Bais Chana in the Berkshire Mtns, CT
 Jewish Women's Study Retreat
April 25-28, 2010 [Sun-Wed]
Isabella Jewish Retreat Center
What if you had the chance to remove all the distractions in your life and focus on what's really important to you? What if you had the opportunity to learn things that are immediately relevant to you...and return home stimulated and renewed, ready to face every challenge?
If you're enticed by the prospect, join us for all or part of the upcoming retreat, April 25-28, in the gorgeous Berkshire Mountains, with Rabbi Manis Friedman, Freidy Yanover, Nachshon Zohari, Chaya Franklin, Bracha Meshchaninov and Esther Rachel Russell - and remarkable Jewish women from all over the country.
 You'll benefit from brilliant teachers; food that's organic, kosher and delicious; subject matter that's relevant, thought-provoking and inspirational; and the stimulating company of Jewish women from around the world and across the Jewish spectrum. Take a moment to check out the agenda below. The best part is that what you learn at Bais Chana will resonate long after you return home.
The Berkshire Mountains retreat is for Jewish women of all ages and backgrounds; there are no prerequisites to attend. The retreat includes classes, workshops, women’s study hall, prayer and plenty of intelligent adult conversation with new friends. Want to take a break and go canoeing? Enjoy a game of tennis? Get a massage? You can do that too.
Scroll down to see the retreat theme, agenda, featured lecturers, a description of accommodations, travel, information for local residents and registration. If you have any questions or need help making plans to come,
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or call us 800.473.4801 (outside the US and Canada, 718.604.0088)
Watch these videos of women who've attended past retreats.
Read what women wrote about their experience.
Find out more about Bais Chana Women International
Check out last year's photo album
Click here for rates and early application discounts.
Ready to sign up?
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Check our what we offer for teen girls and college women.
Retreat Theme
Learn to look at life more deeply by exploring Jewish thinking, texts and traditions.
On the Agenda: Earth, Fire, Water, Air: Your personality according to Kabbala • The Genesis Of It All: Self-awareness, desire, the male/female dynamic and more • The Jewish Soul and Psyche • Kashrut From All Angles: Practical, ethical and spiritual • Women, Wisdom, Wells & Water: Biblical texts on the subject of inspiration • Yes We Can? Overcoming the resistance to change • Dreams and the Dreamers who Dream Them: Dream interpretation according to Torah • Communication, Meditation & Prayer: Harnessing the mystical power of speech • Shabbat How-To • What to Do When the Sanctuary We Call Home Becomes Grand Central Station • From Fury to Forgiveness: A Chassidic four-step plan to address anger and estrangement • Movement & Exercise • Challah baking • Improv • Guide to weekday prayers • more.
Featured Lecturers
 RABBI MANIS FRIEDMAN, Bais Chana’s primary lecturer, is a gifted educator – an internationally acclaimed lecturer, social philosopher, author and counselor. Friedman’s compelling worldview comes from Torah, Kabbala and Chassidut, and with his trademark wit and wisdom, he’ll challenge our assumptions about Judaism, spirituality and G-d. With over thirty-five years in the classroom and on the lecture floor, a profound knowledge of the soul and psyche, and a crystal clear perspective on life today, Friedman is one of the most riveting teachers you’ll have the pleasure to study with.
For CDs and books www.itsgoodtoknow.com
Check out Rabbi Friedman's fan page.
Listen to audio.
Watch Rabbi Friedman respond to questions about parenting, how to acquire wisdom, and the Mumbai tragedy.
 FREIDY YANOVER is a brilliant and stimulating teacher, not one to shy away from some of the toughest material in the canon of Chassidic and Kabbalistic writings. Yanover will make you think deeply about some very lofty concepts and then bring you right back down to earth with personal take-home lessons. Her topics this session are dream interpretation, the healing energy of the Hebrew month of Iyar, and how to move past anger and estrangement. Sharpen your pencil, you’ll want to take good notes. Yanover taught a weekly class for women over several years, in Johannesburg, South Africa, and has lectured in Chabad Houses all over the US.
 NACHSHON ZOHARI, LCSW. In the course of his work as a psychotherapist, Nachshon Zohari has developed a compassionate style that focuses on personal strengths and innate talents in order to introduce light, life, and health into his clients' lives. He is the Administrator for Substance Abuse Treatment for Denver County Human Services and also maintains a private counselling practice. Zohari’s work is a unique blend of Chassidic thought and Developmental Psychology in which he facilitates individual growth as the foundation for healthy change. He is a talented and inspiring parenting educator, bringing an in-depth and personal understanding of the role of attachment in successful families. His dynamic and positive manner - combined with the belief that each of us has a vital role to play in the world - has helped many people to work through their challenges and fulfill their unique potential.
Read more about Nachshon Zohari
Finding the Light - How Chasidism Helps Nachshon Zohari Help Drug and Alcohol Addicts
Ask the Expert
The Social Services System: Supporting Treatment and Recovery for Individuals and Families
.jpg "Bracha Meshchaninov") BRACHA MESHCHANINOV has been teaching women at a variety of adult education forums for over two decades. With tremendous sensitivity and a non-nonsense approach, she addresses the dilemmas of our day – personal and communal – through the study of a broad array of Jewish texts. Meshchaninov has a degree in Education from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa; and received her earliest training in integrated education as a counselor in the youth movement, Bnei Akiva.
