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
Text Study 5786
Daily Online Meditation Sit
Josh’s Friday Reflections
Online Jewish Yoga Studio
Shevet: A Jewish Mindfulness Community for Young Adults
Sharing Our Torah: A Mindfulness Affinity Space for Jews of Color and Sephardim/Mizrahim
LGBTQ+ Monthly Sit
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
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...
Carpe Diem—or Not (Tazria-Metzora 5786)
One of the most enduring Torah lessons I ever learned came from a 19-year-old college student named Joey. He was interviewing for a campus "engagement" (i.e. outreach) internship when I was the Hillel rabbi at Northwestern. As part of the interview, we asked the...
Home (In)Security (Shemini 5786)
In a normal week, I typically send these reflections to Andrew, our wonderful senior operations associate here at IJS, on Wednesdays. Andrew formats them and gets them all set to arrive in your inbox Friday morning (hence the name, “Josh’s Friday Reflections”)....
Check Out Our Podcasts
Weekly Meditation with Rabbi Angela Buchdahl
Soulful Jewish Living
A production of Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media, and the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.
