General

What will this Shabbaton be like?

Great question! That’s a tough one to answer, since every attendees’ experience is unique. But for an overview, the weekend will generally follow this structure: we’ll begin together on Friday afternoon with registration and an easeful arrival, followed by a pre-Shabbat program, Mincha, a soulful outdoor Kabbalat Shabbat, and a long, song-filled Shabbat dinner under the evening sky. Saturday holds the full arc of Shabbat Nachamu: early-morning meditation in the open air, Torah study and Shacharit shaped by Isaiah’s prophecies of consolation and wilderness renewal, an unhurried communal lunch, a genuine Shabbat rest in which you are free to wander or do nothing at all, afternoon workshops held both indoors and outside, Seudah Shlishit and Mincha as the day softens, and an evening of dinner, plenary program, and candlelit Havdalah. Sunday closes the circle with morning meditation, Shacharit, a final round of workshops, a closing gathering to carry the weekend home, lunch together, and an optional tour for those who want to linger in the landscape a little longer.

If there are certain parts of the program you’d like to learn more about, please feel free to reach out to us at events@aleph.org. We’d be happy to help see if this program could be the right fit for you.

Registration

When will registration open?

Registration is open now, so don’t delay!

Can I just show up on the day of the event?

No, you may not show up without a prior registration. We are unable to accept any walk-up participants without a prior registration. Participants without a registration will be turned away.

Tell me more about payment.

You may pay with a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. When you register, you will have the option to make your payment in full or make a 50% deposit. Should you select the deposit option, the remainder of the cost will be automatically charged to the card on file on July 9.

When does registration close?

Registration will remain open until July 8. We expect this event to sell out. We strongly recommend registering early to secure your spot.

What is the cancellation policy?

Final balances: All balances are due by July 9, 2026. A late fee of $60 may be applied to payments received after July 9.

Cancellation policy: Cancellations must be received in writing to events@aleph.org. Cancellations received until July 8, 2026, will receive a full refund (less $60 registration fee per person, or $18 per Havdalah only registration.) Cancellations will not be accepted on or after July 9. There will be no refunds or exchanges.

Health policy: If you (the registrant) test positive for COVID-19 or other viral illness and you are required to quarantine through the startdate of the program, you will not be permitted to attend. If you choose not to opt into the Purchase Protection located on this form,ALEPH strongly recommends connecting with a travel insurance company of your choosing, as you will not be able to receive a refunddirectly from ALEPH.

What happens if the entire event is cancelled?

In the unlikely case that the entire event is postponed due to circumstances beyond our control, we will transfer the cost of your registration to any event taking place through the end of 2026. You will not be able to receive a refund for the cost of your registration.

Is there insurance if I have to cancel?

Yes! ALEPH is thrilled to be able to partner with Purchase Protection LLC, a third-party company that offers coverage should you not be able to attend the event.

Full details regarding coverage can be found here.

Please note that Purchase Protection MUST be opted into at the time of registration, and CANNOT be added after registration has been completed. This is a requirement from Purchase Protection LLC, and ALEPH cannot make any exceptions to this requirement.

If you have questions about coverage, please reach out to Purchase Protection LLC directly.

Is there financial support available?

Yes! We are honored to be able to offer a three-tiered pricing system for this event.

We offer three pricing tiers for the Shabbaton because we believe that cost should never be the reason someone misses out on Shabbat in community. Rooted in the Jewish value of arevut (our sacred responsibility to one another) this model invites each of us to show up in the way that feels most honest and sustainable. Whether you’re giving a little extra to hold space for others, paying the rate that reflects the true cost of gathering, or receiving the support that lets you join us, you’re part of the same circle. Please choose the rate that fits your life right now, with no explanations needed.

Can children or teens attend?

We may be able to add a program for children and teens if interest arises. Please reach out to us at events@aleph.org if this may be of interest to you.

Transportation, Accommodations, and Other Needs

What airport should I fly into? Where should I drive to?

Information about the location will be shared with registered participants. If you have questions before registering, please feel free to reach out to us at events@aleph.org.

Where should I plan on staying?

We will share details about available local accommodations with all registered participants.

I have mobility issues. How will I get around the property?

Please reach out to us at events@aleph.org so that we may be able to best assist you.