Nishmah invites Jewish women to attend “Ignite Sparks! Illuminate Blessings,” a Shabbat retreat on Feb. 27 and 28 at Pere Marquette State Park. Rabbi Ariella Graetz-Bartuv of Reform congregation Emet Veshalom in Nahariya, Israel, will serve as scholar-in-residence. 

Bringing together women of many generations, phases of life, and affiliations, the two-day program will “explore, discover and illuminate blessings – igniting the sparks in ourselves, each other and our community.” 

Graetz-Bartuv grew up Conservative and went on to marry an Orthodox Jew and then become a Reform rabbi in Israel.  She will discuss her journey and love for Judaism and she, along with women of the community, will lead participants in prayer, Torah study and engaging workshops.

The weekend will begin at 4:30 on Friday with a hands-on opportunity to get inspired for Shabbat, followed by a musical Kabbalat Shabbat, a healthy dinner and an interactive evening program including wine and chocolate. Shabbat day will include a variety of prayer options and many workshops for a variety of interests.  The program will conclude with Havdalah at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday. 

The registration deadline is Feb. 12, 2016 but early registration is recommended as event organizers  expect the event to sell out.  For more information, contact Sara Winkelman at 314-442-3268  or [email protected], or visit nishmah.org.

Aura Kavadlo and Nadine Spitz are co-chairs of the event. Nishmah is a program of the Jewish Community Center.