IJC Annual Retreat 2025

For our final event of the semester, 20+ IJC members and friends gathered in the sun-drenched Kortenberg countryside for a Shabbaton of prayer, song and communal fun, with a focus on relaxation, something many of us are struggling to achieve in these days of tense geopolitical turmoil. We started with Friday aperitifs on the terrace of the retreat centre – a former abbey for nuns which also boasts a busy brasserie – then moved to the chapel, transformed for the purpose into a synagogue for candle lighting and evening prayer. After kiddush and motzi, we sat down to a delicious meal of salmon or cauliflower steaks and panna cotta with wild fruit coulis. Those of us who were staying overnight retired to the terrace for a glass or two before heading for bed. 

Early on Shabbat morning, our numbers swelled once again around a lazy breakfast. Shacharit with nigunim and moments of meditation followed, then Sarah W and Hila treated us to some uplifting singing. The highlight was a drinking song Sarah remembered from Jewish camp: ‘Five Constipated Men in the Bible’. I will spare you the details, but let’s just say we all had the chance to exercise our laughter muscles.  

After lunch – yes, there was a lot of eating – and siesta/walk in the grounds of the retreat centre, Peter D introduced us to the Jacobson Progressive Relaxation Technique followed by practical session on Heart Coherence & Relaxation. By the end our relaxation was complete, and we concluded with coffee and cakes brought by Nada to celebrate her birthday.

The venue is booked for June 12^th/13^th 2026, so mark your calendars and don’t miss out!