CHAYA FRANKLIN is a dynamic educator with vast experience teaching Jewish women's groups, lecturing at colleges and universities, synagogues and retreats. Her areas of expertise are Jewish women's issues, Bible studies, the mystical teachings of the Hebrew months and language. A graduate of Hunter College and the Teachers Institute for Women of Yeshiva University, she is pursuing a Masters degree in Health Care Administration and policy. Franklin is currently senior analyst for the Cardiac Arrhythmia/ Electrophysiology Service at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center. Formally, she was director of Special Jewish Literacy projects for Kehot Publication Society, NY, one of the largest Jewish publishing houses in the world. Franklin is a Bais Chana alumna.
 ESTHER RACHEL RUSSELL, MA. is a writer, performer, producer, laughter therapist and the creator of the Comedy Improvisation Workshop: Simcha Poretz Geder – Joy Breaks Barriers. Through various interactive, improvisational and comedic exercises, workshop participants use joy to break through limiting patterns and open channels of possibility in their lives. Russel’s improv comedy career began at the famous Groundlings Theater in Los Angeles where she wrote and performed. Most recently, she performed in the acclaimed off-Broadway comedy, A Match Made in Manhattan. An accomplished screenwriter and playwright, Russell is currently an adjunct professor of Screenwriting at Stern College in New York City. She studied acting and film and received her Master's degree in Theater at NYU. In her previous incarnation she worked as a producer/writer in Hollywood.
About the Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center
 The Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center (www.isabellafreedman.org) rests on 450 acres of forested land and lush meadows, stunning mountain vistas, serene lakes and miles of forested trails, in the foothills of the southern Berkshires.
When you come to Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center, you enter a different place and time. During breaks from classes and workshops, take a stroll down a country lane or walk along the shores of the lake. Take a vigorous hike on one of the many trails that lead right from the property. Or just talk with new friends after class, then relax with a book in the comfortable screened-in gazebo.
The Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center is nestled at the base of a beautiful forested ridge, which becomes saturated with golden hues every evening during sunset. There are two lakes for boating, fishing, swimming or simply for contemplation. Well-groomed trails wind around the lakes and stretch into the adjacent forest, connecting with the famed Appalachian Trail which runs from Maine to Georgia.
Bais Chana’s meeting spaces include the synagogue, dining room, recreation hall, lounge (where there’s high-speed computer access), gazebo and yurt.
The meals at Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center are organic, delicious and kosher to Chabad standards. If you have dietary restrictions, please let us know when you sign up and we’ll make sure you’re taken care of.
Ready? Apply now.
Click here for rates and early application discounts.
Check out our other sessions for women.
Check out our next session for teen girls.
Accommodations
 Each of the eleven lodges of guest rooms has its own unique character where you’ll enjoy the simplicity, comfort and charm of country lodging. Some buildings have rooms with private baths, others have shared bathrooms for two rooms. Please see the descriptions below to determine your nightly rate. Handicap-accessible rooms are also available upon request.
All units have bureau and closet space and are fully winterized. None of the units have doors that can be locked from the outside. Valuables can be stored in the office safe. Cribs are available.
There are phones in the main building and each lodge has a phone either in the hallway or on the porch. Local calls are free. Bring a calling card for long distance. The reception on cell phones varies; some cell phones work, some do not.
Give this number to family and friends so they can leave messages for you: 860.824.5991.
Rates
Attend any or all days of the retreat. Rates are per night and include hotel accommodations, meals, classes and workshops; the full retreat is 4 nights. An application fee of $50 must be paid at the time of registration. To qualify for a 10% discount, register by March 25, 2009.
Register now
Application Fee: $50
Rates include overnight accommodations, all classes and workshops, and three meals daily:
Double Occupancy: $220pp/night
Triple ior Quad Occupancy: $180pp/night
Private Room: $260pp/night
Student Rate: $95 pp/night
Bais Chana Group Package
As part of Bais Chana’s group package, we will have exclusive access to the fitness center, arts and crafts room (bring your own supplies), athletic field and playground, basketball court, billiards, game room, outdoor heated pool, miles of hiking trails with paths that range from gentle to strenuous, ping pong, tennis court, theater space, two lakes for canoeing and swimming, and volleyball court.
What to Pack
Bring casual clothes and good comfortable walking shoes, a sweater or sweatshirt, raincoat or umbrella, alarm clock, water bottle, sunscreen, all toiletries, a washcloth and an extra bath towel or two (they supply but not enough). If you have a prayer book you should bring it; all other materials necessary for class will be given as handouts or copies of text. Bring a camera – it’s beautiful! Additional Costs
Additional per person charges only apply if you choose any of the following: low ropes course, massage, private bodywork sessions, movement classes, childcare and cabin night-watch. Please let us know by April 26 what your preferences are so we can schedule these and estimate the cost to you, based on the number of participants.
