The retreat experience allows the time and space necessary to begin to master these skills and to see directly the fruits of such practice. These retreats combine sitting and walking meditation, Jewish prayer, chanting, blessings of loving kindness and the Hassidic practice of devekut or cleaving to God. Silence During Retreats One of the most effective tools in allowing the mind to settle and to develop the clarity necessary to see life in a new way is the use of silence. Our contemplative retreats are generally conducted in the context of silence in respect to social contact. However, we have teaching sessions and periods of questions and answers.
Participants also have the chance for private or group interviews.
But outside these interactions we maintain a silent space. Meals and time not in formal sessions are spent without talking or communicating with others. Most people find the silence to be an extremely profound experience despite any initial reservations.