Who gave that woman a jackhammer?

We are in the process of building a new reception area! It's right below the wedding stage. This space is going to hold around 12 tables to host 100 guests. We are currently working on clearing the space and leveling it. We are also building rock walls along the edge- by hand of course!

However, working at Hidden Valley Retreat is never as easy as it sounds. As we were leveling the space, we came across a HUGE boulder! Boulders are common on our property, if you've ever seen the Event Center, you would know; we've got boulders built right into the walls! Now we understand why-- those things are hard to break down! We were able to jackhammer most of it , but couldn't get it all. Now we have a permanent addition to the area: a beautiful, natural, white granite boulder to sit on. It matches the event center!

We will be posting many more photos as we make progress, but until then you can take joy in this photo of Fiona jack-hammering away!

New Webpage for Shabbaton Weekend!

We have launched our new webpage for the Spiritual Rejuvenation Shabbaton!

You can find it HERE.

There you can find more information, register, view the room assignments, view our food menu, and the tentative schedule. This site will be constantly updated with new information as the date gets closer! We will continue to post here as well to keep you informed of new exciting plans!

Spiritual Rejuvenation Shabbaton will be held Chanukah Weekend, December 23-25 at the Hidden Valley Retreat and Spa. It will be a weekend with the Kirtan Rabbi in which you will discover a non-traditional way of Jewish Prayer.

Spiritual Rejuvenation Shabbaton

A few months ago I experienced a wonderful Jewish service at The Hive in downtown San Diego. Rabbi Andrew Hahn known as the Kirtan Rabbi was visiting from New York and he held the most moving service.  I was inspired by his music and chanting of prayers and I had an authentic deep Jewish Experience, I was moved physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Our family has been a member of a congregation here in San Diego for more than 20 years, Congregation Beth El in La Jolla.  We enjoy a unique monthly musical Friday Night service in the style of Carlsbach. The sound and style of the Kirtan Rabbi’s service was so different and compelling.  The chanting and eastern sounding music resonated with me. Honestly, I was moved to tears.  Kirtan Rabbi also held services at other synagogues and homes in San Diego.  He got great reviews and I heard that so many other people loved the feeling of his services. 

After my experience with Kirtan Rabbi, I was elated to find out that he was asked to be the officiant for one of my brides at Hidden Valley Retreat and Spa! I feel like fate had a huge hand in bringing such an influential person back into my life once again.  While discussing plans for the wedding, we began talking about turning his trip into a huge event. What we came up with is a Shabbaton Weekend! We are just thrilled with this idea and we have begun to make arrangements.

We are making plans and organizing meals and are about to open registration for a Spiritual Rejuvenation Shabbaton Weekend with Kirtan Rabbi and Friends.  It is being planned for a wonderful weekend during Hanukkah (on Christmas Eve – forget the Chinese Food), and a very important time in the Jewish year. 

I will soon be updating this blog, Facebook, and a whole new webpage dedicated to the weekend as plans fall into place. Stay tuned for rates, information, meal plans, activities, and speakers!