Second SoulBalancing Shabbat Retreat: August 2026
We ran our second weekend residential retreat at High Trenhouse Rereat Centre in Malham in the Yorkshire Dales. We enjoyed a slow-paced, Shabbat-filled retreat. The intentionally small (max 20) group, expertly held and led by Rabbi Marcia Plumb and Student Rabbi Anna Dyson, enabled a wonderful, open, inclusive atmosphere all weekend. We sang, prayed, studied, walked, broke bread, shared stories, and created new rituals together. Scroll down to see and read more about them.We are definitely looking to build on these and offer more weekend retreats in the Yorkshire Dales in 2027 - subscribe to our newsletters to get the details when they're published.
What people said who came:
"It was held without judgment or assumed knowledge. The balance between teaching and group learning was calm.
Time was important but it didn’t feel rushed.
Everything felt considered and sometimes spontaneous, which I loved."
"Shabbat was really calm and thoughtful.."
"The retreat gave me space to connect - with nature, with the Divine, with Jewish community, with my creativity, and to remind myself and learn more about Mussar."
A snapshot of what we did..
Enjoying the Outdoors
Early morning and Shabbes afternoon provided time to take in the fresh air and breath-taking landscape.
We took our pencil for a walk too!
Creativity is within us all - despite many protestations! - and with the gentle encouragement of artist Gillian Holding, we were able to enjoy the experience of 'taking our pencil for a walk'
Exploring Malhamdale
Around Malham are some amazing geological features including limestone pavement, waterfalls and dramatic landscapes.
Havdallah
A bitter sweet moment as we accompanied Shabbat on it's way out with song, prayer and ritual.
Exploring Mussar deeply
Rabbi Marcia Plumb led a deep dive into what we can learn from Moses through a Mussar lens, and Student Rabbi Anna Dyson prepared an adventure through the Torah portion.
more quotes:
"You skilfully created a community where I felt I totally belonged and gave me access to a style of Judaism and worship for which I have been ‘thirsty’."
"Thank you. This was wonderful and will take me a while to unpack and reflect on. I loved it. It reconnected me with my Judaism and reminded me that the community is right there!"