelman to plan and facilitate the retreats. We are fortunate to have an amazing group of Jewish elders who bring backgrounds and skills in Jewish prayer leadership, nature connection, and all the topics we will be exploring. We have wonderful musical leaders and people who can facilitate small groups during the retreat, as well as lead some of the sessions. We also have some guest teachers, for example, Bruce Bierman will be coming to lead an evening of Jewish dance.ย
We will see who is in the new cohort, and what everyone brings to the program! We welcome participation, and will see how we can integrate the skills everyone has to offer.
FAQ
More Questions?
Contact Wilderness Torahย for questions about registration and payment.
Contact Ellie Schindelman for questions about the program and retreat center facilities.