We are excited to announce our upcoming in-person Mussar retreat, “Ruach Chaim –Carrying Spirit Forward : Nourishing Ourselves, Uplifting Others,” which will take place at the beautiful Brandeis-Bardin Campus in Simi Valley, CA.
This unique and immersive experience seeks to open minds and hearts as we gather to nourish ourselves and to deepen our connections with others and with the divine. Register now.
Our program will begin Sunday evening, May 18, and run through lunch, Thursday, May 22, 2025. You will be guided through insightful sessions and given practical tools to build greater resilience and to help lift your spirit and the spirits of those around you.
What to Expect:
- Engage with Mussar teachers and TMI staff, including Alan Morinis, Avi Fertig, Julie Dean, Eric Gurvis, Dianne Benmayor, Rivka Felsher and other community leaders.
- Dive into intensive text study, small group learning, practical workshops, introspective practices, and stimulating lectures, chevruta (pairs or triads) learning, and group reflection.
- Participate in social activities and unique community engagement programming.
- Reconnect with your mind, body, and soul in stunning natural surroundings.
- Discover transformative Mussar teachings for daily life.
- Forge meaningful connections with fellow Mussar practitioners.
- Enjoy a four-day program for an immersive and deeper experience.
- Savor delicious, soul-nourishing meals.
Thematic Journey - What You’ll Experience:
Learn about the transformative themes guiding our retreat, from inner harmony to community connection and nature’s peace.
Explore the thematic flow here
Space is Limited - Reserve Your Spot Today!
Pricing
Chaverim member pricing and scholarships are not available for this event. We have made available a limited two-tier pricing option available on a first come first served basis. Rates were not increased this year.
Price includes:
- 4 nights/5 days lodging
- All meals, snacks, and beverages
- All programming and materials
- Use of retreat grounds and amenities (limitations may apply, details will be delivered when we are much closer to the event date)
- Free access to the Ruach Chaim 2025 recordings for those who did not attend this year
Single Occupancy Room Price (Per Person):
- Tier 1 - $1,950
- Tier 2 - $1,750
Double Occupancy Room Price (Per Person):
- Tier 1 - $1,500
- Tier 2 - $1,300
New this year! Days only (Per Person):
- $750
This option includes all meals, snacks, beverages, and program activities and materials, but no overnight lodging
Note: Tier 1 and 2 pricing does not reflect the size or quality of your room. Some single rooms may have two beds; purchasing a single occupancy room guarantees you are not sharing your space despite the extra furniture.
Transportation
Transportation to and from the retreat is not included. You are responsible for securing your own transportation; TMI staff cannot make these arrangements for you or provide any recommendations. However, we can connect you with local TMI members who might be able to offer recommendations.
Payment and Refund Policy
Limited spaces are available for overnight guests in one of Brandeis Bardin's comfortably appointed single or double occupancy rooms. Single rooms fill very quickly and we cannot hold a space without a full payment or a deposit! Reservations must be made for Sunday-Thursday, partial or one-night stays are not possible. Reserve your space today by paying in full or with a $500 deposit. Payment and limited term deposit schedule is as follows:
Payment in full is required by April 15, 2025, no exceptions.
For payment plan with deposit, payments will be as scheduled:
February 21, 2025: $500 deposit due to reserve your tier and occupancy space. Late deposits will not be accepted unless space remains available.
February 28, 2025: Cancel by this date to receive a full refund on your deposit or full payment.
March 1, 2025: First of two remaining balance payments on your reservation is due. Late payments will not be accepted and doing so cancels your reservation to make space for someone on the waiting list. In such cases, your deposit will be refunded.
- Tier 1 Single: $725
- Tier 2 Single: $625
- Tier 1 Double: $500
- Tier 2 Double: $400
March 2-31, 2025: Cancel during this period to receive a 50% refund of your retreat payments to date. The non-refunded portion of your retreat payments will convert to a donation to TMI.
April 1, 2025: The remaining balance payment on your reservation is due. Late payments will not be accepted and doing so cancels your reservation to make space for someone on the waiting list. In such cases, you will receive a 25% refund of your retreat payments to date. The non-refunded portion of your retreat payments will convert to a donation to TMI.
- Tier 1 Single: $725
- Tier 2 Single: $625
- Tier 1 Double: $500
- Tier 2 Double: $400
April 2-15: Cancel during this period to receive a 25% refund of your retreat payments to date. The non-refunded portion of your retreat payments will convert to a donation to TMI. This is also a grace period for all deferred payments being mailed by check. Once again, payment in full is due by April 15.
April 16-May 18, 2025: Cancel during this period (whether paid in full or on payment plan) forfeits refund of all retreat payments made to date. You will not receive any refund for cancelling during this period. Non-refunded payments will convert to a donation to TMI. No shows at the retreat also forfeit their right to any refund.
If all spaces fill, we will open a waiting list on the registration form with a deposit of $500. However, the waiting list does not guarantee a space, or the tier pricing level and occupancy you desire. If a space opens and it’s your turn on the waiting list, we will notify you of the pricing tier and occupancy available and give you a choice to withdraw for a full refund of your deposit to or pay the balance in full within 7 days but no later than April 18, 2025 as we must report our final attendance to Brandeis Bardin 30 days in advance of our event.
Protect Your Trip
The Mussar Institute cannot refund payments made later than this published schedule even for medical emergencies or bereavement because Brandeis Bardin does not provide refunds for cancellations for any reason. We strongly recommend that attendees take out a travel insurance policy to cover potential losses due to last-minute unavoidable cancellations. Brandeis Bardin does not reimburse TMI for your absence, thus no shows cannot be refunded either.
Relive the unforgettable moments from last year’s retreat and get inspired for what’s ahead! Watch Here!