A little about Kriplau Center
For more than 40 years, Kripalu has remained a place where people come together to deeply inquire into the core issues of life, explore new and healthier ways of being, and put inspiration into practice. Kripalu’s vision is to build a new kind of educational institution, one dedicated to the inquiry of what creates a fulfilled human life.
An important aspect of the Kripalu experience is that it offers time away from your daily routines, activities, and surroundings. This frees you to focus on getting the most from your retreat or program experience. Many program participants describe Kripalu as a place where everything you need is conveniently provided without modern-day distractions such as televisions.
All of Kripalu’s activities take place within the context of a retreat center offering in-depth immersion programs, wholesome meals, saunas, whirlpools and other supportive amenities. In addition to the program you are welcome to participate in yoga, yogadance, meditation, concerts, evening programs, hike, swim, and enjoy the amazing grounds. There is no need to commute to activities, as everything is under one-roof or an easy walk away. At Kripalu, a healthy lifestyle supportive of learning and positive change can be simpler than you think.
I am looking forward to retreat and learn with you soon.
Many Blessings, Rabbi Sigal
Mystic Rhythms of Kabbalah
Hebrew chanting (Kirtan) with Rabbi Sigal Brier
August 27, 2008 at 7:30pm
Kripalu center, Lenox, MA
Registration Information
The life of a mystic is a rich path of receiving and giving to the point of merging in a united flow where all boundaries are rendered invisible. The repetitive call and response style of the chants mirrors the dynamic relationship between receiving and giving; listening to God's call, or to the yearning of our souls, and responding.
With her deep knowledge of Jewish mysticism and her inspiring spirit and voice, Rabbi Sigal Brier creates aural environments to accompany the mystical journey of your soul. Join her for a joyous evening of chanting with Kabbalistic insights.
People of all religious backgrounds are welcome.
Kabbalah of Turning and Returning
August 29-31, 2008 (Labor day weekend)
Kripalu Center , Lenox, MA
Registration Information
Within the Jewish mystical tradition of Kabbalah, Teshuvah is a process that leads us back to the home of our souls, to our true nature, and to God. Teshuvah—turning and returning—is practiced not merely to overcome sins and wrongful acts but also to realign our lives with their full human potential.
The most auspicious time in the Jewish calendar to practice Teshuvah is the month of Elul, which begins this year on September 1. Come and learn Teshuvah practices that prepare your heart and soul for Rosh Hashanah. You will learn to:
- Access compassionate wisdom
- Let go and release through forgiveness
- Open yourself to receive the authentic expression of your soul.
People of all religious backgrounds are welcome.
Light A Candle: An Interfaith Holiday Experience
December 19-21, 2008 Kripalu Center
With Rev. Marie Roberts
Kripalu center Lenox, MA
Registration Information
In the winter darkness, we crave light and warmth-flickering Hannukah candles, twinkling Christmas lights, a blazing solstice fire or just one in your own fireplace. Light and heat are not only what we see and feel but also what we intrinsically are, for we are made of the energy that we seek. In this time together, we will practice tapping into the source of that energy and will come to see this as the mystical basis for all the celebrations of the season.
Rev. Marie and Rabbi Sigal, experienced teachers of mysticism and spirituality in their respective traditions and beyond, will gently and artfully guide you on a journey of learning about and experiencing light. Taking nothing for granted, we will explore customs and traditions of light holidays, re-languaging them in order to experience them anew and better understand ourselves and each other. Using discussion, meditation, movement, and music we will learn to accept all of ourselves and appreciate both the darkness and the light as we see how they interact in our lives to foster our growth.
Kabbalah of Fire and Light
December 21-26, 2008
Kripalu Center Lenox, MA
Registration Information
In Jewish mysticism, the soul is likened to a flame and humans are likened to vessels containing divine sparks. By lighting actual candles we are reminded of the light of our soul and we hope thereby to ignite the inner fire of the heart. These are but few examples of how the language of fire and light are used to describe our spiritual nature, to arouse mystical longing, and to call us back to the light that we are.
