An intimate winter gathering of rabbis, cantors, educators, and executive directors — four days of serious Jewish learning, real friendship, and time on one of the world's great mountains.
Not a convention. Not continuing education you endure. ONEG is a small hevreh that has studied, skied, and grown together for more than twenty-five years.
The conversation that starts in a morning text session keeps going — on the chairlift, by the fire, around the dinner table. You arrive as a colleague and leave with friends. It's deep learning, real relationships, and spiritual renewal, set against the Rocky Mountains.
Two study sessions a day, led by members of our own hevreh — real texts, current questions in Jewish life, and discussion that pushes past the comfort zone.
Collegiality you can't schedule. The trust here turns into mentorship, collaboration, and friendships that span careers — and generations.
Ski or board world-class terrain, snowshoe the valley, read by the fire, or wander Vail Village. Your days are yours to shape.
A retreat for the soul, not the résumé. Space to breathe, sing, pray, and remember why you do this work in the first place.
A daily rhythm built for both intellectual engagement and genuine rest — you decide how much of each.
The downstairs dining room opens for a full breakfast buffet before the day begins. No one eats alone.
The morning learning session — and it starts promptly.
Meet at Golden Peak Base. No one rides alone — beginners to experts. Lunch sorts itself out up top.
Wander back in for snacks and libations — and the day's best stories.
The afternoon session. Two study sessions every full day.
A short evening service led by the hevreh lifts us higher — then we eat. Snow outside, warmth inside.
ONEG began among rabbis. Today the circle is widening — cantors, educators, executive directors, and rising leaders early and mid-career. We're intentional about bringing in more voices and more kinds of people, because a richer chevra makes for richer learning.
Intimate by design — not invite-only. The group stays small so the relationships stay real. Newcomers are welcomed, not vetted. If this sounds like your people, it probably is.
"How often do you talk about God on a chairlift?"
Two study sessions a day, taught by members of the group — not an outside keynote circuit. The range is wide and the conversation is real: text and ethics, music, literature, ecology, even AI. You'll leave with sources you can teach at home.
"I especially appreciate when our sessions push us outside our comfort zones." — Rabbi Steven E. Kaye
Other recent leaders include Rabbi Steve Kaye, Rabbi Elyse Frishman, Rabbi Rex Perlmeter, Rabbi David Holtz, Rabbi Richard Agler, Rabbi Daniel Gropper, Rabbi Arnold Gluck, Rabbi Jason Nevarez, Rabbi Debra Rappaport, Rabbi Brian Immerman, and Rabbi Josh Franklin.
Each day closes with a short worship service led by a member of the hevreh — a half hour to lift us higher in gratitude for one another and the gifts of our lives.
The kallah ends with a closing banquet, music around the fire, and a l'chaim — the warm last night that sends everyone home connected.
Two beloved prizes close the week: the Julie Spitzer Memorial Award, for someone who embodies Julie's z"l values, and the No Guts, No Glory Award for the most memorable run-in with the mountain — a witness required, photos encouraged.
"I've cherished over twenty-five years of intergenerational friendships through the wisdom, the spark, and the very joy of being at these gatherings."
"As an executive director, my ability to take time for myself and devote it to study and recreation is very limited. ONEG is the one time of year that I can devote my energy to study, and to learning from the brilliant minds around me. It renews my energy for another year dedicated to Judaism and the demands my job requires."
"ONEG was a blast — from the warm mutual welcoming, through fascinating learning from colleagues, through making sure no one skis alone. It was a great experience. I put next year's dates on my calendar before I left Vail."
"ONEG is not only for downhill experiences. If you enjoy high-quality, stimulating learning, don't let the mountain stand in your way. An easy bus ride from Manor Vail brings you to the Nordic Center, where cross-country equipment is available to rent and you can take a lesson with experienced teachers. You can also rent snowshoes for a lovely hike on the groomed trails. At the end of your chosen activity there's an all-you-can-eat soup bar with different options each day — and you don't have to ski or hike to enjoy the soup!"
"ONEG is a sacred commitment each year. Spaciousness, serenity, thoughtful study and conversation, and fun with friends — hiking, snowshoeing, and relaxing in an exquisite setting."
"We've brought our kids from infancy through young adulthood; their friendships with colleagues' kids are like camp ones — lifelong."
"Rabbis come away not only enriched by Torah, but with stronger and deeper relationships with colleagues. Come and enjoy!"
January 2027
Manor Vail Lodge · Vail, Colorado. Four days, Sunday through Wednesday, ending with a closing banquet — plan return travel for the morning after.
Manor Vail Lodge — ski-on / ski-off and walkable to the Village. Sharing a condo is the easiest way to keep it affordable:
*Per night, including resort fee. Reserved through ONEG by check (payable to "ONEG," arranged with Steve Kaye) — not via direct or third-party booking.
$450 / adult
$300 per child 12 & under. By check only, due November 1, 2026. Includes:
Once in Vail, free public shuttles get you everywhere. No car needed on site.
Purchased separately through Epic Pass. Rates rise as the season nears, so buy early.
ONEG is locked into a group contract and can't offer hotel or registration refunds — please consider trip-cancellation coverage.
Contact Bari Ziegel, Tara World Travel: bziegel@aol.com · 516-816-1082.
ONEG 2027 is intentionally small. Reserve your place early — and if a colleague belongs here, bring them.
Fill this out and we'll follow up to finalize lodging and payment. The group is small by design, so early commitment helps.