We are excited to announce our upcoming in-person Mussar retreat, “A Time for Silence and a Time to Speak,” which will take place at the beautiful Isabella Freedman Retreat Center, Falls Village, CT, set among 400 acres of serene forest and meadows in the foothills of the southern Berkshires.
This retreat is your opportunity to step away from daily demands and reconnect with yourself, with community and with the Divine. Our unique and immersive experience seeks to open minds, hearts and souls as we gather to nourish ourselves and to deepen our connections. Register now.
Our program will begin Sunday evening, April 19, and run through Thursday, April 23, 2026. Throughout the retreat, you will engage in insightful learning and practical guidance that illuminate how both silence and speaking are essential tools for your Mussar path and growth.
Rooted in timeless wisdom, our retreat theme is drawn from Kohelet/Ecclesiastes Ch. 3:
לַכֹּ֖ל זְמָ֑ן וְעֵ֥ת לְכׇל־חֵ֖פֶץ תַּ֥חַת הַשָּׁמָֽיִם׃ עֵ֥ת לַחֲשׁ֖וֹת, וְעֵ֥ת לְדַבֵּֽר
A season is set for everything, a time for every experience under heaven.
A time for silence, and a time to speak.
During Our Time Together We Will:
- Explore the gifts of wonderment that occur with experiential practices of introspective silence.
- Engage in practices of restraining one’s speech (shetikah) and choosing our words consciously.
- Hold sacred communal space to listen attentively and openly discuss and process the emotional triggers that come with these challenging times.
- Learn when we have the sacred responsibility to speak out and when choosing silence is the wiser option.
- Explore tools for direct and open communication especially around difficult and challenging conversations.
- Examine and asses the impact of negative or harmful speech on one’s self and others.
What to Expect:
- Engage with Mussar teachers and TMI staff, including Alan Morinis, Judith Golden, Avi Fertig, Helaine Sheias, Dianne Benmayor, and other community leaders.
- Experience transformative Mussar teachings that bring clarity, compassion and practical wisdom to everyday life.
- Dive into intensive text study, small group learning, hands-on workshops, introspective practices, stimulating lectures, chevruta (pairs or triads) study, and group reflection.
- Enjoy meaningful social activities and unique community engagement programming.
- Reconnect with your mind, body, and soul in the stunning natural beauty of the southern Berkshires.
- Forge meaningful connections with fellow Mussar practitioners.
- Enjoy a four-day program for an immersive and deeper experience.
- Savor delicious, soul-nourishing kosher meals.
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.
Price includes:
- 4 nights/5 days lodging
- 3 kosher meals per day, 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)
Single Occupancy Room Price (Per Person):
- Tier 1 - $2,000
- Tier 2 - $1,800
Double Occupancy Room Price (Per Person):
- Tier 1 - $1,700
- Tier 2 - $1,500
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.
Arrival and Departure
Participants arrival and check-in will be 3-5 pm Sunday, April 19th, with departure after lunch (approximately 1 pm ET), on Thursday, April 23rd, 2026.
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.
Airport
The closest airport and the one recommended for traveling to the retreat is Bradley International Airport (BDL), about 50 miles away in Hartford, CT (approx. 1 hour 20 minutes drive).
Payment and Refund Policy
Limited spaces are available for overnight guests in one of Isabella Freedman's 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 1, 2026, no exceptions.
Payment Plan Schedule
For payment plan with deposit, payments will be as scheduled, with payment in full due April 1st, 2026:
February 15, 2026: $500 deposit due to reserve your tier and occupancy space. Late deposits will not be accepted unless space remains available.
February 28, 2026: Cancel by this date to receive a 75% refund on your deposit or full payment. There will be no full refunds issued.
March 1, 2026: 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: $750
- Tier 2 Single: $650
- Tier 1 Double: $600
- Tier 2 Double: $500
March 15, 2025: Cancel by this date 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.
March 16, 2026: 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: $750
- Tier 2 Single: $650
- Tier 1 Double: $600
- Tier 2 Double: $500
April 1st, 2026: Final payment by check due date.
March 16-April 18, 2026: 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. This is also a grace period for all deferred payments being mailed by check. Once again, payment in full is due by April 1st, 2026.
Waiting List
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 1, 2026 as we must report our final attendance to IFRC two weeks in advance of our event.
Protect Your Trip
The Mussar Institute cannot refund payments made outside of this published schedule because IFRC 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. IFRC does not reimburse TMI for your absence, thus no shows cannot be refunded either.