Hineni: Welcoming What Arrives: A Shabbat Retreat

Imagine stepping away from the relentless pace of modern life to enter a sanctuary of spacious time and deep presence. Hineni: Welcoming What Arrives is a transformative Shabbat retreat that invites you to pause, reconnect, and discover what it means to show up fully to your life. Held at the renowned Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Stockbridge, MA, this immersive spiritual experience weaves together Jewish contemplative practices—mindfulness, chant, meditation, prayer, and sacred study—creating a container for genuine rest and renewal.

Led by three exceptional teachers—Cantor Lizzie Shammash, Rabbi Claudia Kreiman, and Rabbi Cantor Danielle Bensimhon—this retreat explores the profound Hebrew concept of hineni, meaning "here I am." Through the lens of Torah's Parashat Vayera (the portion of presence and hospitality), you'll discover what it means to arrive at life with openness, courage, and compassion. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner of Jewish spirituality or encountering these practices for the first time, this retreat welcomes all levels of experience and all who seek deeper belonging within themselves and community.

This is not a passive weekend. You'll engage your whole self—moving gently through yoga, sitting in contemplative silence, singing sacred chants, sharing meaningful meals, and engaging in reflective discussion. By the time Shabbat concludes, you'll have explored not only what it means to hold on, but what it means to let go.

What to Expect

The retreat unfolds as an extended observance of Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest, creating rhythm and ritual throughout your time at Kripalu. Each day flows through yoga and gentle movement practices, study sessions rooted in Torah wisdom, group chanting and prayer, silent meditation, and communal meals eaten with intention and gratitude. The three facilitators guide participants through discussions and reflections that illuminate themes of presence, courage, and radical hospitality.

You'll experience the sacred transition into and out of Shabbat, participating in rituals designed to heighten awareness and deepen your capacity for presence. The atmosphere is one of spaciousness—far from dogmatic or performance-oriented, it's contemplative and welcoming. You leave with practical tools for bringing hineni consciousness into daily life, a felt sense of belonging, and friendships forged through authentic spiritual practice.

Venue & Logistics

This retreat takes place at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Stockbridge, Massachusetts—a beautiful, serene campus in the Berkshires designed to support deep spiritual work. The retreat begins Thursday, October 29, 2026. Wear comfortable clothing suitable for yoga and movement; layers are recommended. Kripalu provides vegetarian meals and accommodations; check their accessibility resources for mobility or dietary needs.