Torah wisdom is what continues to elevate our spirits to higher and calmer levels, where we learn to find peace, love, acceptance, and forgiveness within and throughout our lives.
This past weekend was the Fourth Annual EMET Couples Retreat. Every year it takes place in Long Branch, NJ, at the Ocean Place Resort & Spa, which is right by the beach. The atmosphere of the hotel is warm, soothing, and relaxing. The proximity to, and views and sounds of the water remind us that life and this world are greater than all the things that consume us on a daily basis. The three days at the retreat were filled with lectures on topics of parenting and marriage, so we didn’t forget our lives but rather learn to manage it with greater love, compassion, and understanding. It was simply a place where people came to educate and empower themselves as individuals, as spouses, and as parents.
Lecturers included: Rabbi Akiva Rutenberg, Rabbi Mordechai Kraft, Rabbi Dovid Delman, Rabbi and Mrs. Kigel, Rabbi Rafael Ribacoff, Adina Ribacoff, Rabbi Nissim Musheyev, Rabbi and Mrs. Muskat, Rabbi Binyamin Yuhanan, Dr. Mark Rutenberg, Rabbi Ben Tzion Shafier, Rabbi Doniel Frank, Rabbi Israel Itshakov, Dr. Akiva Perlman, and Dr. Tamar Perlman.
They spoke on topics such as: Candle lighting & igniting your marriage; Different personalities within marriage; Parenting principles: how to be a parent for life; Understanding our emotional responses; How to save on taxes and increase charitable giving; How to help your wife love you more (for men); Marriage boot camp; Torah and science; and many more.
All of that was paired with food and entertainment. Catering was done by Meal Mart. The variety of savory, sweet, and fresh dishes started on Friday at 1:00 p.m. and continued until Sunday 1:00 p.m.
Friday evening entertainment included games for couples, with opportunities to win a night in the hotel’s suite and restaurants dinners.
Saturday evening entertainment included a ventriloquist and DJ Dice to make us laugh and dance for hours on end. Additionally, songs from Shlomy Elishaev made our hearts sing. And as if that weren’t enough, there was wine tasting from Hakerem to please every palate and a photo booth for memorable pictures with props to make anyone smile.
A big bonus was the warm enough weather that allowed us to breathe in the ocean air through walks on the beach with friends, and view the soul-filling, colorful sunrise from our rooms.
But that was not all. The hotel also provides many amenities. There was a fitness center and a pool. Ladies relived a carefree and fun-loving childhood experiences through ball playing in the pool. Many men spent time playing pool and chess with large floor figures.
Others created their own entertainment by the bar tables with poker games, eating sunflower seeds for snacks.
The walls of the hotel were covered with awe-inspiring, abstract art to enthuse the creative souls.
Finally, Sunday morning started off with another series of lectures, with breakfast in between and a farewell lunch at 1:00 p.m.
At the end of it all, after feeding the mind, body and soul, we regained a new level of energy and went home rejuvenated and inspired to start life anew.
“This event gave me the opportunity to get together with friends and acquaintances, meet new people and grow spiritually. It provided day to day solutions in dealing with our kids, spouses, and daily problems,” said one male attendee.
“I feel like I experienced heaven on earth. The lectures, the speakers, the company, the singing - it was all so enriching and relaxing. Nothing compares to this experience,” said Shoshanna, a mother of four and a pleased attendee.
What does all this cost? Sponsorships from Caring Professionals, Inc., allowed for the cost of attendance to remain affordable.
To experience all of this, plan to attend next year during the Thanksgiving Weekend in November.
EMET Hosts Another Successful Couples Retreat
Typography
- Smaller Small Medium Big Bigger
- Default Helvetica Segoe Georgia Times
- Reading Mode