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Bread & Salt – An Art Exhibit
The opening reception and lecture for this exhibit will take place on April 25th from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. See that date on the website for details. From farm to table so too from Sinai to our synagogues what we eat and why we eat has impacted our people since the beginning of history. Bread and Salt brings together numerous Jewish cultural sites throughout Southern California including Hebrew Union College-JIR, LA. This exhibition series explores the contemporary, historic and…
Find out more »Special Souls Sharing Sacred Song: A joyous program of Music, Inspiration and Transformation
The Interfaith Alliance For Special Needs Families draws inspiration from a variety of Spiritual Principles. Because the creator is a Jewish Clergyperson, Hebrew teachings play a prominent role. Key amongst them are: Ner L'Echad, Ner L'Meah: A candle for one becomes a light for a hundred. This is different and distinct from the prevailing clinical mindset heavily focused on data gathered from the many. Instead, we shift the focus toward healing one person at a time, with the impact spreading…
Find out more »Herbs and Spices for Healthy Living – Ancient Wisdom Applied Today!
Ancient recipes for modern health - discover the power for healthy living! This workshop is based on the ancient teaching of Torah and Talmud by Maimonides, a preeminent medieval Jewish Physician, Philosopher, Astronomer, Author and Torah anyalyst. A sample bowl of healthy vegetable soup will be served and the recipe shared.
Find out more »Hear Her, Heal Her: A Jewish Conversation about Women’s Health
Hear Her, Heal Her: A Jewish Conversation about Women's Health Moderator: Madeleine Brand Panelists: Rabbi Jaclyn Cohen, Rabbi Dara Frimmer, Rabbi Susan Goldberg, and Dr. Beth Karlan Sunday, April 15, 2018 @4pm Harvey Morse Auditorium, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center 8700 Beverly Blvd. - South Tower, Los Angeles Are we surprised that women’s voices are not heard when our own tradition has struggled with determining when men should or should not hear a women’s voice? Today, we know that women are underrepresented…
Find out more »Women for Women: Breast Cancer Prevention and Support for Every Age
Bring your sisters, daughters, mothers and friends for an informative and empowering evening with a panel of noted experts where you'll learn how to: Revamp your diet and boost your immune system, understand the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, support your friends and family. This evening is organized by Sharsheret: Your Jewish Community Facing Breast Cancer.
Find out more »Yoga Minyan
In a time in which we are constantly bombarded with information inviting us to pay attention to our body, being present is such an important and vital component of a spiritually fulfilling experience. As scholar Jay Michelson teaches, our minds are constantly wandering into the past and the future, but our bodies are the only thing fully in the present. This wandering of our mind can be helpful in that it allows us to connect to our past and be…
Find out more »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 »Balance and Wellness Through Izun
Hebrew letters and names can actually illuminate perplexing questions. Gilla Nissan and Musical Maggid Yuval Pardes use the letters of the Aleph Bet and original songs to present a fascinating new take on attaining wellness and inner peace through Izun, the Hebrew word for balance. Balance is at the very core of Jewish tradition laid out by the sages thousands of years ago. In this 2 hour program we reacquaint today's Jews with the wisdom of the ancients.
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 »Zumba for the Jewish Soul
Dance the spirit of your Jewish soul. This class has easy to follow choreography and Jewish themed music. Class is for all levels. Bring water and a towel. Come ready to leave your inhibitions at the door, open your Jewish soul, and let loose with Sara Tanz.
Find out more »Navigating the Wilderness of Loss: Reframing the Spiritual Journey of Grief
Grief is not an illness. It is a spiritual journey through a wilderness in which we learn, usually against our will, both what it means to be human and the nature of mature faith. Using text study, Holy Hebrew words, meditation, and expressive techniques, we will reframe the psychotherapeutic description of grief’s stages as a spiritual path, as we traverse the landscape of loss, searching, not only for what has been lost, but also for an understanding of YHVH that…
Find out more »Shmirat Haguf ZOOZ Fitness for All
Embracing the concept of Shmirat haGuf (caring for the body), ZOOZ Fitness founder Jake Weiner bases his work around realistic and adaptive fitness for all, empowering the individuals to care for their body. ZOOZ Fitness understands the unique challenges facing young adults with special needs and believe that everyone regardless of their ability level, deserves the chance to create and maintain a life that promotes health, happiness and wellness of mind and body.
