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Miracles surround us every day, but we often don’t notice them. The theme of our weekend retreat is Nisim b’Chol Yom, or “Everyday Miracles.” Through prayer, text, song, and community, surrounded by the beauty of Northern Michigan, we will explore the daily miracles we encounter within and around us.
Accommodations
All cabin rooms accommodate 2 people. Single occupancy is available in all lodges at an increased cost. In the traditional lodges, there are 2 community-style bathrooms. For the Straits Lodge, there is a bathroom for every 2 rooms. Each lodge has a central lounge area in which you can make coffee/tea, store snacks, etc.
All lodges are a short distance from the main meeting building, and the walkways are paved for accessibility.
The RAM Center has access to mobility devices for the cabins and trails.
The Straits Lodge has limited capacity and is filling quickly. It is also the most ADA-accessible lodging option. Assignments will be prioritized based on accessibility needs and registration submissions. Requesting this lodge does not guarantee placement.
For any questions or inquiries about the event please email: TBEretreat@templebethemeth.org
Supported Cost and Sponsorship
We want to assure all who wish to attend this retreat that we will work with you on the registration fee. We have provided a “supported cost” category for registering that significantly reduces the cost of the retreat. The TBE Music and Spirituality Endowment in honor of Cantor Emerita Annie Rose will be used to help support the registration fee. If you need additional financial support, please do not hesitate to contact Rabbi Whinston, rabbiwhinston@templebethemeth.org.
Consider supporting this retreat by becoming a sponsor. Sponsorships help support conference fees and programming costs. Your generosity will help ensure that we all can have a meaningful and joyous event. At the end of the registration form is a Sponsorship Opportunity section, where you can help us support a congregant or program.
Special Guest: Dan Nichols

Dan Nichols, a classically trained vocalist and graduate of the University of North Carolina, is a leading figure in contemporary Jewish music. A product of the URJ Jewish camping movement, he founded the Jewish rock band Eighteen in 1995 to connect Jewish youth through music. Since then, Dan has released 13 albums featuring songs that have become anthems in Jewish communities across North America. For over 25 years, he has toured extensively—often serving as artist-in-residence—while teaching and performing at camps, congregations, and major Jewish conferences. His initiatives include co-founding Shulhouse Rock for teen songleaders and creating the Road to Eden Sukkot tour, documented in a feature film. Dan’s influence spans live performances in Israel, national conventions, and groundbreaking media projects, making him one of the most impactful voices in modern Jewish music. Learn more at his website: https://www.dannicholsmusic.com/
Artist-in-Residence: Elena Weissman
Elena Weissman is a self-taught multidisciplinary artist fueled by the joy of discovery. Working across a spectrum of media—including photography, ceramics, glass, fibers, and painting—she prioritizes the creative process over the final product, finding deep meaning in the exploration of color, texture, form, and ideas, and pure joy in the act of creating. A dynamic teacher and retreat leader for nearly 30 years, Elena brings this spirit of experimentation to community-based work, most notably the TBE ceramic tile installation and the Genesis painted heart project. For her, art isn't just an object; it’s a living, breathing experience.
Tentative Schedule
Friday, June 19
- 9:00 – 10:00 AM — Depart Ann Arbor (on your own or via carpool)
- 12:00 – 1:00 PM — Arrive at Ralph A. MacMullan (RAM) Conference Center, North Higgins Lake Park, Roscommon, MI
- 1:15 – 2:00 PM — Settle into cabins & tour the grounds
- 2:00 – 4:00 PM — Program Block A
- 4:00 – 5:00 PM — Break
- 5:00 – 5:45 PM — Shabbat Dinner
- 6:00 – 7:45 PM — Erev Shabbat Service
- 8:00 PM — “Kumsitz” (Sing-along & Campfire)
Saturday, June 20
- 7:30 AM — Boker Tov: Early morning hike or yoga
- 8:30 – 9:15 AM — Breakfast
- 9:15 – 10:00 AM — Torah Study
- 10:00 – 11:45 AM — Shabbat Morning Service
- 12:00 – 12:45 PM — Lunch
- 1:15 – 3:15 PM — Program Block B
- 3:30 – 5:30 PM — Break (optional activities: beach, kayaking, hiking, contemplative activities)
- 5:30 – 6:15 PM — Dinner
- 6:30 – 8:00 PM — Program Block C
- 8:00 – 8:30 PM — Havdallah
- 8:30 – 10:00 PM — Dan Nichols in Concert!
- 10:00 PM — Bonfire at the beach

