Courses, retreats, and offerings
Grounded in mindfulness. Guided by wisdom.
Jewish Mindfulness Meditation
Cultivating Innate Sacred Character Traits
Mindful Torah Study
Embodied Practices
Contemplative Prayer
Upcoming Programs
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
In conversation with Rabbi Josh Feigelson, Rabbi Caryn Aviv will reflect on the spiritual practices and ethical commitments that shape a life of presence and purpose. Together, they will explore how Jewish wisdom can help us meet today’s social and spiritual challenges with clarity, compassion, and hope.
Begins June 1, 2026
What does it mean to be a shomer lashon—a guardian of speech—in times of great polarization, when so much meaning gets lost in translation? This five-week course journeys into the heart of Jewish spiritual practice and wisdom on the power of our words.
August 19 – 23, 2026
This August, we’re heading to the woods of West Cornwall, CT, for our third annual silent retreat designed specifically for folks under 40. This isn’t just a getaway; it’s a dedicated space to slow down, put down your phone, silence your notifications, and return to yourself.
Upcoming Events
Welcome
For over 25 years, the Institute for Jewish Spirituality has helped thousands of people every year to slow down, reconnect with themselves and the world, and discover their sense of sacred purpose. We invite you to explore our website where you will find teachings, inspiration, guided meditations, and retreat opportunities to become more mindful, peaceful, compassionate, and resilient — all grounded in the rich wisdom of Jewish tradition. Wherever you are on your journey, whether you are just beginning or you have practiced mindfulness for years, we welcome you.
Reflections & Practice
Home & Interdependence (Acharei Mot-Kedoshim 5786)
If you haven’t yet listened to the recent two-part debate between Rabbis Sharon Brous and David Ingber on the podcast “Being Jewish with Jonah Platt,” I want to suggest that you do. In addition to being a model of civil disagreement, their dialogue also expresses a…
Practicing Netzach: Despite It All, We Persist
We are moving into the fourth week of the Omer, the seven-week period between Passover and Shavuot, traditionally a time for spiritual reflection and growth as we move from freedom towards revelation. ¹ This fourth week of the Omer is associated with the kabbalistic…
Noticing the Transitional Nature of All Things
Practice originially written as part of the Shevet Reset, a Jewish meditation challenge for younger adults. When I first learned to meditate on retreat, the instructions sounded simple: sit still, follow the breath, and when discomfort arises, notice it before…
Check Out Our Podcasts
Weekly Meditation with Rabbi Angela Buchdahl
Join IJS for a weekly podcast featuring a brief, accessible teaching and meditation based on the weekly Torah portion, an upcoming Jewish holiday, or wisdom from Jewish tradition. In just a few minutes each week, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, Senior Rabbi of Central Synagogue in New York City, will help you pause, breathe, and find balance and clarity to weather today’s storms and meet our personal and collective challenges with Jewish wisdom. Whether you are in your car, on a walk, or at home, join us to learn, nourish your spirit, and deepen your practice.
Soulful Jewish Living
Overstressed, overworked, overstimulated? Close your eyes, take a deep breath and tune in. In each episode Rabbi Josh Feigelson will guide with ancient wisdom and modern mindfulness practices to help center your soul and ease you into your week.
A production of Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media, and the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.
Jewish Meditation for Everyone
Pause in the midst of your busy day to renew your body, heart, mind and spirit with a Jewishly-framed mindfulness meditation from the Institute for Jewish Spirituality. In each episode, hosted by Rabbi Marc Margolius, an expert Jewish meditation instructor guides you through a brief teaching and meditation for relaxing your body, reconnecting with your authentic self, and connecting you with deep Jewish wisdom.