Eshel’s annual retreat has been the programming highlight of the year ever since we hosted our first Shabbaton for LGBTQ+ Orthodox+ Jews in 2010. This year, we are so excited to be moving to a brand new location, Pearlstone Retreat Center, with more space, expanded offerings, and upgraded amenities. Whether this is your first retreat with us or if you are a returning community member, this year’s Annual Retreat promises to be the most engaging, inspiring, and transformative ever.
March 13 – 15, 2026
Pearlstone Retreat Center
Baltimore County, Maryland
While I’ve known for a while that I’m not really alone, this weekend made that reality truer than ever.
Every year, seeing people who are able, for the first time (or the only time in a year) be fully present in a Jewish space with their whole LGBTQ+ identity is so moving and I’m honored to be part of it.
I loved being in a space where I can be openly gay and frum at the same time.
- Is this retreat for me?
- What happens at the retreat?
- What does Pearlstone Retreat Center offer?
- How do I get there?
- What time does the retreat start and end?
- Is there financial aid available?
We all have our own unique Jewish journeys. This is a space for those who are committed to or seeking traditional Jewish observance and community. We welcome participants of all backgrounds, including Modern Orthodox, Yeshivish, Chassidic, Sephardi, Mizrachi, traditional, formerly Orthodox, and Ortho-curious.
Whether you are out and proud, questioning, closeted, this is the place for you. Queer or LGBTQ+ Jewish adults, their partners, and families are welcome. Children’s programming will be provided throughout many parts of the retreat.
We take confidentiality very seriously. All participants must agree and sign Eshel’s confidentiality policy. Retreat attendees may not disclose the identity of anyone else without explicit permission. Participants can only share what they hear at the retreat with an individual’s permission.
At our national retreat, we spend Shabbat getting to know each other, davening, learning, singing, shmoozing, and relaxing. On Saturday night, we let loose and have fun together! Sunday provides more opportunities to learn together, including some unique activities. Past offerings have included text studies such as “Leviticus through the Looking Glass,” “Gender Transformations in Rabbininc Literature,” as well as safrut, rainbow candle making, and “Sensuality and the Sacred in 1900 Queer Jewish Writing.”
We welcome proposals for sessions from participants. Contact info@eshelonline.org for more information.
- Beautiful indoor and outdoor gathering spaces
- Delicious, sustainable, and glatt kosher food under supervision of the OU
- Shomer Shabbat environment in beautiful surroundings
- A commitment to sustainability through energy efficiency, food justice, animal welfare, and supporting healthy ecosystems
- Conveniently located 45 minutes from Baltimore
- Learn more about the facilities
Eshel is providing a low cost bus from New York City directly to Pearlstone. Pearlstone is also conveniently located a 45-minute drive from BWI airport in Baltimore and Baltimore’s Penn Station for those traveling by train. Participants are responsible for transportation to and from the retreat.
Participants are welcome to arrive any time between 2:00 – 4:00 pm on Friday. The retreat ends at 1:30 pm on Sunday.
Our goal is to make the retreat accessible to all regardless of financial circumstances. The lowest cost option, at $300, is already offered at subsidized cost.
We are able to provide flexible payment plans to any retreat attendees – email sara@eshelonline.org to request a weekly or monthly payment plan.
If attending the LGBTQ+ Retreat would present a hardship for you, you may be eligible to receive financial aid.
The deadline to apply for financial aid is January 1. You will receive a confirmation email once your application has been received – please reach out to us if you don’t get a confirmation email. Financial aid decisions will be emailed out on a rolling basis.