Do wish to know Yashua Hamashiach (Jesus) better? Spend time living, eating, working, learning and praying as He did, in The Way that is inspired by the historic Essene Nazoreans. Personal Essene Retreats are your opportunity to deepen your connection with G*D at your own pace with an overnight stay. Staying with us provides you with an opportunity to tune out of your daily city routine and get back to a more natural rhythm of life: hard physical work, joyful play, and rejuvenating rest.
Who were/are the Essenes?
The Essenes were a sect of Second Temple Judaism that flourished from the 2nd century BCE to the 1st century CE. They were fewer in number than the Pharisees and the Sadducees (the major Jewish sects at the time). They were vegetarian, ecologists, into both the Father and Mother aspects of God, saw women as equal with men. They were Master Healers, Herbalists and Alchemists and could heal with the touch of their hands as well as with food and herbs, had an average life span of 125 years, and were the teachers of Jesus, John the Beloved and John the Baptist.
Many separate but related religious groups of that era shared similar mystic, eschatological, messianic, and ascetic beliefs. These groups are collectively referred to by various scholars as the “Essenes.” The Essenes lived in various cities and congregated in communal life dedicated to asceticism, voluntary poverty, daily immersion, and abstinence from worldly pleasures. The historian, Josephus records that Essenes existed in large numbers, and thousands lived throughout Roman Judæa.
According to a Jewish legend, one of the Essenes, named Menachem, passed mystical knowledge to the Talmudic mystic Nehunya ben HaKanah, to whom Kabbalistic tradition attributes Sefer HaBahir. Some Essene rituals, such as daily immersion in the mikveh, coincide with contemporary Hasidic practices; some historians had also suggested, that name “Essene” is a Hellenized form of the word “Hasidim” or “Hasid” (“pious ones”).
The Essenes gained fame in Modern times as a result of the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in 1946. These documents include untouched copies of the Hebrew Bible dating to 300 BCE.
Source: Wikipedia
More on the connection of Jesus to the Essenes may be found here:
Managing Expectations
What to Bring
- Pillow and Bedding
- Towels
- Biodegradable, UNSCENTED toiletries
- Flashlight
- Non-plastic water bottle
- Raw and living vegan snack foods
Attire
Wear loose and natural fibers. Steer clear of polyester (even recycled). Cotton, linen, wool, are best. Essenes wore white or light, un-dyed fabrics. Bring layers. It can be cooler in mornings and evenings. Keep it simple. Clothing is optional by the creek; you may mikvah or swim nude or in a swimsuit.
Chemical Detox
We share a fragrance-free environment; absolutely no perfumes, scented lotions, shampoos, soaps, etc. Refrain from all scents, cologne and makeup.
Dietary Restrictions
Essene food by its very nature allergy-free, vegan and gluten free. It is also primarily soy free with the exception of fermented tempeh, amino acids and miso. In rare cases, there may be pasture-raised eggs and raw dairy products and they will be labeled and separate.
We share a substance-free environment; no alcohol, drugs or intoxicants. Prescribed medications are obviously allowed.
Digital Detox
There is no WIFI on site. Our EMF meter reads a solid Green color which equals Safe! There is cell phone signal available in the area, however, disconnection from devices is highly suggested. If you cannot shut off your device, please set your devices on vibrate. Please always shut your phone off at night or turn on airplane mode so that you and your neighbors are not bombarded with EMF while you sleep.
Off-the-grid utilities; limited electricity means no hair dryers, etc.
Safety
To protect the wildlife and protect your pet, we ask that you leave all pets at home. We have deer, boar, fox, snakes, etc. on property.
No propane heaters in tent sites and please check on status of county burn bans regarding ANY open flame.
Suggested Schedule
We are currently not set up for guests yet, but once we are, below is a detailed example of the typical schedule to give you a better idea of what to expect.
Typical Schedule
Arrival Day
4-6 PM Orientation
Make up bed (bedding is not provided)
6-9 PM Evening Gathering
9-11 PM Quiet Time
—–
Retreat Day
7-9 AM Quiet Time
Salute to Sun
Morning Stretching and Personal Yoga
Morning Fast
Refrain from any solid or liquid substance. Stick to water to allow the body to stay in healing mode as long as possible.
Morning Mikvah
Wash your face and hands and feet with water alone. If desired, shower in cool water. If adventurous, try immersion in the creek. Traditionally 3 washings, or dunks are done.
Refrain from unnecessary speech.
9 AM-Noon Break Fast
Green Water
Fruit Juice and/or raw fruit
Morning Bible Reading and Lesson
Work Time (Weeding, Tending Garden, Building) Yes. You will be asked to do simple chores as part of the Commune Experience.
Noon – 1PM (approximately) Mid-Day Meal
Gathering to Pray
Vegan Meal
1-6 PM Afternoon Mission
Schedule may vary and may include Work, Play, Meditation, Nature Walks, Lessons, etc.
6-9 PM Evening Gathering
After Dinner Reading and Lesson
Sound Bath Meditation
9-11 PM Quiet Time
—–
Departure Day
Quiet Time
Break Fast 9-12
Strike bed and gather belongings
Reflection Time in lieu of Work Time