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Sh’ma Yisrael – The Jewish Declaration of Unity
Adventure into the deep wisdom of Sh’ma Yisrael through a multi-lensed perspective: tradition, language, and sacred play. Sh’ma Yisrael is the best known verse in Torah and Siddur. It is often the first verse taught to children or adults learning the basics of Jewish thought or prayer highlighting the unity behind the multiplicity. Torah teaches that Sh’ma is to be declared twice daily – when you lay down and when you rise up. In the Siddur, Sh’ma is couched between…
Find out more »Praying for What We Need; Praying for the Needs of the Shekhinah
Many of us struggle with the idea of a "Santa Claus" god who listens to our prayers and then either grants our wishes - or doesn't. So what exactly are we doing when we pray for healing? How can we pray for what we need with theological integrity? THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED. APOLOGIES FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE.
Find out more »Offering Healing Prayers and Blessings for Each Other
Although traditional bikkur cholim visits end with prayers for healing, contemporary Jews often feel uncomfortable when offering or receiving prayers. This session aims to empower individuals to offer prayers and blessings to help one another on their healing journey. Together, we will explore rabbinic stories on the power of prayer and offer resources for prayers and healing texts from our tradition. We will dispel the mystique around offering healing prayers and blessings by learning what our tradition offers and practicing…
Find out more »How to Want What You Have and Other Spiritual Practices From the Ten Commandments
The Ten Commandments - one of Judaism’s most central teachings - are not just a set of do’s and don'ts, but also a blueprint for contemporary spiritual practices. In this workshop we will explore the commandments to remember the Sabbath, not to steal, and not to covet. We will illuminate the deeper meaning of these words and identify what practices we can develop to transform our lives.
Find out more »An Evening with the Accidental Talmudist
Sal Litvak is increasing peace in the world by sharing Jewish wisdom with everybody. After reading the entire Babylonian Talmud over a seven-and-a-half year period he shares bits of ancient wisdom from the Talmud and other traditional Jewish sources, as well as faith-affirming items of history, humor, and personal observations.
Find out more »Shabbat Healing Service
A service to provide hope and healing for ourselves during these challenging times.
Find out more »A Prayer for Healing – A Creative Prayer Writing Workshop
A prayer writing workshop with Rabbi Susan Goldberg and author Racelle Rosett. Participants will be supported in finding their voice in their healing journey for writing both private and community prayer. https://vimeo.com/261554129
Find out more »Tree of Life – A Journey into the Inner World
In this day long workshop led by Gilla Nissan and Musical Mystic, Yuval Ron, we will explore the mystical Tree of Life, a system of ten energy centers, which exist in our bodies as well in the world around us. Attunement of these cetners may lead to a mindful and wholesome way of living, improving health and well-being. The contemplative practices we will explore may "bring to life" the attributes of the Tree of Life and lead to a deep…
Find out more »Shiviti: Creating a Jewish Meditation Practice
A shiviti is a visual aid for meditation and contemplation, using Hebrew names of G-d. Every Hebrew letter has a divine vibration that is amplified when used in divine names. The divine name can be used as a portal to devekut (union). When we meditate in this way using the sheviti, we are carried into deep silence and unitive consciousness. In this workshop you will create your own shiviti with a name of G-d that resonates with your soul. You…
Find out more »The Letters of Your Name – A Journey to Your Soul
Dive into the Hebrew alphabet as a guide to discover who we are. The unexpected death of Aaron's children and 'Love your fellow man as you love yourself'.
Find out more »Mussar and Holy Listening: A Breakfast Club
Join Rabbi Lori Shapiro and Chaplain Deborah Schmidt for a tasty breakfest and an introduction to Mussar, a Jewish spiritual path and spiritual direction/spiritual companioning. Participants will emerge with an understanding of the history and practice of the Mussar tradition - from ancient times to today - and apply concepts of Jewish Spiritual ethics and holy listening to personal practice. Become a regular Breakfast Club participant and engage in meditation, silence and reflective learning as interior inroads to the concepts…
Find out more »Gratitude: The Healing Power of Giving Thanks
Gratitude is a fundamental value in Jewish tradition. It benefits our spiritual well being and enables us to approach our lives in a healthy manner. This session will explore both Jewish sources and practices to develop a daily gratitude practice that will change our souls and how we look at the world.
Find out more »Healing the Broken Jewish Soul After a Child’s Suicide: An Illustrated Book Talk
Following Shabbat services, author Susan Auerbach will share excerpts and discuss themes from her grief memoir, "I’ll Write Your Name on Every Beach: A Mother’s Quest for Comfort, Courage & Clarity After Suicide Loss." Hear how ritual, text, spiritual practice, and community became both containers for expressing grief and resources for coping with traumatic loss and will conclude with questions and comments from the audience, as well as a book signing. Dr. Auerbach, a CSUN professor and twice a…
Find out more »Shabbat Torah Study – Names and Hebrew Letters
In this gathering we will explore Parashat Kedushim /Holy Ones: The unexpected death of Aaron's children and 'Love your fellow man as you love yourself' How the Hebrew Letters and names can illuminate perplexing questions. Join us for discovery and lunch.
Find out more »Art as a Healing Path
We will explore the making of a metaphoric "sanctuary" in the form of a container for healing and prayer. Through collage, paint and pens, we will also create personal prayer cards that will be housed in the decorated sanctuary that we will construct. Just as we offer prayers for healing, so too has art making been a source of healing for people for centuries. This workshop will combine these two practices as we aspire to the healing of mind, body and…
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