MakomDC and the Wellness Center @ Adas present a half day of learning, embodied practice and gathering

Join us for a transformative experience dedicated to the Hebrew month of Elul, a sacred time of personal reflection, renewal, and spiritual preparation for the High Holidays. 

Through embodied spiritual practice —such as mindful movement, breath-work, and song—we will focus our intention on t'shuvah (returning to oneself) in preparation for the most sacred time in the Jewish calendar. Rich and deep Jewish learning will illuminate the themes of introspection, forgiveness, and spiritual growth. Rooted in the power of community, this gathering will provide space for connection in community as well as personal growth and learning. Participants will leave feeling renewed, grounded, and ready to step into the new year with clarity and intention.

Our full day (beginning with prayer experiences at 9 am) includes breakfast and lunch,  text learning, embodied spiritual practice and special musical experiences, focused on the High Holy Day season and preparing ourselves for renewal. Participants will get a chance to select numerous sessions including:

Text Study.Acupuncture.Sound bath. Meditation. Yoga

Full Schedule:

9:00 am: Opening Gathering

Option #1: Adas Daily Minyan
Option #2: Awaken: A Morning Practice of Breath, Song, and Spirit with Sarah Waxman (At The Well)
Start your day with an embodied experience that weaves breath, song, and spiritual connection. This 45-minute session (9:00–9:45 am) awakens body and mind while grounding you in intention for the day ahead.

9:45 am: Breakfast & Rabbis’ Discussion on Theme
“P’tach Lanu Sha’ar-Opening Up: Moving through spiritual and emotional blocks in the Teshuvah Process

Join Rabbis Krinsky and Yolkut for an interactive conversation over breakfast.

10:45–11:25 am: Breakout Sessions #1

Option #1: Text Learning – Rabbi Jeremy Markiz
Not-Knowing Is Sacred: Emunah and Uncertainty
Elul invites us to return—but where are we returning to? In times of instability, what does it mean to walk a Jewish path with presence and integrity? Explore what emunah (faith/trust) can teach us about staying grounded.

Option #2:  Immersion as Sacred Renwal - Mickie Simon and Rabbi Yolkut
Join Rabbi Yolkut and Mickie Simon to explore both the historical significance of Mikvah and ritual immersion and the innovative spirit of its current uses. Have a brief tour of the Mikvah space, engage in interactive discussions about different ritual uses and learn about many different reasons one can use this sacred ritual tool!

11:25 am – 12:05 pm: Breakout Sessions #2

Option #1: Embodied Practice – Meditation
Creating Space for Forgiveness – Tobie Whitman
The work of forgiveness grows through embodied presence, patient repetition and discomfort tolerance. Using the RAIN practice (Recognize, Allow, Investigate and Nurture) we will identify areas of blockage that constrict our ability to live and love more freely.

Option #2: Art Workshop – Rachel Farbiarz "Greeting the New Year"
Sending paper greetings and cards in advance of the Jewish New Year is an old and rich tradition, one that is sadly atrophying in our digital world. In this session, we will explore traditional Rosh Hashanah paper crafts, as well as create mini works of card-art to send to ourselves and loved ones. To make our cards, we will be learning and experimenting with another traditional Jewish art form--paper-cutting! Please Note: We will be using precision knives (provided) in our work.

12:10 pm: To Yearn & Return: Elul Song & Study with Eliana Light A Musical Experience

In Elul, we are invited to connect and reflect, yearn and return, and open ourselves to the possibility of transformation. What do our sacred songs tell us about this time, and what might shine through when we hold our heritage to the light? In preparation for the days of awe, (and her participatory concert later this afternoon,) we’ll take a heart-opening dive into the texts of the season and Eliana’s original melodies. And of course, we’ll sing!

1:00 pm: Lunch & Art

Art Workshop
Leef Lanterns: A Take-Home for Elul – Darci Lewis
Through hands-on experience, we will create lanterns, symbolizing renewal and connection to the season.  Each lantern brings an opportunity to light a candle with a bracha, elevate  zichronot, and connect with the colors and hews of the Fall.

Session Leaders

Sarah Waxman: Founder and CEO of At The Well, blending holistic medicine, mindfulness, and Jewish spiritual connection.
 

Rabbi Jeremy Markiz: Teacher and consultant focused on Torah, personal growth, and values-driven leadership.
 

Rachel Farbiarz: DC-based artist and former civil rights attorney, known for her collage, drawing, and teaching.