In this workshop you will explore the wisdom of "Kabbalah" on how to become truly receptive ("mekubal"), and learn methods to help you reawaken your soul’s ability to steer itself toward a deeper awareness and experience of joy and fulfillment. You will learn the intricate practices and teachings of "Ohr" — Light — that represents deep mystical experiences, enlightenment, and God’s presence, and "Eysh" — Fire — that draws the connection between human and Divine. You will learn modes of living that support cultivating growing awareness, and bring spiritual meaning to "Hanukkah" — the Jewish Festival of Lights.
Rabbi Sigal Brier, a student of yoga and holistic life style for 25 years, will use text study, meditation, chanting, self-inquiry, and group discussion to help you access wisdom and deepen your connection to your soul. Her holistic approach combines cognitive, affective, and physical methods of self-attunement to help you rediscover your soul’s capacity for enlightenment and harmony.
People of all religious backgrounds are welcome.
Lighting the Inner Menorah: An evening of chanting and reflection
December 25, 2008 at 7:30pm
Kripalu center Lenox, MA
Registration Information
In Jewish mysticism, the soul is likened to a flame and humans are likened to vessels containing divine sparks. When we light the external candles we are reminded of the light of our soul. Join Rabbi Sigal Brier on a joyful journey to deepen your enlightenment with mystical insights, reflection, and chanting.
People of all religious backgrounds are welcome.
Kabbalah of Freedom and Renewal
March 26-29, 2009
Kripalu center Lenox, MA
Registration Information
Coming out of Egypt (Exodus) is the ancient story of a people's restored freedom and is at the center of the Jewish holiday of Passover. The story beckons each of us to seek once again spiritual freedom and renewal. In our time, this means becoming aware of our modern "enslavements" and embarking on a quest for our truer, deeper, and freer selves, so that we may renew ourselves.
In the Zohar, the canonical text of Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism), wandering in the desert and receiving Torah represents the quintessential journey of spiritual development. We will examine teachings and practices from Jewish mysticism to help us cultivate our own spiritual self-awareness and experiment with practicing our own "fearless" self-discernment.
In this workshop you will:
- Explore new methods to reawaken and renew your capacity for deeper self-awareness
- Learn to walk through your own "desert" of the unknown - courageously!
- Expand your vision of the true and authentic in yourself and others
- Come to trust your own spontaneous being and experience the freedom, joy, and fulfillment it brings to your life
People of all religious backgrounds are welcome.
Interfaith Seder: a Journey to Freedom and Pluralism
March 28, 2009 at 7pm
Kripalu center Lenox, MA
Registration Information
The Biblical story of coming out of Egypt (Exodus) is the ancient story of a people's restored freedom and becoming a society. We will tell this story along with mythical freedom stories from other sources that tell the story of our diverse yet interwoven society. The stories will beckon us to hear the voices of freedom and renewal of humanity in a pluralistic society. Join us for an inspiring evening of stories and songs.
People of all religious backgrounds are welcome.
Rabbi Sigal Brier is available for weekend visits, Shabbatonim, scholar-in-residence, concerts, performances, teaching, and speaking engagements, at synagogues, retreats, holistic organizations, campuses, etc.
The programs are tailored to serve your needs and may include service leading, chanting, text study, lectures, and experiential learning.
A weekend visit (shabbaton) usually includes a musical Friday evening services, Shabbat morning "Embodied Prayer" service with a Torah study, Shabbat lunch & learn, and Havdalah. A Sunday morning study session (for adults or for Religious School students.)
Topics may include
Kabbalah and Mysticism
Kabbalah and Hasidism
Kabbalistic Meditations: More than Just Sitting Quietly
Teshuvah: Spiritual Preparation for the High Holy Days
Hanukkah: Lighting the inner Menorah
Integrated Judaism
Embodied Prayer: Integrated practice of body, mind, and soul
How Do You Stand Before God? Exploring the nature of our relationship with God.
Reading Romantic Love Stories in the Talmud
Contact Us for details and availability.