Find out more »We Love Each Other – And It Still Takes Work: Healthy Communication in Interfaith & Intercultural Jewish Families
Communication in interfaith and intercultural Jewish families can be fraught. Whether it’s a new couple trying to create their own Jewish religious traditions or an adult child of intermarriage making a choice and navigating not only their parents observances, but also their own upbringing, the issues are both deeply personal and greatly affect the people we love. The changing nature of any religious observance and belief is something we all navigate internally. Yet too often, families start the conversation around…
Find out more »Life On The Bridge: A Documentary and Discussion
Life On The Bridge encourages the viewer to accept what one cannot change in one's own life and move forward toward the potential of all that can be. This short film documentary focuses on the life of Jewish filmmaker, Judy Weintraub, and her story of living with a chronic health issue requiring kidney dialysis for more than 40 years to illustrate the power of Jewish principles, such as individual responsibility (Rambam), and Reb Nachman's teaching - Gesher Tsar M'od (Life…
Find out more »Parsha Shiur with Rabbanit Alissa Thomas-Newborn, BCC
How does our tradition give insight into the experience of 'the other'? Join us in exploring how the laws of purity in Tazria-Metzora can influence how we heal our personal and communal hurts and how we empathize with each other.
Find out more »Service for Healing and Wholeness
For female identified people only. This healing service featuring traditional texts and contemporary music will create an atmosphere for deep learning, prayer, and spiritual healing.
Find out more »Between Caregiver and Carereceiver
It is one of the greatest challenges for couples when one person has chronic pain/illness and the other person becomes the caregiver. Research demonstrates that 75% of couples in this situation end in divorce as the pressure and stress are so profound. Rabbis Stephen and Eva Robbins have been married 45 years and confronted such a reality. They will share their journey, lessons learned, Jewish wisdom and exercises that can support other couples in such trying times.
Find out more »Yoga During Cancer Treatment
This session of yoga geared for cancer patients is a restful experience, focusing on relaxation for the mind and down time for the body. While listening to sacred Jewish music, we will move from one resting pose to another offering the nervous and immune systems a message of healing. Poses inspired by our ancient holy letters will be geared to each person, depending on type and location of the cancer.
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 »Survive and Thrive as a Caregiver
Research has shown that caregiving is one of the most depleting and stressful experiences we can face. Having shared many years of critical and chronic illness with both her husband and her son, Rabbi Eva Robbins has come face to face with the reality of care-giving: weighty demands, exhaustion, fear, loss, and grief. Throughout, she has tapped into her tradition and learned to nurture her soul and her body. She will share guidelines to help others find meaning in darkness…
Find out more »Continuum Movement: Liquid Kabbalah
Continuum Movement is a meditative, gentle, and dynamic inquiry into yourself and what it means to be human. Kabbalah includes wonderful insights about the human body, movement, and cultivating Presence. We will study selected texts in translation and Hebrew relating manifesting health, movement and implementing change. This will set the stage for our “dive" into moving meditation. Active pause invites a meditative state that supports disrupting unconscious patterns. Space is created that invites the cultivation of refined awareness, receptivity, and…
Find out more »Hanging Gently on Tradition: Retaining authentic Jewish funeral practices even in the most secular of circumstances
How do we negotiate a path to lasting peace for our Jewish loved ones in today’s world of multi-cultural families and medical-model death? Rabbi Avivah Erlick and Rabbi Janet Madden, healthcare chaplains from intermarried families, each lost their fathers in the past year. In each case, their ability to honor Jewish tradition was challenged by circumstances, differing family priorities, and their fathers’ own last wishes. In this presentation, we aim to show how Jewish funerary requirements can be met with…
Find out more »Israeli Folk Dancing
Join us in celebrating Israel’s 70th birthday with an Israeli dance class with Orly Star. Love Israeli music? Want to be healthy, have fun and enjoy great exercise? This is the perfect class for you! Stay for our spectacular Yom Ha’atzmaut community Israeli Dance party starting at 8pm! There will also be an additional class on April 25th.
