Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Institute?
Pearlstone Retreat Center is located about 30 miles outside of Baltimore. Most people traveling by air fly into Thurgood Marshall (formerly BWI) airport. If you’re traveling by train you’ll want to use Amtrak’s Penn Station in Baltimore. Parking at Pearlstone is free.
We're looking for a volunteer who can be a point person for ride shares and carpools. Please email us if you're interested.
Will there be Kids’ Camp this year?
Yes! NHC is an intergenerational community. NHC Kids Camp is a thriving and central part of our gathering. Kid’s Camp at this year’s institute will provide a place for children to have fun and build relationships with each other and the rest of the NHC community.
Kids’ Camp will take place during class and workshop times as well as for part of Shabbat. As we get closer to Institute, our Kids’ Camp director will reach out with more details plus an invitation to a Zoom orientation in early July.
What is the food like?
All food is kosher and dairy or pareve with vegetarian and vegan options. Most meals are fully vegetarian but fish may be served on Shabbat.
May I bring my own food? What about wine for Shabbat?
Yes; you may bring your own food. Food consumed outside of the main building does not need to be kosher. The Orchard building has a shared microwave and refrigerator in the communal lounge. Rooms in the Raingarden building have individual mini fridges.
Wine for Friday night dinner is BYOB. If you're planning to eat in the dining room, wine must be kosher meshuval and will need to be checked in by Pearlstone’s mashgiach several hours before dinner.
How accessible is the campus?
The dining hall plus all of the classrooms and accommodations are accessible by ramps and elevators. There are a number of guest rooms with fully ADA compliant bathrooms available in each building we’ll be using for housing.
How do you support accessibility?
Accessibility of all kinds is a central value of NHC and we strive to make our Summer Institute a smooth experience for all. Our community includes many long-time attendees and newcomers with disabilities of various types, as well as people who do not identify as having disabilities but may have specific requests for how to make the week easier for them. Most of our community-wide programs will be live captioned. We try to match people who need assistance with buddies who will take notes in classes or help with carrying things or getting around campus. Please share any accessibility needs when you register, and please contact us if you have additional questions.
What are the policies attendees need to follow?
We are not requiring masks indoors this year, but you will need to be vaccinated and self-test ofr Covid.Please read the full Covid Policies (above) as well as the Community Safety Policy.
Is there an eruv? How are buildings locked on Shabbat?
Yes, the main building and our housing is all within an eruv. The front doors of buildings are never locked. Individual guest rooms are locked with a metal key.
What else is there to do at Pearlstone?
The beautiful campus has 180 acres of lush forest, rolling hills, wild meadows, and organic farmland. You can swim in one of the outdoor pools, stroll around the lake, or play on one of the ballfields. Indoors, there’s a fitness center, ping pong tables and board games. See photos here.
What else is planned? What’s the schedule like?
At Institute, much of what happens is created by the community. Please think about what you’d like to see this year and get in touch with us if you can help make it happen!
What is the weather usually like? What should I pack?
All of the guest rooms are equipped with linens and towels. In July & August high temperatures are usually in the upper 80s and lows are in the mid 60s. You’ll want to bring sturdy shoes, sunscreen, a sun hat, toiletries and medications, and a rain jacket or umbrella in case of thunderstorms.
Can I come just for Shabbat or commute from home?
Yes! This year, we are bringing back Shabbat-only and commuter options. There are limited slots available so please sign up early.
Are there work study jobs available?
Yes! We're looking for people to work as counselors and to help out with office and event tasks. If you're interested in a work study position, please do not register yet. Apply first and wait to hear back. Click here for information.
Can young adults attend for a reduced fee?
Yes! The Zeitler Fellowship is a diverse cohort of young adults who are exploring their roles as participants and emerging leaders in their Jewish communities, and who are new to the NHC community. Zeitler Fellows will pay just $60 for dues.
If you're interested in being a Zeitler Fellow, please do NOT register yet. Apply first and wait to hear back. The Zeitler Fellowship is generously funded by Frances Turim Zeitler. Click here for more information.
Is there additional financial assistance available?
Yes. The Grants team members are committed to discretion, and to meeting the needs of community members. Awards are limited by NHC’s annual budget. If you're applying for a grant, please do NOT register yet. Apply for a grant first and then wait to hear back. You can apply for a grant here.
How do I pay?
You'll pay by credit card on this site. We're unable to accept checks. We need to pay the venue in advance so we're unable to issue refunds this year. We suggest that you purchase your own travel insurance.
What if my question isn’t answered here?
Click on the links at the top of this page for our covid policies, information on prices and housing, the list of classes. If it’s a question about the facilities at Pearlstone, please first see the Pearlstone website .Otherwise, please contact the core team with programmatic questions and the office for everything else.