Travel: Arrival and Departure Times
Arrive at the retreat center anytime after 4:00 pm on Sunday, May 3. If you’re coming by car, please park in one of the designated parking lots; there is no charge for parking. You’ll need to keep your things in your car until you know that your guest room is ready. The first session on Sunday is at 4:30 pm ; the last session on Thursday afternoon will be over by 2 pm.
If you’re arriving or departing on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, you can arrive and depart at any time of the day, although we ask that you notify us of those approximate times. If there is someone else moving into your room on the day you leave, you may need to remove your things by 10 am as a courtesy to the new roommate; we’ll be sure to let you know.
Travel - by Car, Plane, Train and Bus
For detailed directions from your departure point to Isabella Freeman use www.mapquest.com with this destination address:
Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center
116 Johnson Road
Falls Village, CT 06031
860.824.5991
 BY CAR
From New York City
A – From the Whitestone Bridge
Take the Hutchinson River Parkway to Rte 684. After 684 crosses I-84 it will become Rte 22 North. Stay on Rte 22 North through Pawling, Dover and Amenia. In Amenia, take Rte 343 to Sharon, CT. At the Sharon clock tower make a left to Rte 41 North. Take 41 North until you reach the blinking light. At the light, turn right onto Rte 112 East. Take Rte 112 until the road forks – bear left onto Rte 7 North. Travel about a half mile and Johnson Road will be your second right. (The Mountainside Café is on the corner of Rte 7 and Johnson Road.) Isabella Freedman is on Johnson Road on the right hand side about a half mile from the intersection of Rte 7.
B – From the West Side of Manhattan
Take West Side Highway north to Saw Mill River Parkway (it becomes the Saw Mill) to Taconic Parkway (Exit 26, approximately 29 miles from 23rd Street). Take Taconic north towards Albany. Stay on Taconic Parkway for about 50 miles. Take the exit for US 44 east towards Millbrook (make a right off the Taconic). Stay on US 44 through Millbrook to Amenia (approximately 10 miles). Then follow direction above (A) from Amenia.
C – From the East Side of Manhattan
Take the FDR Drive to the Major Deegan to the Saw Mill River Parkway to Interstate 684N. Then follow directions above (A) from 684N.
From New Jersey
Take the Garden State Parkway North to the end. Bear right towards New England. Take the Tappen Zee Bridge to exit 8 (White Plains) to Interstate 684 North. Then follow directions above (A) from 684N.
From Boston
Take the Massachusetts Turnpike West to Exit 2 for Lee, MA. Follow Rte 102 towards Great Barrington and connect in Stockbridge with Rte 7 South. Stay on Rte 7 South through Stockbridge, MA into Canaan, CT. Stay on Rte 7 through Canaan towards Falls Village. In Falls Village Rte 7 will intersect with Rte 126. Take second left after the intersection with Rte 126 – turn onto Bee Bee Hill Road. At the end of Bee Bee Hill Road cross Johnson Road. The entrance to the retreat center will be opposite you.
From Albany, NY and points west
NY Thruway to the Massachusetts Turnpike East to Exit 2 for Lee, MA. Follow Rte 102 towards Great Barrington then continue with directions from Boston above.
From Hartford and points east
Take Rte 44 West through Winsted, CT to Canaan. In Canaan turn left onto 7 South. Rte 7 South will take you into Falls Village where it intersects with Rte 126. Then follow directions from Rte 126 as given in Boston directions above.
BY PLANE
Bradley Airport is about 1 hour away. Taxi and limousine services are available from the airport to Isabella Freedman.
DRIVING FROM BRADLEY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, CT
Leaving the airport, take the first exit to Rte 20. Drive through Granby and after a couple of miles turn left onto Rte 219. Keep on Rte 219 for about 5 miles and make a right onto Rte 318. After another approximately 5 miles turn right onto Rte 44 West towards Winsted. Then follow the directions from Rte 44 as given in Hartford directions above.
BY TRAIN
The closest train station to us is Wassaic, NY. Call Metro-North at 800-METROINFO or visit www.mta.nyc.ny.us for schedule and fare information. Taxi service is available from the station to the retreat. You must call to reserve a taxi in advance of your arrival. Lakeville Taxi: 860.435.8000.
BY BUS
Bonanza Bus Lines offers daily bus service to Canaan from New York City and points throughout New England. Call 888.751.8800 for a schedule. This is a 3 hour trip from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in NYC. Taxi service is available from the station to Isabella Freedman. You must call in advance for a reservation. Lakeville Taxi: 860.435.8000.
Info for Local Residents
Attending for just one day, an evening lecture or just a morning or afternoon class? Please pay as you go. Each class is $15/person. Breakfast is $8; lunch is $15; dinner is $22. Babysitting is available; we ask that you let us know as soon as possible before the event if you intend to bring children so that we can plan appropriately. Reservations for babysitting and meals can be made by emailing to
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or by calling 800.473.4801. After May 3, please call 917.364.2754.
Click here for rates and early application discounts.
Apply now.
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