Find out more »Collective Dreams: Storytelling, Community, and Healing
This interactive and experiential workshop explores the intersection of Judaism's rich tradition of storytelling with what modern neuroscience tells us about the role sharing stories plays in promoting community, healing, and wellness. Over the course of our time together, we will delve into the role that storytelling has played in Jewish life and other cultures throughout the world. We'll learn how stories affect us at a physiological level and discover how to mine our own lives for personal myths. Finally,…
Find out more »Dealing with Depression & Anxiety
The Torah teaches us to work on ourselves and grow and find meaning in the challenges and the hardships in our life. Learn strategies with Life Coach Jacklin Zarifpour for overcoming challenges, building character, becoming more compassionate, empathetic and kind. (Note: This session will be in Farsi only.)
Find out more »Either Companionship or Death: Jewish Tools for Nurturing Friendship
Loneliness is a major public health crisis especially for older adults. Research shows that loneliness is as dangerous to your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. The United Kingdom recently created created a new Minister of Loneliness position that deals with resolving social problems related to loneliness. What does Judaism teach us about friendship as an antidote to loneliness that can help us sustain nurturing relationships and distance ourselves from toxic ones? What new kinds of models are emerging…
Find out more »Responding to Your Soul’s Yearning: Choosing Judaism
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO UNFORSEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. PLEASE REGISTER FOR ONE OF THE OTHER SESSIONS: April 25 at Leo Baeck Temple April 29 at Shomrei Torah This interactive workshop articulates the spiritual benefits of choosing Judaism as the soul’s path and provides a framework for finding the necessary resources for converting to Judaism. We will discuss such spiritual benefits as: The sense of a caring community Invitation to question Rituals that bring you closer to a sense of…
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 »Yoga and the Parsha
Experience the weekly parsha in an entirely new way using the ancient science of yoga in a sequence inspired by the message of the parsha. Integrating movement with Torah study makes the lessons tangible and accessible to all. One leaves feeling inspired intellectually, spiritually and physically. Teacher Ida Unger's years of experience and expertise make the class accessible even to those with no yoga experience.
Find out more »Mental Health Shabbat
This unique Mental Health Shabbat Service combines touching stories by congregants about their journeys with mental health, prayers for healing, and music and songs that uplift the spirit. Stories and information about mental health will be presented by NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and the Ezra Network of Jewish Family Service. A special Mi Shebeirach healing prayer will be chanted for those struggling with mental illness. Participants will offer inspiring readings that address the need for openness and inclusion…
Find out more »Shabbat Healing Service
A service to provide hope and healing for ourselves during these challenging times.
Find out more »Proactive Well-Being
Our teaching on Refuah over two Shabbatot will focus on "preventive care" and will involve teaching about three interrelated concepts from the Kabbalah: Hochmah (wisdom), Binah (discernment) and Da'at (knowledge). Each of these terms expresses different kinds of knowing and spiritual experience and each one of these terms involves different spiritual practices. After completing this workshop, your relationship with the Sh’ma will be renewed. You will have new sensations, emotions, and insights to deepen future encounters with Judaism’s quintessential sacred…
Find out more »Shabbat Your Body: How to Find True Rest Using the Alexander Technique
In this three-hour workshop, attendees will gain a hands-on understanding of how to internalize the wisdom of Shabbat through the body using the Alexander Technique. Our body is often overworking without our knowledge. Shabbat asks us to unburden ourselves from our weekday concerns and to not perform work, but how do we find that freedom and unburdening in the body as well as the mind? Often, our body is overworking in ways we don’t realize. How can we let go…
Find out more »Shabbat Morning Drasha with Rabbi Professor Avraham Steinberg, MD
Exploring the halakhic meaning of the prayer for the state of Israel/ראשית צמיחת גאולתנו in תפילה לשלום המדינה
Find out more »State of the Art Halakha for State of the Art Medicine
A lecture with Rabbi Professor Avraham Steinberg MD, Director of the Medical Ethics Unit at Shaare Zedek Medical Center.
Find out more »Seudat Shlishit D’var Torah
When the Pope calls on you for advice - Reflections of a member of Pope Francis' ethics advisory committee.
