Very inspiring to me to see the younger generation of rabbis and yeshiva students and their work promoting LGBTQ acceptance and integration in the Orthodox communities.
The Largest Annual LGBTQ+ Orthodox Gathering
Eshel hosted its first Shabbaton for LGBTQ+ Orthodox+ Jews in 2010. Since then, our annual retreat has been the highlight of the year.
Who is the Retreat for?
The LGBTQ+ retreat is for anyone who identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning – whether you are out and proud, completely closeted, or anywhere in between. Our focus is on the Orthodox experience, including anyone who grew up Orthodox, considers themselves frum, traditional, Modern Orthodox, Yeshivish, Chasidic, Sephardi, or is exploring Orthodoxy. This retreat is for anyone who wants a shomer Shabbos experience with other queer Jews. Partners and children are welcome. Children’s programming is available throughout the retreat.
What happens at the retreat?
Gather with other members of the Eshel community for a weekend of connection and community. We celebrate Shabbat together, learn, sing, and shmooze. On Saturday night, we like to have fun! The retreat offers experiential workshops, chaburah groups for sharing and support, and ample opportunities to meet new friends. Sunday provides more opportunities to learn together, including some unique activities.
What does Pearlstone Retreat Center offer?
- 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
How do I get there?
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.
Is there financial aid available?
Our goal is to make the retreat accessible to all, regardless of financial circumstances. Our cheapest housing option is offered at a subsidized rate, and payment plans are available to all participants upon request.
If you need additional assistance to attend the retreat, we offer financial aid to participants based on demonstrated need. You can apply for financial aid until November 30. Aid will be awarded on a rolling basis.
Past Favorites
- Keynote Panel: Our keynote panel features incredible stories from community members of diverse backgrounds
- Divrei torah and educational sessions
- Melaveh Malkah Saturday night party
- Closing Circle to share takeaways, bringing closure to the weekend and excitement about what’s next
The Details
Save the Date
When: 2/12/2027 – 2/14/2027
Where: Reisterstown, MD
What People are Saying
I experienced so much joy seeing how many people, who nearly always must conceal themselves when amongst people, were actually feeling OK – GREAT about themselves in a frum social environment!
I really enjoyed the diversity of LGBTQ+ folks and the diversity of Jewish religious practice as well as the sessions, prayer, food, and, especially, meeting folks and sharing stories.
The diversity really amazed me – the intergenerationality, chasidish, yeshivish, modern, and liberal people davening together (where else does that ever occur??). Most of all I felt totally comfortable and didn’t need to hide any parts of myself.
The sheer number of people was so validating. I met people who live near me who I didn’t know live near me. Meeting families was one of the biggest things for me. I met people who live all over. I even met people who I’d read about on the internet years ago who were these figures of inspiration to me.
I feel much more connected to the LGBT community as a whole, not just people who share my identities, after being in this space. This space gives me hope for my future and the future of LGBT Jews in Orthodoxy.
Eshel is like coming home, only better. Meeting new and old friends in a nature setting with interesting programming is something I look forward to all year long.
I felt so renewed. I learned that I can be myself, be confident, and that many people have similar experiences…I now have a focus on what I can do to help better the world and how I can deal with the day to day in my own journey. This is something I know I need and I plan on coming back more and more.
*Name changed to preserve confidentiality