Hineni: Jewish Mindfulness Retreat

Dates: Friday, April 24 – Sunday, April 26

Led by Rabbi Jordan Bendat-Appell of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality, this retreat is designed for both experienced practitioners and those new to meditation.

This year’s theme, Shabbat Rest as a Mindfulness Practice, explores the Jewish wisdom of Menucha (spacious rest). Through a blend of teaching, silence, and sitting, walking, and eating meditations, we will create a sweet and joyous refuge from the turbulence of daily life. Our time together will include contemplative Shabbat prayer, moving beyond a high volume of words to find deep connection through chant, song, and silence.

This retreat is open to everyone—whether Shabbat is a regular practice for you or something you’ve never experienced before.

* Hineni means “Here I am!” in Hebrew, a spiritual call of presence.

Rabbi Jordan Bendat-Appell is Senior Core Faculty at the Institute for Jewish Spirituality (IJS), where he focuses on teaching Jewish mindfulness and text and leading the development of a new center for advanced Jewish mindfulness practice and study. Jordan has been a practitioner of meditation for nearly 30 years, and brings a wealth of experience in Jewish education and contemplative practice to his work.

His previous leadership roles include serving as Director of Camp Ramah in Canada from 2019-2022 and as the founding Director of Ramah Beyond, leading wilderness and mindfulness retreats and trips. Earlier in his career for IJS, Jordan was a teacher of Jewish Mindfulness and Director of the Jewish Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Training, and he also taught meditation to clergy through IJS’ Clergy Leadership Program. After his ordination in 2008, Jordan served as a congregational rabbi and co-founded the Center for Jewish Mindfulness in Chicago, which became part of the Orot Center. Jordan is a member of the Rabbinical Assembly.

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Friday, April 24 – Setting the Intention
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Check-in
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Opening Circle
Welcoming and framing the retreat
Introductions
Teaching, meditation, and chant/prayer
Eating Meditation instructions
7:00 PM – 7:45 PM | Kiddush / Motzi Dinner
7:45 PM – 8:15 PM | Closing Session
Closing prayer/meditation
Encouragement to practice overnight
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Shabbat, April 25 – The Deepening
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Morning Practice
Meditation and Contemplative Shabbat Prayer

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Lunch (Observed in Silence)
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Afternoon Session
Meditation, instructions, and Q&A
3:00 PM – 3:45 PM | Mindful Movement
3:45 PM – 5:00 PM | Teaching & Meditation
Ending with Mincha guided meditation
5:00 – 6:00 PM | Light Dinner
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Guided Torah experience and dyad sharing, meditation
7:00 PM | Session Ends
OPTIONAL 7:15 PM | Havdalah based singing circle (across the street) at Ohavi Zedek
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Sunday, April 26 – Integration & Returning
9:30 AM – 10:15 AM | Contemplative Prayer & Meditation
10:15 AM – 11:30 AM | Teaching & Practice
Instruction and meditation (sitting and walking)
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Final Q&A
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Carrying the Practice Home
Community sharing and closing chant
1:00 PM | Retreat Ends

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