Broken Open
A pre Tisha b'Av mini retreat
Sunday July 27, 2025
8am-11am (PST)
Three hours on Zoom of text study & meditation, inquiry & intention sharing,
to prepare ourselves for the longest fast day of the Jewish calendar.
This mini retreat is included in the MJM monthly membership.
Currently enrolled Talmidim do not need to sign up. :-)
Every year, at the peak of summer in the northern hemisphere, a time normally dedicated to leisure and joy, the Jewish calendar invites us to do just the opposite: to fall into mourning.
This progressive descent will last three weeks, from the 17th of Tammuz, until Tisha b’Av,
the 9th of the month of Av, the longest and saddest fast day in the Jewish tradition.
What is the meaning of this strange ritual, and how can it be a gift to us?
As most jewish rituals, Tisha b’Av is much more than the commemorations of tragic events
that befell the jews along their rich and difficult history.
Beyond the Pshat (literal level) of these times as commemorations of tragic events, Tisha b’Av is an invitation for us to make space for mourning and processing our own brokenness and loss.
Why would you do that?
Because tending to our wounds in the dedicated bracketed space of the three weeks and Tisha b’Av,
once a year, is the best way to heal.
Making time to grieve is the best antidote to staying stuck in sadness.
By making space to mourn, we give ourselves a chance to be consoled,
and to move forward from a place of resilience, wholeness and true strength.
What if now was just the right time to let ourselves be broken open?
Join Rabbah Dr. Mira Neshama Niculescu for a mini-retreat in preparation for Tisha b'Av!
The half day retreat comprises:
-Text Study
-Guided Meditation
-Inquiry in small groups or via journaling
-Time for Q & A with the teacher
An online mini retreat is an ideal way to deepen our practice without needing to take time off,
and to integrate extended meditation in the midst of our daily life setting.
What is a Jewish Meditation retreat?
Retreat is sometimes referred to as “Hitbodedut” in hebrew.
It is described in the teachings of various Jewish sages, such as the Rambam (Maimonides) and his son, the Raavam.
This program will help you:
-Deepen your familiarity of the meaning of Jewish cycles and Holidays
-Explore the wisdom of Jewish texts around Tisha b'Av and the three weeks
-Prepare for one of the most important fast day of the Calendar with a community of fellow Jewish Spiritual practicionners
-Receive tools to make your Jewish Rituals more meaningful and share the beauty of the Jewish tradition with your loved ones
Tentative Schedule (Pacific Time)
8:00-8:15 am - Welcome and introduction
8:15-8:45 am - Opening sit
8:45-9:15 am - Text Study
9:20-9:45 am - Guided Meditation
9:45-10:00 am - Break/Mindful movement on your own
10:00-10.10 am - Small groups sharing
10:10-10.40 am - Guided Meditation
10:40-10:50 am - Q & A
10:50-11:00 am - Setting an intention for Tisha b'Av. Closing circle
Tuition
Choose the rate that suits your possibilities among three price levels :
110$ (Benefactor) / 82 $ (Regular) / 54$ (Scholarship)
NB: Currently MJM enrolled students as of July are automatically registered to the mini retreat.
If you would like to join us for a month or more, click here
Scholarships
We want the practice to be open to everyone, no matter your finances.
To request a scholarship, simply email Maya at office@miraneshama.com
If you have any question about our mini retreat, please email us at