Reflections on The Jewish GROW Women’s Retreat

Ricki Ruchel Shapiro, who participated in the The Jewish GROW Women's Retreat, writes about the uplifting experience led by Rabbi Avraham and Nechama Laber.

By Ricki Ruchel Shapiro

“My name is Ruchel.”

That’s my Hebrew name. The name by which I spontaneously wanted to be called during a recent three-day Jewish women’s retreat, a name that was fitting as I listened to the other women introduce themselves with names that sung with Jewish identity.

The Jewish GROW Retreat in East Greenbush, NY focused on finding Gratitude, Recognition, Oneness and Wishes within the voices of the seven Jewish prophetesses: Sarah, with her Voice of Vision; Miriam’s Voice of Joy; Devorah’s Voice of Empowerment; Chanah’s Voice of Prayer; Avigael’s Voice of Peace; Chuldah’s Voice of Compassion; and Esther’s Voice of Courage.

I participated at the invitation of Susan Axelrod, a founder of the GROW Connection network and facilitator at the retreat. She had read my One New Thing post for March and offered this opportunity to deepen my Jewish connection – a connection that I’ve been missing in my more secular life.

The 25 women, from throughout the USA and Canada ranged in age from 30s to 70s with varying degrees of deep connection to Judaism, bonded over activities led by GROW Connection Network founder and global director Nechama Laber as well as several participants.

We baked challah as our first mother Sarah did, with the help of Adi Bortman who led the ancient process. There was the “Miriam’s” drum circle, started by Heidi and Chaviva Tarlow with a beat and a chant, which changed as we worked our way around the circle. For me, as a once-upon-a-time musician, it was creating magic with hide and fingers. Riffing on the beat, louder and softer … with an instant and profound silence as Heidi gave a final cut-off to end our improvised beat with our favorite saying.

We were surrounded by the sound of singing bowls as Julie Knox brought us to a place of peace and calm, while Danielle Sarah Storch brought energy into our souls through dance.

We reflected on the Aishes Chayil – the Women of Valor – and the strengths and values that Jewish women embody. We teamed up for games related to Jewish morals and how they connect to occurrences in our lives. We learned about the attributes of the seven prophetesses and chose the one to whom we felt more aligned. For me it was Devorah – coincidentally my Hebrew middle name – the one who gently guided with kindness and compassion, the one whose flame lit others so their bright lights could also shine.

We painted – some with abandon, some more skillfully – as artist Mushky Perl had us “bring to paint” a black-and-white image of a prophetess in her spiritual state. We danced with purpose and abandon as Karen Sarto, dance instructor from L.A. led us in moves symbolic of both Jewish women’s power and gracefulness. And we listened as Chaviva Tarlow entranced us with her soul-filled and yearning voice.

Nechama Laber’s gift for listening to everyone’s story – and they were many and varied – and being able to relate that to Biblical teachings both deep and profound, was impressive to take in, as I am not learned in the ways that many of these women were. And despite our many and varied backgrounds, she created a sacred space in which there was no judgment, only support, which for many was something they had not previously experienced.

I came away making connections I knew I had wanted yet did not know if I would make, and with a deeper sense of wanting to know more. And I will.

The Jewish GROW Retreat is an outgrowth of the Jewish Girls Retreat (JGR), a winter & summer camp for Jewish girls for over 20 years. It is a welcoming oasis for Jews from all backgrounds who come from near and far. Set on 12.5 acres of peaceful nature, the Jewish GROW Retreat includes a retreat house, farm, lake, honeybee area, and gardens, and is across from 2 hotels. The natural environment and programming, led by Rabbi Avraham and Nechama Laber, Shluchim for Chabad of S. Rensselaer County, fosters connection, reflection, and growth.

B”H, “JGR takes wing” with the building of a new wing that will include a spacious meat kitchen and a two-bedroom suite. This expansion will allow more girls, boys, women and families to experience connection, nourishment, and growth in a peaceful atmosphere of belonging.

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