Frequently Asked Questions:

About the Interinclusion Winter Retreat 2017:

What is the theme of the retreat?

Transforming Darkness into Light: Dealing with Challenge

A Retreat for the Mind, Body and Soul

How long is the retreat?

The retreat is over three days, two nights, beginning on Sunday, January 15th at 2:30pm and officially ending on Tuesday, January 17th at 12:00pm (with option to stay for snow activities with rentals and admissions included: cross-country skiing, snow biking, snowshoeing, snowtubing).

If I can’t take off from work on Tuesday, do I have the option of joining and leaving Monday evening?

Yes, you would just need to check out of your room by 11:00 am on Monday. We can store your things safely and then you can participate for as long as you can stay on Monday. Based on your room situation we will discuss special prices for this situation.

Who is the retreat geared for?

We do not have a “target” audience rather we are looking for those who want to truly immerse themselves in an environment of growth, discussion and exploration. The goal of the retreat is to recharge our batteries by escaping the hustle and bustle of life and give ourselves the time in a naturally beautiful setting to really delve deep within while learning how to better connect with those around us.

Are the retreats for adults only or are children allowed?

Because of the nature of the retreats which are fully packed days going late into the evenings, we are focused on an adults-only program. However, based on the age of the children, we may possibly offer some babysitting services so please be in touch with us directly if you are interested.

What types of activities will be offered?

The retreats offer numerous opportunities for learning, interaction, relaxation and self-development. Group activities include: painting and writing workshops, a snowshoeing walk, bonfire, classes, morning meditations, musical performance and more. There is also free time scheduled for participants to explore the area and further engage in activities of their choice with optional snow activities (fees included in price) such as cross-country skiing, snow biking, snowshoeing, and snowtubing.

Who will be catering the retreat and what kind of food will be used? What if we have allergies?

We are thrilled that the extremely talented Hallie Cohen will once again be cooking for our retreat. Hallie is a professional cook and health coach whose delicious and nutritious food is a real highlight of the retreat.

The cooking will be done in the Crispe home or at the Grafton Inn in a kitchen that has been koshered by Rabbi Crispe. All food will be glatt kosher, chalav yisrael and pas yisrael. (If you only eat specific hechsherim, please let us know). At every meal there will be vegetarian options as well as gluten free food and allergen free. If there are special needs this does not cover we can arrange for that as well with advanced notice.

What are the rooms like in the Grafton Inn?

Each room is unique with a different set up with the majority having a King or Queen bed. There are rooms that are available with two double beds if that is requested in advanced. If you have a specific requirement please let us know as soon as possible and we will try our best to accommodate.

Who are the speakers at the retreat?

The speakers are Rabbi Asher and Sara Esther Crispe (see bios below) who will be speaking both formally and informally throughout. The retreat is set up that every part of the program is an educational opportunity and interactive so learning will be included on walks, during other activities, etc.

Rabbi Asher Crispe is the Co-Director of Interinclusion.org, a social mosaic which perpetuates the arts, sciences, literature and music through Jewish tradition.

He is a highly knowledgeable technology expert and futurist as well as a media aficionado with a thorough and intimate knowledge of emerging developments in science and the digital universe. With over 20 years of experience as an educator, Rabbi Crispe regularly travels the world as a speaker / lecturer teaching in Jewish centers and academic institutions.

He specializes in illuminating the arts and sciences through the lens of the Torah. His lectures have focused on: music, film, architecture, gender theory, psychology, education, economics, regenerative medicine and physics.

He has also served as a consultant for financial, medical, and technological projects all relating to future trends.

Sara Esther Crispe is the Co-Director of Interinclusion.org, a multi-layered educational non-profit celebrating the convergence between contemporary arts and sciences and timeless Jewish wisdom.

She has traveled the world as a sought out motivational speaker and educator, presenting on interpersonal relationships and the Kabbalistic approach to self-development. Sara Esther was also the creator and editor for ten years of TheJewishWoman.org—a section of Chabad.org—the largest website on Judaism. She has also worked with Part2Pictures as a producer for shows relating to Judaism on the Oprah Winfrey Network and HARPO Productions, most recently a segment of the BELIEF series which was presented at the UN.

A prolific writer, her pieces can be found on numerous online sites including The Huffington Post. She is currently working on a book about the power of the Jewish woman as well as a book on parenting titled, I Used to be the Perfect Mother, Then I Had Kids.

How do we sign up and what is the cost?

Please click on this link for our registration form.

https://goo.gl/CE9Gdo

If you are coming on your own we can try to arrange for you to share a room with another guest if you would like. Costs are as follows (and please contact us to discuss pricing if you will be leaving Monday evening and not staying Monday night):

$425 pp (4 per room with 2 double beds)

$475 pp (3 per room with 2 double beds)

$550 pp (2 per room with king or queen)

$675 pp (1 per room with king or queen)

Payment is made through our website at www.interinclusion.org/donate/ (yellow donate button for one-time payment). A 50% payment is required upon registration and the remaining payment by December 5, 2016.

About Grafton, Vermont:

How far away is Grafton from NYC?

Grafton is about a 4-hour drive from Manhattan, 6 hours from Philadelphia. We definitely suggest driving if possible.

What is the closest airport?

One can fly to Albany, NY, Burlington, VT or Manchester, NH. All are about a 2 hour drive to Grafton.

Is there public transportation?

Amtrak has a daily stop in Brattleboro, VT which is about 30 min. from Grafton.

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