Join a premier immersive experience hosted by Jewish Federations in partnership with the Modern Elder Academy (MEA)
Sunday, September 7 – Thursday, September 11, 2025 • Santa Fe, New Mexico
Come together at Rising Circle Ranch, an upscale regenerative ranch in Santa Fe, 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.
The Experience
The entire MEA Rising Circle Ranch campus will be our classroom, surrounded by endless skies, breathtaking nature, horses, magical sunsets, and the luxury of deep quiet. Most of our “classroom” time is spent in an indoor-outdoor set-up in a bright, airy room, 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
- 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: book a massage, try horseback riding, or simply relax
Throughout the week participants will be guided by four expert faculty: Rabbi Deborah Newbrun, MEA Faculty and Jewish Educator; Sue Izzo, MEA Experience Guide & MEA Head of Facilitation; Sophie Hearne, Senior Director of Partnerships & Strategic Initiatives, Community and Jewish Life, JFNA; and Elan Kramer, Senior Director and Acting Head, Community and Jewish Life, JFNA.
Location and Upscale Accommodations
MEA's Rising Circle Ranch is located in the New Mexico high desert. The regenerative horse ranch features traditional Pueblo architecture and spans nearly 2,600 acres of wildlife, hiking trails, winding arroyos, ancient petroglyphs, and awe-inspiring beauty.
In addition to luxurious King or Queen bedrooms, Rising Circle Ranch offers 13 hiking trails, equine adventures, yoga, meditation, a library, and much more.
Gourmet Dining
MEA’s Chef Krista sources fresh, organic, local ingredients to create dishes that bring out the flavors of New Mexico, renowned for its unique blend of Native American, Spanish, and Mexican influences, resulting in dishes that feature bold flavors and a rich cultural tapestry. 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 upon request.
Tuition
Tuition is $3,250 per person for private accommodations.
Airfare to and from Albuquerque Airport (ABQ) is not included. Tuition includes curriculum, airport transfers from Albuquerque Airport, accommodations, meals, yoga, meditation, off-campus explorations, and other festivities. Other guest services, including massages, will require separate direct payment to local partners.
Don’t Miss this Unparalleled Experience
Jewish Federations is excited to accept up to 20 individuals for this 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.
Contact Sophie Hearne at Sophie.Hearne@JewishFederations.org with questions.