Jewish Men's Retreat

Be Brave.         Be Vulnerable.       Be Joyous.     Just Be.

Retreats
JMR Co-chairs
Brothers Attending
Steve Masters and Sons, Charlie and Ari Trey-Masters, discuss their JMR 32 experience.

Pre-register now for JMR34 

Friday, October 31, 2025 to Sunday, November 2, 2025, 
at 

Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center 

Falls Village, Connecticut.

Pre-register for JMR34
JMR33 Logo

What is the Jewish Men's Retreat?

Close your eyes for a moment.
Imagine sitting, dancing, in soulful prayer, or on a private forest hike.
sense the wonder of JMR.

What Happens?

Every JMR is different and reflects the creative energy of the Co-Chairs and their planning team. Follow this link for a sample schedule.

Who Attends?

The Jewish Men’s Retreat (JMR) community is a broad range of Jewish men from across North America.

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What is the Vision?

The vision of JMR is to call men forth into the fullness of their being as individuals and as active participants in their communities and in the wider world.

Frequently Asked Questions

All of the above.  You will find that the men attending the retreat reflect the spectrum of Jewish traditions.  We strive to offer a retreat, including religious services is enriching and stimulating to all men, regardless of your level of religious observance or involvement with Jewish organizations.  Most importantly, you will find yourself surrounded by caring Jewish men who support each other.  Menschwork’s Spiritual Practices Guidelines are available at this link.

Yosaif August convened a Jewish Men’s track at the ALEPH Kallah when it began in 1990 outside of Philadelphia. Yosaif and Rabbi Shawn Zevit met at the ALEPH Kallah in Berkeley, CA in 1993 at a workshop Yosaif was offering and from there they invited a group of men to help plan the first annual JMR in the fall of 1993 at the former Elat Chayyim Jewish Renewal Retreat Center in Accord, NY. 

JMR has been held annually since then and relocated when Elat Chayyim merged with Isabella Freedman Retreat Center in Falls Village, NY.

Menschwork, Inc. endeavors to include all men who wish to attend the Jewish Men’s Retreat and offers a scholarship programs for:

  1. Young men (ages 18-35) who are attending their first or second retreat (please see the Jewish Men’s Retreat Fellowship Program for Young Men webpage for more information) and
  2. Men over age 35 who demonstrate need for financial assistance (apply through the JMR33 registration process).

The scholarship program is supported by past Jewish Men’s Retreat participants and others who have donated money to Menschwork, Inc. for this purpose. As such, the availability of scholarship funds is limited in any given year.

The priority application deadline for JMR33 need-based assistance is June 15, 2024. The priority application deadline for Fellowship applications is July 15, 2024.  Applications received after the priority deadline are considered on a funds available basis.

Menschwork has always been committed to providing men a safe and comfortable environment that allows each man to set and communicate his individual personal boundaries. This commitment extends to concerns related to Covid and other health concerns.  

The central component of each JMR is the Mishpacha Group.  

The JPS dictionary defines Mishpacha as: “Literal​ly, ‘family’. …The word conveys a warm feeling of friendship.”  During the JMR weekend, we create several small Mishpacha of 5-8 men.  Each group meets three times during the weekend to explore how the retreat’s theme (which is derived from the Shabbat parsha) applies to their lives. It is a chance to explore aloud one’s inner self confidentially without feeling evaluated or criticized. Many participants feel that their Mishpacha group experience draws their deepest response and is the most important part of a very vital Jewish Men’s Retreat. Please watch this video to learn more.

JMR provides the opportunity to share socially, prayerfully and deeply with other Jewish men searching to be better mensches. We each come seeking the companionship of like-minded men both on the weekend and after the weekend. We get to meet men, somewhat randomly, during our services, at meals, in activities and in Mishpacha groups. Pathways offers a dual opportunity to learn more about a specific topic of interest. But additionally, we get to meet men of common interests. Interests that we may want to discuss further even after the weekend

Mishkan Achim means Holy House of Brothers.  ​Mishkan Achim is a Private Facebook Group for men who have attended the Jewish Men’s Retreat, sponsored by Menschwork. 

Many men (both first time attendees and long-time attendees) attend JMR without identifying a roommate on the registration form. Menschwork will assign you a roommate. If you prefer a single room, you may register for one for an additional fee on a space available basis.

Please contact JMR@menschwork.org if you have other questions.

campfire at past retreat
Men attending JMR31
Jewish Men's Retreat

WHAT PAST JMR ATTENDEES SAY:

"The Jewish Men’s Retreat brings together an incredible group of men each year. The generosity of spirit, affirmation of the image of G-d in each other, and cultivation of our best selves at these retreats inspires and uplifts long after the closing circle. The JMR is a great way to reconnect with yourself as a man and to find out how other men are doing. It’s not often safe to be vulnerable with other men, but at JMR this is not only possible but encouraged and supported."
Mark Dwortzan
Mark Dwortzan
JMR attendee and JMR21 Co-Chair
"This transformative weekend has offered me the chance to look at who I am in the world and how I feel within the context of a supportive Judaism. I get to grow my knowledge and connection to my tradition and learn about myself, explore and play— not to mention being around a dynamic, caring and supportive group of men."
Jim Grossman
JMR Attendee
JMR30
"For me, perhaps the highlight of JMR was Mishpacha Groups. They provide men with the opportunity to share their challenges and successes around a theme emerging from the Torah. This is a safe, nonjudgmental space to unburden oneself and cultivate new strengths."
Jewish Men's Retreat
Adam Frost
JMR attendee
"The annual Jewish Men's Retreat in mid-fall gives me a stepping stone to look forward to that time beyond the High Holidays, where I have an opportunity to continue the learning, reflection and community connection with a group of thoughtful, learned and fun-loving gents. It is truly uplifting and such a source of spirit that it brightens my soul even as the days grow shorter.."
Jewish Men's Retreat
david malchman
Co-Chair of JMR19, JMR22, and JMR30

lEARN ABOUT PAST JEWISH MEN'S RETREATS

The Jewish Men’s Retreat was founded by Yosaif August and Rabbi Shawn Zevit in 1990

and has been held annually since 1993.

The JMR Parshas

Lech Lecha (1995, 1997, 2002, 2007, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2021, 2023, 2024)
1 %
Beresheet (2006, 2006, 2008, 2012, 2019)
1 %
Noach (2000, 2003, 2009, 2014)
1 %
Vayeira (1994, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2022)
1 %
Toldot (1993, 1999)
1 %
Ki Tavo (2011)
1 %
Chayei Sara (2010, 2013, 2017, 2020)
1 %

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Questions?

Reach out if you have any concerns to: info@menschwork.org.