Happiness is……Developing a Deeper Sense of Joy in One’s Life

A Retreat for Lay Leaders with the Institute for Jewish Spirituality
Reb Nachman of Breslov taught, “Mitzvah gedolah lihiyot b’simcha tamid – It is an enormous mitzvah to be happy
always.” How is that possible? In the rush of everyday life, amid the personal and professional challenges that each of us
faces, and in the midst of such world-wide turmoil, how can we be expected to experience continual joy? It seems either
foolish or irresponsible. The simcha/happiness of which Reb Nachman speaks is one of equanimity, one of balance,
and one of wholeness. It gives us perspective on life and strength to face the many things that each day might bring.

Join IJS Rabbis Rachel Cowan, Myriam Klotz and Jonathan Slater, as well as IJS colleagues Rabbi Jordan Bendat-Appell,
Cantor Ellen Dreskin, and Sandra Razieli for a different sort of Shabbat. Truly stepping out of our routine, we will explore
this quality of joy, and begin to understand the significance of its practice in our lives. Joining with others in conversation,
study, prayer and contemplative silence, we will gain insights into garnering our inner resources and directing our
energies toward that which may have lasting impact far beyond this weekend together. No prior experience in text
study, Hebrew, meditation or yoga is necessary in order for you to participate fully in our entire program.

From Thursday evening through Sunday morning, we will engage in a variety of practices. We will nourish our minds, so
that we can see clearly and respond effectively to the events of our lives. We will nourish our bodies – with good food,
activity, and intentional rest, so that we may truly be refreshed. And we will nourish our souls - there will be space for
reflection and internalization, song and prayer. Shabbat will be the container in which these practices will find their
expression.

One of the core practices of the IJS is contemplative silence. We offer periods of intentional silence in the form of
mindfulness meditation each day, and incorporate periods of quiet during prayer and study. We believe that when we
step back from the impulse to speak, we allow ourselves more opportunities for clarity and truth. In no way is this silence
meant to stifle expression – rather, it is intended to expand the opportunities for greater self- knowledge and more
intentional, compassionate expression and action.

Our daily program will include a variety of worship experiences. We invite you to bring a kippah, tallit and tefillin if you
use them. We will provide prayer books. We also offer opportunities to bring mindful awareness to the body through
entirely accessible yoga sessions, as well as silent walks and other activities. The program begins at 5pm on Thursday
and will end at lunchtime on Sunday.

Cost for the Retreat: (sliding scale according to ability) $435-580 for a double room, $595-740 for a single.
Cancellation Policy: There will be no refunds for cancellations within two weeks of the start of the retreat.
Any cancellations before that time will be refunded the full amount, minus a $50 processing fee.
To Register: Please visit http://www.regonline.com/layjan2011
Limited Financial Aid or a payment plan may be available, please direct inquiries to Pat Fettinger.
Requests for aid or a payment plan received after the application deadline (12/15/10) will not be considered.
Any Questions: Please contact Pat Fettinger at pat@ijs-online.org

January 20-23, 2011

Brandeis-Bardin Institute
American Jewish University
Simi Valley, CA