Join a premier immersive experience hosted by Jewish Federations in partnership with the Modern Elder Academy (MEA) – only 24 spots available!
Sunday, January 21 – Sunday, January 28, 2024 • Baja, Mexico
Come together on the beaches of Baja with a cohort of Jewish adults (55+) to discover new perspectives and new community. This tailored all-inclusive program will focus on finding purpose, navigating midlife transition, and exploring Jewish wisdom. Your week of growth will culminate in a special Modern Elder beachside Shabbat.
The Experience
The entire MEA campus will be our classroom (the beach, farmland, desert, tropical forests, and mountains). Most of our “classroom” time is spent in an indoor-outdoor set-up in a bright, airy room, next to a courtyard full of bougainvillea with comfortable seating for breakout conversations.
We’ve designed this retreat to provide you with the time and space to invest in your own personal enrichment, learning, exploring, and connecting with your cohort. Dive into:
- MEA’s Midlife Workshops: designed to help you reframe aging, break through obstacles, tap into your deeper life purpose, and craft actionable takeaways based on a newfound mindset
- Jewish Wisdom and Chavruta: ground your individual and cohort learning in Jewish teachings and revel in a unique Shabbat experience
- Personal Meaning-Making and Mindfulness: daily mindfulness practice will help you uncover your inner and outer purpose with a fresh perspective
- Local Culture and Enjoyment: visit the nearby town, Todos Santos, book a massage, try surfing, horseback riding, or simply relax on the beach
Throughout the week participants will be guided by three expert faculty: Chip Conley, The Modern Elder Academy’s Founder and CEO; Paula Pretlow, Fortune 500 Board Member and Trustee of The Weinberg Foundation; Rabbi Deborah Newbrun, Jewish Educator and Modern Elder Academy Facilitator; Sarah Eisenman, Jewish Federations of North America’s Chief Community and Jewish Life Officer.
Location and Upscale Accommodations
MEA is located on the beach in El Pescadero, a farming and fishing village near Todos Santos on the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula. The area has become increasingly popular for Americans and Canadians who have chosen to relocate here, giving life to a growing collection of creative ex-pats in the neighborhood.
In addition to luxurious King or Queen bedrooms, this hacienda-style, beachside retreat offers pools, hot tubs, steam and massage rooms, an oceanfront yoga platform, a movement studio, a library, an organic garden, and much more.
Gourmet Dining
MEA’s Chef Tony Peralta sources fresh, organic, local ingredients to bring the best flavors of Mexico and beyond. Attendees will receive three gourmet “kosher-style” meals per day (including snacks throughout the day and fully stocked refrigerators in public spaces) as well as adult beverages (alcohol). MEA can accommodate dietary preferences and allergies, including certified kosher meals upon request.
Tuition
Tuition is $5,500 per person for private accommodations. There are a limited number of shared rooms available upon request if you know of someone applying who you would like to room with. Attendees must submit a 50% deposit upon acceptance, with the remaining balance due by October 1, 2023. Additional fees include service/gratuity payment of $100 + 7% lodging tax.
Airfare to and from Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) is not included. Tuition includes curriculum, airport transfers, accommodation, meals, yoga, meditation, off-campus explorations, and other festivities. Other guest services, including massage, reiki, surf lessons, and more will require separate direct payment to local partners.
Don’t Miss this Unparalleled Experience
Jewish Federations is excited to accept up to 24 individuals for this inaugural MEA cohort. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come basis. Given the limited participant count and thoughtful consideration of the cohort composition, we encourage you to apply ASAP.
Jewish Federations and MEA believe that our 50s and beyond are rich with potential. This workshop is a Jewish Federations Community and Jewish Life initiative designed to build communities of inspired and empowered Jewish midlifers.