The Jewish Experience’s Third Annual Spiritual Spa was an event that will provide inspiration for a long time to come. Held on June 26 at the Oxford Hotel and Spa in Lodo, the Spiritual Spa offered women a chance to relax and indulge themselves in Jewish lore and spirituality while connecting with other Jewish women.  In addition, this year’s Spiritual Spa offered the added dimension of actual spa treatments. Participants received discounts on all Oxford spa facilities and many took advantage of the opportunity to take the day as a retreat for themselves, refreshing their bodies as well as their souls.

One hundred women came to the Spiritual Spa from across Denver and beyond. We even had a contingent from Greeley! Over a quarter of those who came were attending a Jewish Experience event for the first time. They were happy to have “discovered” The Jewish Experience and enthusiastic about what it has to offer. Most expressed interest in becoming more involved. Even some of those who had came to previous Jewish Experience events were surprised by the broad spectrum of participants that we serve. The Spiritual Spa was an opportunity for more women to find out about and experience the warmth, openness and Jewish connections offered by The Jewish Experience.

The day opened with two sessions for early birds: Creative Simcha Planning presented by Jennah Montag and Centering and Prayer presented by Aliza Bulow. The conference then began in earnest with a continental breakfast and a Keynote lecture by noted author and educator Chana Weisberg who flew in from Toronto for the occasion. Two sets of workshop sessions then followed with topics such as Choreography of Shabbat, Effective Communication, Learning How to Learn, Kindling the Light of Shabbat, Talking to Young Children About G-d, Spiritual Expression Through Watercolor, and Integrating Spirituality into Everyday Life. Sessions were taught by the “For Women by Women” team of The Jewish Experience including Aliza Bulow, Ita Leban, Rachel Mishory, Aviva Polter, Sarah Aliza Sheinberg, Chava Stern and Hadassah Wasserman. A gourmet lunch followed with closing words of inspiration by Chana Weisberg. Many enjoyed spa treatments after that, with still others remaining to schmooze with the teaching team and contemplate the ideas of the day.

Enthusiasm and offers of volunteer help have already put all systems into gear for next year’s Spiritual Spa to be held close to Purim.