Broken Open: A Tisha B’Av Inspirational Retreat

“There is nothing more whole than a broken heart.”
– Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Kotzk

Tisha b’Av, according to rabbinic wisdom, gives our people a one-day outlet for our collective grief. All the disasters that have befallen the Jews are commemorated in this one day. And yet, as the day progresses, the point is not to get lost in our despair, but to choose life.

Join us August 3, 2025 in sacred space to honor the essence of our heart-grief, with gratitude and love.

This will be a day for bringing our whole selves, as we are. We join together because this is not private pain. Rabbi Debra Rappaport will facilitate practices inspired by Joanna Macy, who teaches, “When we reconnect with life by choosing to bear our pain for it, the mind retrieves its natural clarity.” Awakened Body founder Rabbi Sara Brandes will guide us in building resilience by drawing on the wisdom of our bodies.

Over the course of our day, we will have opportunities for personal reflection, communal sharing, movement and release.

We will be gathering at Camp Butwin, located in Eagan on 80 wooded acres and surround by Lebanon Hills County Park. Please wear comfortable clothes and bring a yoga mat if you have one.

Note: Because this is a day of fasting in the Jewish tradition, no food or beverages will be provided. If your body needs or desires food or drink, please bring your own and plan to consume it outside our shared gathering space