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 »The Healing Hand: Being Present for the Dying and the Living in the Hardest Times
What shall I do, what shall I say, and who am I in the face of this? These are universal questions that often arise when facing the illness or impending death of a loved one. This workshop is about connecting with the things that matter most in human life and relationship to self, each other, our faith, and our work in the world. Cantor and chaplain Sue Knight Deutsch brings her professional and personal experience to address these questions using…
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 »Women’s Mitzvot with Rabbanit Alissa, Rabba Ramie & Ms. Atara Segal
What makes a mitzvah a 'woman's mitzvah'? How can we as women deepen our connection to the femininity within our halachic and spiritual tradition? And how do we find our voice in and love of the tradition even at times when we are struggling with it? Join Rabbanit Alissa, Rabba Ramie, and Ms. Atara Segal in learning and confidential discussion. Brunch will be served. For women only. For this one event, you must register at bdj@bnaidavid.com
Find out more »Chewing on What Matters: A Conversation over Brunch about Ethical Wills
A critical way that we pass down our values and our identity, Ethical Wills are a deeply significant part of advanced care planning that often get overlooked. IKAR has worked with a team of experts in the field to create Jewishly themed content meant to help individuals begin thinking about their Ethical Wills, as well as the resources necessary to draft these important documents. Infused with Jewish wisdom and Jewish ritual, there will be five opportunities to participate in Death…
Find out more »Working with Fear And Anxiety through Practicing Jewish Mindfulness
We live in such challenging times. From fear about the present or the future, to anxiety arising from personal circumstances, learning to notice how fear appears in us and how we habitually respond is an important first step to creating more calm in our lives. It is possible to learn how to better navigate fearful times. These practices and tools are essential, especially now. We will look at a few models and practices derived from Jewish sources that offer guidance…
Find out more »Parenting an LGBTQ+ Teen in the Age of Social Media
This workshop is dedicated to the memory of Blaze Bernstein, zichrono livracha, may his memory be a blessing. Now more than ever parents are wondering how to help their LGBTQ+ teens with the unique struggles they face in the world. The topic of dating can be particularly fraught for both the teen and parental figure. With social media and dating apps promising the answer to every teen’s social and sexual needs, teens need more guidance than ever to make the…
Find out more »Real Talk: Being a Queer Teen in the Age of Social Media
Whether you are trying to figure out your identity or actually come out as LGBTQ+, sometimes the possibilities and emotions get ahead of you and you can find yourself in uncomfortable or potentially damaging situations, especially when interacting online. Don't let pressure or social media hijack your story. Share your thoughts and concerns in a safe and confidential space. Learn to communicate your personal story more effectively, build trust within yourself and others, as well as manage how and when…
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 »Dealing with Stress: A Workshop for Teenagers
Parents, school and society are constantly pushing you to get ready for the next phase of life. When do you get to enjoy the now? Through mindfulness and tools from our tradition, this workshop will teach tools for living in the now and dealing with your stress in healthy ways. For teens only.
Find out more »Death over Dinner: Jewish Ethical Wills Edition
A critical way that we pass down our values and our identity, Ethical Wills are a deeply significant part of advanced care planning that often get overlooked. IKAR has worked with a team of experts in the field to create Jewishly themed content meant to help individuals begin thinking about their Ethical Wills, as well as the resources necessary to draft these important documents. Infused with Jewish wisdom and Jewish ritual, there will be five opportunities to participate in Death…
Find out more »Jewish Mindful Movement
Jewish Mindful Movement is a class where participants are led on a journey of prayer, movement, meditation and healing. I use Jewish wisdom, teachings and the weekly Torah portion along with music and guided movement to enable students to get a full body mind and spirit workout. The class is an hour and a half and I do some talking but the majority of the class will be participatory. This class is good for all ages and fitness levels. The…
Find out more »L.I.F.E. Planning for People with Disabilities
L.I.F.E. stands for Long-Term Inclusion, Fulfillment and Empowerment.Persons with disabilities and their family members are invited to work together on creating long-term plans for the persons with disabilities in 7 domains, including spirituality/involvement in the Jewish community. Our work is based on the Torah imperative to "Do not disdain any person. Do not underrate the importance of anything for there is no person who does not have his/her hour, and there is no thing without its place in the sun."…
Find out more »Death over Dinner: Jewish Ethical Wills Edition
A critical way that we pass down our values and our identity, Ethical Wills are a deeply significant part of advanced care planning that often get overlooked. IKAR has worked with a team of experts in the field to create Jewishly themed content meant to help individuals begin thinking about their Ethical Wills, as well as the resources necessary to draft these important documents. Infused with Jewish wisdom and Jewish ritual, there will be five opportunities to participate in Death…
Find out more »Zumba for the Jewish Soul
Dance the spirit of your Jewish soul. This class has easy to follow choreography and Jewish themed music. Class is for all levels. Bring water and a towel. Come ready to leave your inhibitions at the door, open your Jewish soul, and let loose with Sara Tanz.
