Building Ruach: A Retreat Filled with Connection, Learning, and Joy

At the end of December, we welcomed 28 incredible participants to the first-ever Ruach PNW retreat at Camp Solomon Schechter – a transformative gathering for song leaders, educators, and community members across the Pacific Northwest. And wow, did we create something magical together!

From the moment the group arrived, it was clear this was more than a retreat- it was a chance to build a true kehillah (community). With the guidance of our phenomenal faculty – including Rabbi David Kosak, Rabbi Samuel Klein, Josh Lake, Jana Hopflinger, Kim Schneiderman, and Josh Niehaus – we explored ruach (spirit) in every form: through song, study, art, and even the great outdoors.

Participants immersed themselves in sessions like The Spirit of Joy with Rabbi Kosak, where we uncovered deep connections between ruach and simcha (joy), and Songleading & Community Building, led by Kim and Josh, which sparked both goosebumps and spontaneous harmonies. Josh Lake took us into the breathtaking PNW wilderness for a Jewish nature hike, connecting us to the land in ways that felt sacred and grounding, while Rabbi Samuel Klein helped us delve deeper into Hanukkah.

The weekend also featured art sessions with Jana, where creativity flowed freely. To cap it all off, we celebrated with an unforgettable musical concert that had everyone on their feet, dancing and singing their hearts out.

But more than the sessions or even the music, it was the laughter, the conversations over shared meals, and the warmth of newfound friendships that made this retreat truly special. Together, we built a space of belonging, where everyone felt the beauty of connection.

As we packed up on Monday morning, the ruach we created lingered – an energy we’ll carry back to our communities, ready to inspire and uplift.

A huge todah rabah to everyone who attended, our incredible faculty, and the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle for making this retreat possible. We can’t wait to see how the ruach spreads across the PNW – and we’re already counting down the days until the next one!

Stay tuned for more opportunities to gather, grow, and sing together. There’s no place like Camp Solomon Schechter!