Aryeh is the sound (the transliteration) of the Hebrew word  אריה, which means “lion.” In the first book of the Bible, Jacob blesses his son Judah and equates him to a lion (Gen. 49:9-10); in the last book, the Lion of Judah is worthy to open the scroll (Rev. 5:5). The lion imagery bridges across the two testaments of the Bible. At Aryeh, we feel the presence of God in the fullness of scripture, and thus the name represents our love of that wholeness.

We believe in a balance of community flourishing and quiet solitude. You’ll be invited to take meals and attend worship services with other guests, but you will have freedom to explore your faith in solitary reflection. 

We will provide individual cottages for spiritual retreat, and we will offer teachings on contemplative prayer techniques. We will have a chapel for worship services and a community commons area for meals and classes.  Wi-fi will be limited to the commons area; it will not be extended to the “Insula” (where the cottages will be located). You’ll find a concept idea for the property here.

Rates will be assessed at a later time. We are prayerfully considering the costs associated with hosting guests.

Den founded Aryeh. She completed her Doctor of Ministry degree in 2024 and retired from teaching college courses in theology. She now works onsite with Aryeh full-time as our director and content writer. In addition to authoring our contemplative daily social media posts, she is currently writing a book about the influence of the Holy Spirit in community relationships. One of her articles about contemplative prayer in community devotion is published (it can be read here).

Individual appointments for spiritual direction are currently offered. Until the hermitage has a permanent home, appointments are scheduled at Aryeh’s office location (or at another comfortable location of the directee’s choosing). Weather permitting, appointments also include time for reflection in our small prayer garden. The suggested donation for spiritual direction is $50-$100 per hour and can be made through this site.

YES!
*Prayers for God’s presence at the hermitage are a blessing to us.
*We humbly accept donations; Aryeh is a not-for-profit organization.
*There will be future opportunities for those who feel led to volunteer.