Inaugural SoulBalancing Shabbat Retreat:
November 2025
We ran our first weekend residential retreat at Parceval Hall near Bolton Abbey in the Yorkshire Dales.
Hidden away in this beautiful landscape, we enjoyed a slow-paced, Shabbat-filled retreat. The intentionally small (max 20) group quickly bonded as everyone was there for the same reasons and this was enough to create a wonderful, open, inclusive atmosphere.
We sang, prayed, studied, walked, broke bread, shared stories, 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 a very special weekend and I got such a lot from being amongst a mix of Jewish people all of whom were looking for experiencing Judaism outside of a synagogue setting."
"Allowed me a space to breathe to pray and to engage in a meaningful way."
A snapshot of what we did..
Creative Prayer
How could we not take our prayer outside and express our awe and wonder at creation with our liturgy in these breath taking surroundings?
Lots of time for tea and chats
We didn't over-schedule the timetable; there was plenty of time for sitting and chatting; so many connections were forged and deepened.
A bracing walk
An optional adventure into the Yorkshire Dales National Park was enjoyed by a fair few!
A gentle meander
For others, a gentle meander in the gardens of the retreat centre proved an uplifting and enjoyable Shabbas afternoon activity.
Havdallah
A bitter sweet moment as we accompanied Shabbat on it's way out with song, prayer and ritual.
Chatting with our ancestors (text study)
We explored some of our ancient stories and learned from the deep wisdom of our ancestors, and each other.
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!"