Black Soil Rising Farm · Southern Maryland

Radical Rest
& Renewal

Unplug to Truly Connect: Reground in a Sanctuary of Stillness in a Noisy World

Explore the Retreat
Full moon rising over Black Soil Rising Farm at dusk

The Invitation

A Sacred Pause in
a Fragmented World

In a world where we are constantly bombarded with images about the climate crisis, social unraveling, injustice, and oppression, it's easy to become paralyzed by hopelessness.

Rather than retreating into numbness or avoidance, we need an emotional and cognitive reset that reconnects us to our sense of purpose.

This retreat isn't about escaping reality — it's about learning how to stay grounded and resilient within it.

Imagine a sacred pause: a sanctuary in time that restores our hope and determination, preparing us for the essential work of healing, repair, and imagining possibilities.

What You Will Experience

Shabbat as Liberation

We create a gentle container drawing on the ancient spiritual technology of Shabbat — a way back into right relationship with ourselves, one another, and creation.

📵

Complete Digital Detox

A full technology fast — exploring presence beyond productivity

🌿

Nature Connection

Guided mindful wandering, farm immersion, walks along the Wicomico River

🕯️

Shabbat Practice

Ancient wisdom made alive — rest, candlelight, song, and sacred time

🤝

Deep Community

Reflection, learning, and genuine human connection in an intimate group

🎨

Joyful Play

Swimming, biking, art, games, journaling — plentiful space for delight

🌱

Renewed Purpose

Restored hope, stewardship, and agency — wisdom you can bring home

Fields at Black Soil Rising Farm under a dramatic sky 14 acres · Southern Charles County, Maryland · 90 minutes from DC

Why Shabbat Matters Now

Rest Is Not
Retreat

Our contemporary lives are marked by constant digital interruption, chronic stress, disconnection from natural rhythms, and burnout that often becomes spiritual collapse. Yet our origins are of the earth.

Shabbat offers a simple, counterintuitive answer: radical rest, and engagement with nature as a way back into right relationship — with ourselves, one another, and creation.

It is not about restriction, but about cultivating a different quality of time and presence. Through learnings and discussions on rest, nature, and our relationship with technology, you will draw on traditional wisdom to carry home.

"Are you ready to pause, breathe, and reconnect?"
Black Soil Rising Farm farmhouse in autumn

Retreat Details

Everything You
Need to Know

Duration

Friday afternoon through
Sunday at noon

Location

Black Soil Rising Farm
Southern Charles County, MD
90 mins from DC

Setting

125-year-old solar-powered
farmhouse on 14 acres beside
the Wicomico River

Accommodations

5-bedroom farmhouse
Shared bathrooms
7–10 participants

Food

All delicious home-cooked
meals included

What to Bring

Comfortable clothing
A journal
An open heart

Voices from the Retreat

What Participants
Are Saying

Watch

Hear directly from our participants

Video testimonial coming soon

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I loved the Radical Rest and Renewal Retreat. It was the weekend I needed in my life to untether from my phone and better understand my relationship to my devices. This retreat helped me connect with the ancient wisdom of Shabbat, and what it means to unplug, rest, reflect, connect, play, laugh, and be in community with others in a beautiful environment. I'm amazed at what is possible in 45 hours. Humanity needs retreats like this.

The Radical Rest and Renewal Retreat was balm for my soul. Wonderful balance of solo time for contemplation and forging new connections. All in the most serene and relaxed setting.

Your Guides

Meet the
Facilitators

Devora and Jason Kimelman-Block at the Wicomico River

Devora & Jason Kimelman-Block

Stewards of Black Soil Rising Farm · Community Builders · Retreat Facilitators

Devora is a sustainable food and agriculture activist and founder of KOL Foods, the only US provider of kosher grass-fed meat, lamb, and poultry. A passionate advocate for food systems change, she works on agriculture pollution policy for the Potomac Riverkeepers Network.

Jason is a Rabbi and leader in progressive Jewish activism, having served nearly 14 years as the Washington Director of Bend the Arc Jewish Action. He is a student of musar practice and holds a Certificate in Mindfulness Practices.

Together, the Kimelman-Blocks are stewards of Black Soil Rising Farm and founding members of a LEED-certified green-designed cohousing community in downtown Silver Spring, MD, where they raised their four children.

Moonrise over Black Soil Rising Farm fields at dusk
Our Home

Black Soil Rising Farm

14 acres in southern Charles County, MD, across from the Wicomico River. Grounded in the belief that human healing and growth happen alongside the regeneration of the land — our name reflects our dedication to building healthy, carbon-rich soil through sustainable agricultural practices that support ecological and human resilience.

Reserve Your Place

Choose a Date &
Register

Retreats are intimate by design — 7 to 10 participants. Select an upcoming retreat, choose your accommodation, and secure your place with a deposit.

Summer

July 31 – Aug 2

Friday afternoon – Sunday noon

1 ensuite bedroom 4 shared-bath bedrooms 2 glamping tents

Fall

October 9–11

Friday afternoon – Sunday noon

1 ensuite bedroom 4 shared-bath bedrooms 2 glamping tents

Fall

Oct 30 – Nov 1

Friday afternoon – Sunday noon

1 ensuite bedroom 4 shared-bath bedrooms 2 glamping tents

Registration

Open to all, regardless of background or belief.

Accommodation (1–2 people per booking)

Total guests selected 0 guests

Each booking accommodates 1 or 2 people sharing the same room or tent. Pricing will be confirmed by email after registration.

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A $150 deposit per person secures your spot and is applied toward the full retreat cost. You will be redirected to a secure Stripe checkout. The remaining balance is due two weeks before your retreat date.

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Questions?

We'd Love to
Hear from You

Reach out any time — we're happy to answer questions before you register.

Send a Message