OU Announces 7th Marriage Enrichment Retreat, July 13-15

09 May 2012

SEVENTH OU MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT RETREAT TO BE HELD JULY 13-15 AT HUDSON VALLEY RESORT AND SPA IN KERHONKSON, NY; AIM, AS ALWAYS, IS TO ‘MAKE YOUR GOOD MARRIAGE A GREAT MARRIAGE.’

One of the Orthodox Union’s nationally recognized programs returns this summer, as its Seventh Marriage Enrichment Retreat will be held from Friday, July 13-Sunday, July 15 at the Hudson Valley Resort & Spa in Kerhonkson, NY, with the proven objective of “making your good marriage a GREAT marriage.” The program is an initiative of the OU Department of Community Services | Jewish Community Programs.

The retreat is geared to happily married couples who are looking for a new level of marital contentment. For adults only, the weekend is free from daily distractions and routines, allowing couples to concentrate on one another and strengthen their marriage commitment.

Frank Buchweitz, OU National Director of Community Services and Special Projects, and creator of the Marriage Enrichment Weekend, stated: “The most successful marriages are ones in which both partners continually work to nurture their relationship. A fulfilling marriage allows couples to grow with each other, not apart, communicate in a positive manner, and successfully resolve differences as they arise. It should be noted that couples who serve as role models in a happy and loving marriage represent one of the best gifts that can be given to children.”

He continued, “The retreat aims to enhance the marriage relationship by focusing on the positive aspects of marriage, highlighting characteristics found in happy couples. Participants will be provided with opportunities to interact with each other through practical tips and suggestions led by a faculty of mental health professionals, including rabbis, with a specialization in marriage.”

These marriage experts include names that are familiar to people who have attended prior marriage retreats or the OU’s “Positive Jewish Marriage” programs: Alex Bailey, Ph.D.; Scott Chudnoff, M.D.; Frank Buchweitz, M.A., E.D. S.A.S.; Susan Buchweitz, LCSW; Marcy Davidovics, LCSW; Rabbi Ephraim Epstein, Ed.S; Jonthan Lasson, Psy. D.; Rachel Pill, LCSW; Phillip Rosenthal, LMHC; Lauren Roth, LSW; Rabbi Eliezer and Mrs. Sharon Zwickler, both LSW. There will also be a special presentation by Rabbi Steven Weil and Mrs. Yael Weil.

Topics will include: “Learn to Resolve Disagreements;” “Fight Fairly;” “Learn Highly Effective Communications Techniques;” “Learn How to Work as a Team: as a Couple, and as Parents;” and “Learn to Grow Together, Not Apart.”

A survey of the 84 couples of all ages who attended last year’s program produced a variety of positive evaluations, including:

• “The speakers were fantastic!”

• “The speakers gave a Torah perspective on marriage-related issues and interactions between husband and wife.”

• “A wonderfully uplifting Shabbat, and a great experience for couples of all ages.”

• “Our bond of marriage has been renewed, reinforced, and reinvigorated. A priceless gift. Thank you.”

• “Food was delicious, plentiful and beautifully served.”

• “The energy of this weekend was truly inspiring.”

• “This is really crucial for the next generation to ensure Jewish continuity. Our kids need healthy and stable homes. Thank you so much.”

The early-bird charge per couple is $650 until June 1 and $750 thereafter, space permitting. The price includes room, meals, workshops and tips for wait staff. Register online at www.oucommunity.org.

For further information, contact Hannah Farkas, Program Associate, Department of Community Services, at 212-613-8351, or {encode=”mailto:hannahf@ou.org” title=”hannahf@ou.org”}.

OU | Enhancing Jewish Life