Jump into harmony and deep musical meditation to discover how ancient prayers become vibrant songs...

Join Rising Song founder and musician Joey Weisenberg for three days of Jewish spiritual music making in Chicago that will transform the way you listen and sing.

Whether you're a prayer leader, a musician, or just someone who loves music, gather with Joey in Boston to explore the deep wellspring of Jewish melody, feel the transformative power of communal song, and discover pathways into music as a spiritual practice.

Learn More About the Retreat

Schedule Overview

Sunday, May 31: 2:00-5:30
Monday, June 1: 9:30-12:30, 2:00-5:30
Tuesday, June 2: 9:30-12:30, 2:00-5:30

Sunday, May 31

2:00- 4:00 - Singing Gathering
4:15-5:30 - Teaching Session #1

Monday, June 1

9:30-11:00 - Singing Gathering
11:15- 12:30 - Teaching Session #2
12:30-2:00 - Lunch Break (BYOLunch)
2:00-3:30 - Singing Session
3:50- 5:15 - Teaching Session #3
5:15-5:30 - Singing

Tuesday, June 2

9:30-11:00 - Singing Gathering
11:15- 12:30 - Teaching Session #4
12:30-2:00 - Lunch Break (BYOLunch)
2:00-3:15 - Singing Session
3:30- 4:30 - Teaching Session #5
4:45-5:30 - Singing Finale!

First and foremost, we will be singing together for many hours, creating beautiful melodies and collective harmonies.

This retreat is also an all-levels space for bringing your queries and curiosities about Jewish music — from the practical to mystical sides of making music and building singing communities to the song-filled dreamscapes of the Jewish sages and more. Sessions will be interactive and include time for Q&A, so come ready with your questions!

In the teaching sessions, we will be covering the following topics and more::

The Art of the Nigun
The Torah of Music
Beautiful Jewish Scales and Ear Training
How to Facilitate a Song Circle
From Psalm to Song: Uncovering the Hidden Melodies of Our Texts
Kli Zemer: Instruments as Vessels of Song

The early bird registration fee is $475 and ends on March 22. The regular registration fee for this program is $500.

Subscribers to Joey's Song Is Prayer community receive a 10% discount on the registration fee. Enter CHICAGOSUBSCRIBER at checkout.

Scholarships are available - If the fee poses an obstacle to participation, please reach out to us at [email protected]. Alternately, if you'd like to sponsor some scholarship participants, please reach out as well.

We will provide coffee and tea, but food will not be provided. We will provide a list of great lunch restaurants in the area or you are invited to bring your own lunch (Kosher DAIRY) which can be eaten in the beautiful tent next to the lake!

Meet Joey Weisenberg

Joey Weisenberg, founder of Hadar’s Rising Song Institute, is a musician, teacher, and spiritual guide who has dedicated his life to Jewish song and prayer.

Through decades of teaching, performing, and creating, he helps students connect with music in a deeply meaningful way.

Whether you’re learning to lead prayers, exploring new melodies, or discovering the spiritual power of song, Joey inspires every step of the journey.

“I’m so excited to visit Chicago and sing with you all! We’ll have lots of time to make really inspirational music together, so come immerse in a musical mikvah, and join me to study techniques of Jewish spiritual music making. Can’t wait!”