Spiritual retreat helps women bond, connect with community

The air was alive with excitement last week at Three Square Food Bank when women from a variety of cultures and backgrounds came together for a day of spiritual enhancement, bonding and having a good time.

The second annual Women’s Spiritual Retreat was facilitated by the Jewish Community Center, and participants and organizers agreed it was a success.

“It was such a good way to be introduced to the community,” said Patricia Duarte, a participant who is new to Las Vegas. She moved here two months ago from San Paulo, Brazil, and said she didn’t know a lot of people. But that all changed at the retreat.

“I met so many women today and learned what’s going on in the Jewish community and different ways I can participate,” she said.

Three Square was the perfect setting for the retreat, titled Seek, Nourish, Ignite, and gave participants the opportunity to do some volunteer work while they were there. One session had participants filling backpacks with food to be distributed to children in need. They also put together lunch sacks filled with vegetables for seniors.

“I really enjoyed the volunteering group,” Duarte said. “We got to know each other while we were doing something to help others in need.

“The retreat was really fun,” she said. “It was educational and spiritual. I learned so many new things, and it just made me feel welcome.”

On hand were women from several Jewish denominations as well as those from other religions. “The retreat was an opportunity for them to bond in the presence of God, without being defined by their beliefs,” said Nancy Weinberger, one of the organizers from the Jewish Community Center.

The 125 participants enjoyed breakfast and lunch, a choice of breakout sessions, all while meeting new people and visiting with friends. More than 30 local volunteers led the numerous sessions. They were all women, including rabbis and cantors.

“Last year was our first retreat and it was so successful that participants and organizers alike were looking forward to this year,” Weinberger said.

“The idea for the retreat started when we were looking for a way to bring women together in a nondenominational setting,” she said. “We wanted to give them a day to enjoy without their children or husbands. A day where they could fellowship in the presence of God, where they could bond, be entertained, have fun and feel safe without being judged in any way.”

This year the participants could choose from 21 sessions that included cooking, dancing, crafts, and educational offerings. But it was newscaster and actress Jessica Abo, the keynote speaker, whom participants couldn’t quit talking about. She inspired excitement in the women when she spoke on how to get involved and become a part of the community.

“Jessica was just remarkable,” said Barbara Bernstein, a participant. “She made us feel like we are all part of the community. She got us so excited.

“I came to the retreat for the fellowship and spirituality, and everything was just so interesting,” she added.

Bernstein took part in two sessions during the day, where she learned to make a traditional kosher dessert and felt flowers. “There was just so much information,” she said. “I met new friends and saw so many old friends. I will definitely come again next year.”

Rosalba Moreno was also excited about her day. Being new to Las Vegas and a Catholic, she felt somewhat unsure about attending. But a friend encouraged her and she’s happy she did.

“I met other women who weren’t Jewish, which helped me relax,” she said. “And it was just so inspiring to meet women who are doing so much for the community.

“I am personally in a resting time in my life,” she added. “But Jessica explained that we all need a time of rest, but when we’re ready to get involved there is so much we can do.

“I met so many women going in the same direction. I still need some downtime, but when I’m ready to get more involved I know where to start.”

And Moreno learned more than community involvement during the retreat. “I also learned so much about being a spiritual woman,” she said. “I won’t be hanging a title on my beliefs anymore. I just feel comfortable in my own spirituality.”

Plans are already underway for next year’s retreat.