IJS Programs | Winter-Spring 2023

IJS
Awareness in Action for the Omer:
Cultivating Character through Mindfulness and Middot
Begins Mar 27
This program will lead into and run throughout the Omer, the period between Passover and Shavuot, traditionally a time for reflection and personal spiritual and ethical growth. The course will be led by Rabbi Marc Margolius with each weekly live practice session co-led by one of three special guest teachers, offering a diverse understanding and practice of eight core character traits (middot): Rabbi Tamara Cohen, Kohenet Keshira haLev Fife, and Rabbi Aaron Weininger. All teachings will be tied to the thematic flow of the seven weeks of the Omer.

NEW
Entering the Gates of Splendor:
An Exploration of the Zohar
Begins Apr 18
The Institute for Jewish Spirituality invites you to learn with renowned Israeli scholar and teacher Melila Hellner-Eshed, Ph.D in a six-week online course designed to immerse experienced students in the history, concepts, and themes of the Zohar, the foundational text of Kabbalah, first published in the late 13th century. This course will explore the mystical, mythical, poetic, and theological aspects that weave together the rich tapestry that is the Zohar.

NEW
Contemplative Jewish Prayer:
Presence, Intention, and Surrender
Begins May 7
Led by Rabbi Nancy Flam and Rabbi Dr. James Jacobson-Maisels, participants in this four-week course will explore contemplative Jewish prayer which enables us to open our hearts, minds and souls and cultivate ways of being that realize our fullest selves in intimate contact with divinity.

NEW
Kol Dodi: Jewish Spiritual Direction
Begins Oct 2023
This 18-month training will prepare participants to serve as spiritual directors able to accompany others on their spiritual journeys in 1-1 or group settings. The program is directed by Rabbi Myriam Klotz and taught by Rabbi Klotz and Senior Faculty Karen Erlichman, DMin, LCSW, augmented by additional mentors and supervisors, and guest faculty. A full description of Kol Dodi and an application will be posted by the end of January 2023.

IJS
LGBTQ+ Monthly Mindfulness Sit Co-Sponsored by Keshet
Wednesdays, 3:00 – 3:45 PM ET / Jan 18, Feb 22, Mar 22, Apr 19, May 17, Jun 14
Join Rabbi Myriam Klotz, IJS Senior Core Faculty, and guest leaders for a monthly Jewish mindfulness sit offered by and for those who identify as LGBTQ+. In this affinity group space, you can slow down, be present, and practice mindfulness in safety together with others who identify as LGBTQ+. Guest leaders include: Rabbis Ari Lev Fornari, Ellen Lippman, Jay Michaelson, Dev Noily, Toba Spitzer, Rachel Timoner, neySHEV leader Aviva Chernick, and Karen Erlichman, DMin, LCSW.

NEW
Jews of Color Monthly Mindfulness Sit
Wednesdays, 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET / Feb 8, Mar 8, Apr 26, May 24, Jun 21, Jul 12, Aug 23, Sep 13
Slowing down and resting are one of the ways that we move ourselves to greater liberation. Join us in a space dedicated to Jews of Color (JoC) for a monthly opportunity to slow down together and take a mindful pause. This JoC-led space is one part inspiration, one part meditation, one part community connection! Led by Keshira haLev Fife,IJS Faculty Fellow, Yoshi Silverstein of Mitsui Collective, and other guest JoC leaders.

Daily Sit Week-Long Intensives
Mondays – Fridays / 12:30 – 1:15 PM ET and on demand anytime on the IJS YouTube channel

Daily Online Meditation
Mondays – Fridays / 12:30 – 1:00 PM ET

Feb 13 – 17
Mar 6 – 10
Mar 27 – 31
May 8 – 12
Jun 5 – 9

|   Kohenet Keshira haLev Fife
|   Rebecca Schisler
|   Rabbi Miriam Margles
|   Rabbi Marc Margolius
|   Rabbi Sam Feinsmith

Join one of our expert teachers as they lead a live daily guided meditation, sharing 30 minutes of Jewish mindfulness with people from around the world. Open to all, no experience needed.

Feb 13 – 17
Mar 6 – 10
Mar 27 – 31
May 8 – 12
Jun 5 – 9

|   Kohenet Keshira haLev Fife
|   Rebecca Schisler
|   Rabbi Miriam Margles
|   Rabbi Marc Margolius
|   Rabbi Sam Feinsmith

Online Jewish Yoga Studio
Mondays 11:00 – 11:45 AM ET
Mindful body practices help us find shelter right where we are, in our bodies in this very moment. Yoga teacher and IJS faculty member Cantor Lizzie Shammash guides you in an all-levels yoga and movement session informed by Jewish spiritual teachings and designed to relieve stress as we increase awareness of breath and grounding through our bodies. Open to all, no experience needed.

Jewish Mindfulness Meditation Starter Kit
How-to tips, a Sample Text Teaching and a Guided Jewish Meditation