Jewish people have held an ideal standard for family life that is captured in the term "Shalom Bayit,” which signifies wholeness, completeness, and fulfillment. Ideally, traditional Jewish marriage is characterized by peace, nurturing, and chesed – loving kindness. Now, for the first time in history, there is a new science of love based on twenty years of scientific research. We teach the couples to access the emotional underpinnings of their relationship, recognizing they are attached to their romantic partner in the same way a child is on the parent for nurturing soothing and protection. The way to enhance a relationship is to be open attuned and responsive to each other and to reestablish emotional connection, ensuring a lifetime of love. What could be more important!
After a short introduction to both Vipassana meditation and Kabbalah, we will attempt to meditate in a manner that is inclusive of both the Buddhist and the Jewish worlds. Following the meditation, we will open a discussion about our experiences and formulate interesting conclusions regarding the universality of human experience.
How can unhealthy foods be kosher? What did the Sages say about good nutrition? Is it a mitzvah to eat healthy? Learn the answers to these questions and more as Staci discusses the historical perspective, the modern dilemma, and some simple healthy and delicious solutions to make everyone happy and healthy!
Learn what should and should not be done when compiling a written family history. The session leader has written a book-length manuscript about the life of his father, who was born in 1907, was exiled from Lithuania with his family as a child, survived the Holocaust, and re-created his life in America. This session will cover what works well, what is helpful, and what should be avoided. At least half of the session will be dedicated to taking questions.
In this session, we will make Challah plates with beautiful patterns with a technique called decoupage. Its a super simple technique that you can later apply to many different projects! With just a few materials, you'll have a beautiful piece that will add a lot of character to your shabbat table. Hope to see you there!
Through gentle, easy movements and breathing exercises derived from Tai Chi and Chi Gung, we will learn concrete, repeatable tools that uncover how the Shema helps us conquer fear and, along the way, intentionally moves us to higher consciousness and encourages us to evolve. The session includes a brief text study in accordance with the theme, and is done standing or sitting on chairs. This session is not suitable for children.
Twenty years after Daniel Goleman published his ground-breaking work on Emotional Intelligence, a new kind of intelligence is being promulgated. Spiritual Intelligence, or SQ, is now being hailed as "the next step beyond emotional intelligence." Danah Zohar, who pioneered this concept, calls it "the ultimate intelligence." The latest research indicates that there are twenty-one skills associated with SQ that can be assessed, and, if one chooses, more fully developed, using religious or non-religious techniques and practices. Find out how to assess your own SQ and determine which skills you might like to develop further.
Bible stories leave room for much interpretation. From the Rabbis of old to modern scholars, many commentators write about the Biblical stories. In this workshop, we will look at the Biblical narrative of the Akedah – the Binding of Isaac – and how different artists in different time periods interpreted the story.
If Mindfulness is, as Google suggests, a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations. Contemplation goes beyond that. It introduces the dimension of Purpose. We'll explore Jewish texts dating from the first centuries of this era, and include some practical Contemplative exercises.
Niggunim are a wonderful way to bring people closer to the source of spiritual relationship. Especially for those members in our communities who may struggle with Hebrew or are still learning the liturgy, the niggun allows us to bypass the intellect and head straight for the heart. Come sing with Jewish musician and composer Noah Aronson and learn a handful of useful niggunim, both new and old.
What in the world is Jewish yoga? What is Jewish meditation? Do Jews meditate? Does meditation come from Buddhism? Who is Rabbi Nachman? We will explore the history of Jewish meditation, experience gentle stretching, create kavanot (intentions), and learn the basic techniques of meditation from a Jewish perspective. If you're looking to create awareness of the body and mind, this is the session for you! Warning: Self-awareness may lead to great contentment.
“Mandala,” Sanskrit for “circle,” is a spiritual and ritual symbol representing the universe in Indian religions. This session will be an experiential, hands-on activity, where you will map your own personal mikvah mandala following a short teaching of the meaning of mikvah according to Jewish tradition, in its physical and metaphysical meanings. In his pioneering exploration of the subconscious through his own art making, Swiss psychoanalyst Carl Jung observed the circle motif appearing spontaneously, reflecting his inner state at that moment. An array of art materials will be used to create a mapping of your very own personal definition of a mikvah mandala.
This session will offer an introspective look into living a life that matters and translating that into the writing of an ethical will. Ethical wills date back to Jacob in the Bible, and have been written throughout the years as a loving gesture and a guidepost for future generations. Merle R. Saferstein will give practical, hands-on ideas on how to write an ethical will and the value of doing so. She will also share suggestions for living and leaving your legacy.
Hebrew Kirtan – inspired by a form of devotional prayer developed in India – is a call-and-response, participatory chant where short, sacred phrases from the Jewish tradition are treated as powerful, universal meditations. It is at once contemplative, ecstatic,and plain old fun. Join the “Kirtan Rabbi,” Rabbi Andrew Hahn, for a deep immersion in this cutting-edge practice. We will chant a lot. And we'll discuss creating and leading chants, do easy meditation and voice exercises, and study related Jewish texts. You do not need to know any Hebrew or be a singer to enjoy this workshop.
We will make candle holders with Fimo, a material similar to clay that, once it’s baked in a conventional oven, gets hard like a rock. It comes in different colors that you can mix. In this workshop, we will prepare pieces for you to take home to bake. Parents are welcome to join this session with their kids!