Find out more »New Beginnings: A Photographic Journey of Surviving Cancer
A conversation with noted photographer, Bill Aron, on his photographic documentary of cancer survivors. There are four phases of cancer: the diagnosis; the treatment; the silent, or post-treatment phase; and the acceptance that there will be a new beginning, a new normal. Since 2006 Bill Aron has been interviewing and photographing survivors about the 3rd and 4th stages of their experience. The “silent phase” of cancer occurs after treatment ends, when the flurry of treatment and doctors’ appointments is replaced…
Find out more »Shmirat Haguf ZOOZ Fitness for All
Embracing the concept of Shmirat haGuf (caring for the body), ZOOZ Fitness founder Jake Weiner bases his work around realistic and adaptive fitness for all, empowering the individuals to care for their body. ZOOZ Fitness understands the unique challenges facing young adults with special needs and believe that everyone regardless of their ability level, deserves the chance to create and maintain a life that promotes health, happiness and wellness of mind and body.
Find out more »Awaken Your Body to Awaken Your Mind and Spirit: Intersections of The Feldenkrais Method® and Judaism
Life just keeps getting busier! As we speed up and multi-task, Judaism reminds us to slow down once a week for Shabbat. Can we find more ways to do this moment to moment? Our bodies too have ways of asking us to slow down, to feel more, and do less. In this workshop we will explore where Judaism and Feldenkrais intersect to foster learning on how to slow down, come to our senses and drop into the present moment. The…
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 »The Talk Project: Peer to Peer Teen Conversations on Sexual Violence in our Culture – Empower Yourself
"I'm having #TheTalk because I need to know these things. They affect me and all of my friends." The Talk Project is designed to de-stigmatize the discussion of sexual violence in order to empower teens to understand the causes of it, to speak out against violence and harmful behavior, to engage in healthy, consensual relationships, to make informed decisions about seeking legal justice if necessary, and to create cultural change. You get to talk about these issues in a safe…
Find out more »Jewish Mourning, Memorializing, and Grieving a Loss: Acharei Mot
What does our tradition teach us about the process of grief? Looking through the lens of Aaron and Moses's responses after the death of Aaron's son, we will unpack the wisdom and sensitivity our tradition offers in the most painful of moments.
Find out more »Death over Dinner: Jewish Ethical Wills Edition
A critical way that we pass down our values and our identity, Ethical Wills are a deeply significant part of advanced care planning that often get overlooked. IKAR has worked with a team of experts in the field to create Jewishly themed content meant to help individuals begin thinking about their Ethical Wills, as well as the resources necessary to draft these important documents. Infused with Jewish wisdom and Jewish ritual, there will be five opportunities to participate in Death…
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 »Coping with Chronic Illness and Pain
Rabbi Robbins has lived with chronic/catastrophic illness for the past thirteen years at level 10 from nerve damage. Both from his spiritual resources and training as Rabbi and Kabbalist, along with a doctorate in psychology, he will share and guide the participants through means of accessing their own resources for managing illness and pain. His dissertation focused on the psychoneuroimmunology of trauma and its relationship to disease. *address provided upon registration
Find out more »Yoga During Cancer Treatment
This session of yoga geared for cancer patients is a restful experience, focusing on relaxation for the mind and down time for the body. While listening to sacred Jewish music, we will move from one resting pose to another offering the nervous and immune systems a message of healing. Poses inspired by our ancient holy letters will be geared to each person, depending on type and location of the cancer.
