Westminster Woods, Occidental, CA
May 15-17, 2026
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
by David Gill
This biennial event is our premier community-building activity. For 2026, we’ll be returning to Westminster Woods, the site of our 2022 Retreat. Westminster is a beautiful setting among coastal redwoods in Sonoma County. Over three days and two nights, we’ll celebrate Shabbat together and engage in a wide variety of activities, social events, and learnings for all ages and families. It’s a wonderful chance to connect with old friends and make new ones.
Activities at Westminster Woods include:
Youth Programming for all ages
Outside davening
Saturday afternoon pool party
Congregant-led specialty sessions
Hiking (plenty of trails!)
Activities on large playground and sports field
Havdalah Campfire and Singing
Relaxation
We’re also excited to make available an optional 2½-hour Ropes Course, conducted by trained facilitators from Westminster Woods. The course is available for an additional fee and is tailored to all ages and abilities.
Do you have an idea for a session you’d like to organize or lead? The 2026 Retreat Committee would love to hear from you. This will be a truly community-led event and we need your ideas and your participation. Last retreat’s “Limmud style” format worked beautifully, and we’re excited to continue learning from different members of our community.
So please contact the Retreat Committee about any special skills you would like to share or proposals for sessions you would like to lead. 2026 Retreat Committee members are Rabbi Allan Berkowitz, Mindy Berkowitz, Emily Dirksen, David Gill, Nehama Rogozen-Feur, and Arla Samuels. They are hard at work and want to hear from you! Email the committee at retreat@netivotshalom.org.
For more about Westminster Woods, the accommodations, and complete information about the Retreat, please visit 2026 Retreat on the CNS website.
And to register, please go to 2026 Retreat Registration. Please be sure to register before May 1 to take advantage of the early-bird rates!