For years we had been daydreaming about coming together for more than just a zoom experience or a rare, in-person luncheon or conference meetup. A retreat: a reprieve from obligations, worries, and everything upon our shoulders the rest of the year. Full of connection, nature, and getting the rare chance to care for ourselves as we so deeply care for others.

Well, it finally happened – the first of what we hope will be MANY a shabbaton together.

The first retreat in nature and amongst friends was held May 16-18, 2025. We highlighted Jewish Joy in an experiential journey by celebrating Lag B’Omer in the Pacific Northwest. We hosted a delegation at the unique retreat center Rainbow Lodge, just a short drive from Seattle or Portland. We connected and rejuvenated with our fellow mental healthcare professionals amongst the tall pines.

This year, over 4th of July weekend (July 2 – 5, 2026), we’ll be taking a deep dive into embodied identity. Who are we, collectively and as individuals? What makes up our roots? Toward what are our branches reaching? What sustains us, and how does what we bring to the world serve humanity, our Tribe, and our clients?

We’ll enjoy the embodied, symbolic, storied, and sensory experiences so loved in our first season together and be sure to weave in art, poetry, music, and plenty of space to share and connect with each other.  There will again be a Havdallah bonfire, and we’ll be adding some magical surprises!

In our modern times so many of us find that we crave connection. As Jewish mental healthcare providers we spend our days helping others; at times we need to fill our own cups, and collaborate as a community to find the support, empathy, and connection that we need to continue on our individual journeys. Jewish Therapist Collective (JTC) gathered for a Shabbaton in the beautiful and inspirational Pacific Northwest; finding the refuge needed to connect with community, nurture spirit, and leverage strengths to create positive impacts in daily life. 

Nestled in the deep forest at the base of Mount Si, Rainbow Lodge provides a serene, secure, and refreshing environment for renewal, connection, healing, and inner-peace. One may wander one of their nature trails, warm up by one of their rock fireplaces, or sit by a bubbling stream, allowing tranquility to settle in. Prepare to join us; options for 2026 are below.

Staying At:
Rainbow Lodge
46820 SE Mt Si Road
North Bend, WA 98045

Costs:
Double Occupancy: $920
Single Occupancy : $1350
Triple Occupancy – Limited

Discounts:
Early Bird: $54
Sustaining Members: $180
*Not Combinable

Speaker honoraria offered – Apply after registering!

More Info:

• Bonus experience: STAY TUNED FOR 2026 PRE-RETREAT EVENT DETAILS.
• Mobility needs and observance-levels supported – please detail on registration form.
• Transportation for out-of-town guests: we will facilitate matches between guests arriving to SEA-TAC at similar times for ride share. Complementary shuttle to airport after retreat for guests who book airfare at least 8 weeks ahead and inform the JTC Team.

JTC has been bringing the Jewish Mental Health Community together for many years to ensure that care providers can always find a safe space for support, collaboration, and connection. The trauma that the Jewish Community at large is experiencing has made our community more relevant and important than ever. This unique Shabbaton was designed by our JTC team to help our community connect while experiencing and reflecting on the importance of Jewish Joy, even during the hardest times, in an incredibly beautiful, peaceful, and serene setting.

Last Year’s Theme: Lag B’Omer is a Jewish Holiday of joy that occurs specifically on one day during 49 day long period of mourning called the counting of the Omer between Passover and Shavuot. It is a reminder that during the hardest times we must sometimes refocus our attention on creating joy for ourselves and those around us. Inspired by Lag B’Omer, JTC has designed this Shabbaton to help our community connect in joy. Lag B’Omer encourages us to set down our mourning for a time, shake off the heaviness, and revel in vibrancy. You deserve this.

This year’s theme will be “The Tree of Life & Liberty: Roots of Healing; Branches of Freedom.” We can’t wait to share about this thoughtful experience with you!