Find out more »T’Shuvah – a Jewish Response to the Opioid Epidemic
As a Jewish addiction treatment center, Beit T’Shuvah has been immersed in a 30-year study of what we call human brokenness – the inherent inner human dilemma wherein we live in an uncertain world with uncertain meaning and an uncertain future. Our teachers have been those in our community who are most acutely broken: the junkies, criminals, alcoholics, gamblers and thieves, who are no longer able to deny their inner scission. We have found that the destructive behavior of addiction…
Find out more »The Limits of Healing: Exploring Boundaries to Healing and Care
Our tradition describes the tension between the imperative to provide healing and care for another and the extent to which we must acknowledge the limitations upon that healing and care. How can we help heal when the other is hard to care for? Does it matter what the reason is? What are the limits to my capacity or ability to care and heal? How can I balance the creation of healthy personal boundaries with the communal obligation I hold to…
Find out more »Israeli Folk Dancing
Love Israeli music? Want to be healthy, have fun and enjoy great exercise? This is the perfect class for you! Join Orly Star in a celebration of Israeli dance. No experience necessary.
Find out more »Responding to Your Soul’s Yearning: Choosing Judaism
This interactive workshop articulates the spiritual benefits of choosing Judaism as the soul’s path and provides a framework for finding the necessary resources for converting to Judaism. We will discuss such spiritual benefits as: The sense of a caring community Invitation to question Rituals that bring you closer to a sense of the Divine Practical activities--doing--that bring you closer to one another and Divine Spiritual principles that help one lead a good, ethical life Goal of healing the world One…
Find out more »And It Was Evening, And It Was Morning: Spiritual Practices for One Day
Stressed? Challenged just to get through the day? Want to experience more joy? This workshop will combine Jewish texts, sacred chant, and movement to reveal three spiritual practices to help you to wake up in the morning with full intention, reconnect with yourself at mid-day, and wind down your energy at bedtime. Please bring a laptop, cell phone or other recording device to the workshop.
Find out more »Opening Reception and Lecture Bread & Salt – An Art Exhibit
We warmly invite you to the opening of BREAD and SALT, an exhibit which is part of a year-long city wide festival exploring Jews and Food. At the opening reception tonight hear Dr. Leah Hochman, editor of Tastes of Faith: Jewish Eating in the United States on Jewish food and its multiple layers of meaning. Dr. Hochman is both witty and scholarly and her insights on Jewish food will have you laughing with recognition and tearing up with…
Find out more »Aging With Grace and Resilience
Jewish tradition teaches that we are both body and soul. As we age, we are challenged by diminished physical capacity, loss, and unexpected changes in our lives, yet our souls can continue to expand. Open yourself to the possibilities, as expressed by Rabbi Eva Robbins' comprehensive concept of SOAR, a four-prong outline of the necessary components to nurture one's life, both through techniques of spiritual practice as well as an awareness of physical sustenance in order to find meaning, wellness…
Find out more »The Complex Inner World of Jewish Teens in a #metoo World – How to Support Them During These Challenging and Exciting Years.
Please join us for a dynamic and informative session on the joys and challenges of raising healthy, modern Jewish teens in a #metoo world. Moving Traditions' California Regional Director Alisha Pedowitz, will lead an exploration of some of the major pressures and issues (anxiety, sexuality, conflict with authority, social media, etc.) facing Jewish teens today--and how the Jewish community can help support our teens.
Find out more »How to stay healthy, happy, and still have fun in a #metoo reality
For teens only! Explore what it means to be a teen in a #metoo reality including the stress, the pressure and conflicting messages about gender and sexuality and learn strategies to stay healthy and happy through these challenging and exciting years.
Find out more »Leading to Foregone Inclusions: Mapping our Dreams for Special Needs Adults
Learn how Jewish tradition and spiritual principles come together as we co-create our vision and the next steps we will take to create fuller inclusion of Jewish adults in our synagogues, workplaces and community organizations.
