Chestnut Retreat Center

Worship, dialogue, education, and community service in the Poconos. A welcoming space for reflection and connection.

[Chestnut Retreat Center @ChestnutPA]

195 families in Monroe County received Eid al-Adha meat packages through Chestnut Retreat Center’s partnership with @EmbraceRelief, @LehighDialogue and local food pantry partners.

The distribution began at CEC Food Pantry in Stroudsburg, where 120 neighbors received packages, and continued at PVEN with packages for 75 more families.

[Chestnut Retreat Center @ChestnutPA]

Each family took home 4 pounds of meat.

Eid al-Adha is a time when Muslims remember the story of Prophet Abraham and share with family, neighbors, and those in need.

Grateful to everyone who donated and volunteered.

[Chestnut Retreat Center @ChestnutPA]

195 families in Monroe County received Eid al-Adha meat packages through Chestnut Retreat Center’s partnership with @EmbraceRelief, @LehighDialogue and local food pantry partners.

The distribution began at CEC Food Pantry in Stroudsburg, where 120 neighbors received packages, and continued at PVEN with packages for 75 more families.

[Chestnut Retreat Center @ChestnutPA]

To all our Muslim friends and neighbors who are celebrating, Eid Mubarak!

May this meaningful time be filled with peace, joy, and a renewed sense of compassion.

[Chestnut Retreat Center @ChestnutPA]

Wishing everyone a peaceful Memorial Day.
Remembering and honoring those who served.

[Chestnut Retreat Center @ChestnutPA]

We were grateful to join this year’s Interfaith Celebration of the National Day of Prayer at Courthouse Square in Stroudsburg.

At least 19 faith communities came together to reflect on prayer and lift up shared hopes for our community.

Chestnut Retreat Center was honored to offer an Islamic perspective on prayer alongside many traditions across the Poconos.

[Chestnut Retreat Center @ChestnutPA]

Happy Easter to all who celebrate. Wishing you a blessed day with family, friends, and loved ones.

[Chestnut Retreat Center @ChestnutPA]

We’re also thankful to @mctv_resmi and @Hizmettencomtr for broadcasting the program throughout Ramadan and helping it reach viewers in many different places around the world.

[Chestnut Retreat Center @ChestnutPA]

Thank you to @raindropstv1 and everyone who helped make this 29-day Ramadan iftar series possible at Chestnut Retreat Center. We were honored to host a program that included in-studio conversations on Islamic ethics, along with voices and connections from different parts of the world throughout Ramadan.

The final episode also included a short video capturing the atmosphere at Chestnut Retreat Center, with remarks from our Board Member, Mr. Sablak.

[Chestnut Retreat Center @ChestnutPA]

As Ramadan comes to a close, we send our warmest Eid wishes to all who are celebrating. May this special day bring peace, gratitude, and togetherness to families and communities.

[Chestnut Retreat Center @ChestnutPA]

https://t.co/DLV30pfmAp

[Chestnut Retreat Center @ChestnutPA]

Fasting: Shared Practices, Sacred Meanings

Earlier this month, voices from the Jewish, Buddhist, Catholic, and Muslim traditions came together for an interfaith panel on fasting.

The panel explored how fasting is practiced in each tradition and what spiritual purposes it serves.

After the conversation, the evening continued over dinner as Ramadan’s fast was broken and the discussion carried on around the table.

[Chestnut Retreat Center @ChestnutPA]

Two iftars. Around 170 guests. One shared table.

This Ramadan, Chestnut Retreat Center welcomed guests from many walks of life, including academics, teachers, writers, clergy, community leaders, public servants, and many who were joining us for the first time.

We were grateful to spend these evenings together and share in the spirit of Ramadan.

[Chestnut Retreat Center @ChestnutPA]

As Christians observe Lent and Muslims observe Ramadan, neighbors came together last week at St. Luke’s Church in Stroudsburg for an evening of reflection and friendship.

The program included reflections on Lent and the Catholic tradition of fasting, a short introduction to Ramadan, and a moment of prayer before the fast was broken at sunset with the adhan (call to prayer).

Afterwards, everyone enjoyed dinner and conversation together.

[Chestnut Retreat Center @ChestnutPA]

Premieres today — 6:00 PM EST
Fasting: Shared Practices, Sacred Meanings
An interfaith panel featuring voices from
Judaism • Buddhism • Catholic Christianity • Islam
Join us for the premiere 👇
https://t.co/OteOhn09la

[Chestnut Retreat Center @ChestnutPA]

It was a joy to share a Ramadan dinner at @ESUniversity, gathering with students, faculty, and staff for an evening of conversation and community around the table.

Many thanks to the Center for Student Engagement and Belonging and the Muslim Student Association and for their partnership and support in making the evening possible.

[Chestnut Retreat Center @ChestnutPA]

Last week, we returned to a place that holds deep meaning for many of us.

St. Luke’s Hospital – Monroe Campus is where Mr. Fethullah Gülen spent his final days and passed away in October 2024.

This time, we gathered there for a Ramadan dinner with physicians, nurses, and staff — sharing conversation, reflection, and the spirit of Ramadan.

We remain grateful for the compassion and professionalism the St. Luke’s team showed during his illness, and for their warm hospitality that evening.

[Chestnut Retreat Center @ChestnutPA]

During Ramadan—a month of reflection, gratitude, and sharing—we’re thankful for the chance to serve together.

[Chestnut Retreat Center @ChestnutPA]

Over the past three Tuesdays, volunteers from Chestnut Retreat Center prepared and delivered breakfast bags for neighbors experiencing homelessness through our partner Street2Feet.

[Chestnut Retreat Center @ChestnutPA]

As our Christian neighbors observe Ash Wednesday, they enter the season of Lent.

Lent is a forty-day time of reflection, repentance, and renewal, often marked by fasting and prayer.

This year, Lent and Ramadan begin on the same day. Different traditions, yet a shared rhythm of humility, self-discipline, and turning back to what truly matters.

May this season invite mercy, reflection, and deeper care for one another.