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A Tapestry of Jewish Thoughts

Wildacres

Little Switzerland, NC

WILDACRES RETREAT:

A CONFERENCE CENTER DEDICATED TO THE BETTERMENT OF HUMAN RELATIONS, OUR FACILITIES ARE USED BY EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL GROUPS SUCH AS MUSIC, ART, MINERAL AND LAPIDARY CLASSES, AND RELIGIOUS, INTERFAITH, CIVIC AND SCIENCE SEMINARS.

ELEVATION 3300 FT.

What Is the B'nai B'rith Institute of Judaism?

The B'nai B'rith Institute of Judaism in North Carolina provides an opportunity to confront, explore and clarify questions about Judaism and Jewish life, in an individual, national and global context.  The participant experiences "Living Judaism" - a unique opportunity for a truly American-Jewish experience in a fellowship setting.

Attendees can participate in a variety of additional activities:  religious services, visits to regional folk centers, enjoying the breathtaking beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, athletic pursuits such as hiking and tennis, or just relaxing.

Curriculum

There are four lectures daily, with exercises and movies in the afternoons and evenings.  Entertainment is in the evening.  Early and mid-afternoons are also for informal patio discussions with the speakers, optional recreational activities, and "schmoozing".

Kosher Meals, Rooms and

Reservations (In Person only)

Lodging at Wildacres is normally limited, ensuring a group small enough for pleasant socializing and full participation, and may be further restricted this year for health reasons.  Rates include tuition, room, and all meals, which are kosher and served family style.  Reservations are accepted, and rooms assigned, in the order received.  Rooms have two beds and private bathrooms.  Towels and linens are supplied.  Sport clothing is customary.  Bring a sweater, evenings can be cool.  Please indicate any special challenges (e.g. dietary, inability to climb stairs, transportation needs, etc) on the registration form.  Golf-cart transportation is available to and from the dining hall and the auditorium.

Early Registration Discount

We offer a $10 per person discount for early registration.  In order for the discount to be applied, we must receive your check or payment by June 30, 2023

Needs Based Scholarships

To apply, recommend someone, or obtain more information, please contact Karen Shectman at (785) 554-8078.

Geographical and age-based restrictions may apply, depending on the particular scholarship fund.  Please contact Karen for more information.

What is Wildacres?

Wildacres Retreat, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina near Little Switzerland, is sponsored and operated by the Blumenthal Foundation of Charlotte, NC, and dedicated to the betterment of human understanding

A Note on this Year's Institute:

As of the time of this posting, we expect Wildacres to be open with potential gathering restrictions.  If so, we will offer a hybrid institute, with some guests and speakers participating in person and others online.  The 5 day Institute will offer the following experiences:

In-Person :     $415

  • All lectures

  • All patio discussions with speakers

  • Exercise sessions

In Addition:

  • Room and accommodations

  • All Meals

  • Wine and cheese party

  • Optional recreational activities

Online:            $175

  • All lectures

  • All patio discussions with speakers

  • Exercise sessions

In Addition:

  • Free "lunch and chat" for virtual participants

  • Breakout discussion groups 

There is a $10 discount per person for registrations made before June 30, 2023

 

The Institute begins Thursday, August 10, 2023 and ends Monday, August 14.  In person participants depart after breakfast August 13, 2023 with programs continuing online Sunday afternoon Aug. 13  and Monday, Aug. 14.  Registrants can cancel any time for any health concern and get a full refund up to the start date.   In person registrants can convert to online and receive a refund of the difference between the registration fees.  If space is available, online registrants may upgrade to in person for the Wildacres lodging/food cost. 

In-Person guests:  Please be sure to bring proof of vaccination

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