Find out more »Beginning a Sacred Conversation about Our Values in End of Life Decision Making
Eighty percent of Jewish adults believe it's important to talk about one's hopes, dreams, values and fears as they approach the latter phase of their lives. However, only twenty percent have had a sacred conversation with a loved one, or designated power of attorney, about what is important to us. How will our values help others speak for us when we cannot speak for ourselves? This workshop invites a small intimate group to have this conversation. Trained facilitator Chaplain Deborah…
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 »Death over Dinner: Jewish Ethical Wills Edition
A critical way that we pass down our values and our identity, Ethical Wills are a deeply significant part of advanced care planning that often get overlooked. IKAR has worked with a team of experts in the field to create Jewishly themed content meant to help individuals begin thinking about their Ethical Wills, as well as the resources necessary to draft these important documents. Infused with Jewish wisdom and Jewish ritual, there will be five opportunities to participate in Death…
Find out more »Shabbat Friends
Friday Friends is a monthly Parent (or guardians) and Me workshop that is an interactive, musical and creative class. We aim to create a Jewish communal space where adults can connect with other adults, engage with guest speakers about infant life, parenting, and Jewish family life. Adults and children create projects hand in hand and celebrate Shabbat together! For this session, we will be have a pediatric dentist as the guest speaker to talk about infant health. Our program is…
Find out more »Getting Into Holy Shape – Yoga and the Hebrew Aleph Bet
Celebrate and elevate your physical self to more fully embody your divine nature. Stretch, strengthen and relax as we practice authentic yoga inspired by our ancient holy letters. The Aleph Bet are more than letters. The Hebrew word “ot” also means sign. Sign of what? Come find out.
Find out more »Kabbalat Shabbat Healing Service
We will hold out first-ever Kabbalat Shabbat Healing Service. As part of our service, we will study the uniqueness of healing as we age. (For residents of Fountainview only)
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 »Proactive Well-being
Our teaching on Refuah over two Shabbatot will focus on "preventive care" and will involve teaching about three interrelated concepts from the Kabbalah: Hochmah (wisdom), Binah (discernment) and Da'at (knowledge). Each of these terms expresses different kinds of knowing and spiritual experience and each one of these terms involves different spiritual practices. These practices can lead to a more conscious and meaningful life and greater well being overall. We will have two discussions on this theme: Shabbat morning April 21…
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 »Shmirat Haguf Spa Day with MoHo WeHo
Shmirat Haguf is the Hebrew phrase for “Caring for the body.” Shmirat means “to care” or “to protect” and Haguf is “the body.” With so much stress nowadays, we sometimes forget to slow down and care for ourselves as it is written in the Torah. This event will include different stations to experience and care for our bodies including yoga, chair massage, a DIY station where guests can apply a homemade facial mask, and make a body scrub they will…
Find out more »Building Resiliance in Teens
*This event requites separate, paid registration Join us on Sunday, April 29th, for Building Resilience in Teens: A Wellness Conference for Parents and Educators. Our Federation’s Los Angeles Jewish Teen Initiative (LAJTI) is proud to present this daylong event that will provide insight, skills, and resources to support the teens in our lives. Be inspired by featured keynote, Julie Lythcott-Haims*, author of the New York Times best-selling book How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and…
Find out more »Responding to Your Soul’s Yearning: Choosing Judaism
This interactive workshop articulates the spiritual benefits of choosing Judaism as the soul’s path and provides a framework for finding the necessary resources for converting to Judaism. We will discuss such spiritual benefits as: The sense of a caring community Invitation to question Rituals that bring you closer to a sense of the Divine Practical activities--doing--that bring you closer to one another and Divine Spiritual principles that help one lead a good, ethical life Goal of healing the world One…
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…
Find out more »Hype – A Doctor’s Guide to Medical Myths, Exaggerated Claims and Bad Advice
Does sugar feed cancer cells? When can naturopathic medicine have merit? Which vitamins have value? Can detoxes be toxic? Are genetically modified foods unhealthy? Is gluten that bad? Can vaccines cause brain disorders such as autism? Is genetic testing a good idea? What health issues should we really be worried about...and what’s just plain HYPE? These are some of the many questions Nina Shapiro, M.D., hears constantly from patients in her practice, as well as from friends, acquaintances, and the…
Find out more »Songs and Yoga Poses of Peace
Traditional yoga poses are inspired by many things including warriors. Yogic warriors, however, are strong and engage in peace, not war or fighting. We will grow into our warrior poses for strength and then rest deeply symbolizing peace. Our rest will be accompanied by the beautiful sounds of Canter Ruth Berman Harris (vocals) Steve Moos (mandolin and vocals) and Donnie Kirpatrick (guitar) offering us inspiration via songs of peace in Hebrew and English.
Find out more »Shir Joy: A Taste of Los Angeles Jewish Music
https://vimeo.com/262593583
Find out more »Hereditary Cancer Risk Symposium 2018
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