Writing can feel lonely, unforgiving, laborious. It can also be rewarding, enthralling, cathartic. It’s complicated, right? It can be hard. It can also fun. It’s so many things that only other writers seem to understand. This has become especially so for Jews, lately. Or maybe it always has been?
We may wonder if we will be misunderstood, or maybe we sound too “Jewish” in a time when being so feels unpopular on both the right and left. How can I write as my authentic self without worrying about how I will sound to others?
This retreat is for Jewish women who yearn to write freely and who are trying to make sense of our place in the world through the written word. Whether or not you write about Jewish issues, this retreat will be a safe place to express yourself. Our comments and feedback rest solely on the writing, and not on the issues or the writer.
This retreat will take your work to another level, through specific writing techniques, craft instruction and tools designed to elevate the writing process for anyone, regardless of experience.
Please join me for a three-night retreat at the beautiful Zigbone Farm in Maryland’s gorgeous Catoctin Mountains, from Friday afternoon, December 11 through Monday morning, 14, 2026. Space is limited to ten writers to ensure an intimate experience and time to write, share, and offer feedback on our new work and works in progress. Our time will include guided meditation, writing to prompts, sharing our work (always optional), and specific exercises to unwind and loosen our minds and bodies, allowing creativity to flow. There will be quiet time to work on your writing, as well as plenty of group time to support and encourage each other in our work.
This retreat is open to all people who identify as Jewish and as women. Writing experience is helpful but not required. Writers at all levels will benefit from the gathering. These sessions are nonpolitical, secular and not Kosher.
Registration Deadline: Monday, November 9, 2026.
Cost: Between $1489 and $1689 depending on room type. Room choices and prices will be listed soon. Price includes all meals. Please see Write & Roam page for more details.
A deposit of $500 ($250 nonrefundable) must be received by September 1, 2026. Full tuition must be paid by Monday, November 9, 2026.
Accommodations:
Rooms & Pricing: Prices below include all meals, and retreat activities
The Springhouse (private, en suite): $1300. Stand-alone English-style cottage with deck with meadow views, timber-beamed, cathedral ceilings, roomy bathroom with walk-in shower, writing alcove. Just steps from the ZigBone Lodge.
The Log Cabin Room (private, en suite): $1689. Spacious room in original log cabin portion of ZigBone Lodge, with full, Moroccan-tiled bathroom.
The Parlor (private w/ private bathroom): $1689 Queen bed in very spacious room with sitting area and French doors opening onto a large stone, wisteria-covered terrace with meadow views.
Private Rooms/Shared Bathrooms (six available): $1489. $1289 each if sharing room. Spacious private rooms in ZigBone Lodge, Moroccan-tiled bathrooms shared with one-two other people. Either sinks in room or shower in separate room from toilet and sink.