The Psalms AM Classes Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi Rabbi Zalman
AM Classes
Rabbi Zalman
Biking on a Spiritual Path Dove First there was Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. Now there is Mindfulness and the Art of Bicycling. Come and join us for this exciting first at Elat Chayyim! Explore Ulster county, one of the most scenic regions in NY State. Enjoy quiet mountain roads, breathtaking vistas and visits to natural and historical landmarks. Each day will begin with stretching and creating kavannah (intention). While on the road, we will stop for meditation and prayer. Day one will begin with a short bike repair clinic followed by the easiest of the daily rides. This class is limited to 10 participants. Prior biking is a must as the mountain roads can be physically challenging. Bike rental is available for an additional fee of approximately $100.00. See you on the road to peaceful bliss.
First there was Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. Now there is Mindfulness and the Art of Bicycling. Come and join us for this exciting first at Elat Chayyim! Explore Ulster county, one of the most scenic regions in NY State. Enjoy quiet mountain roads, breathtaking vistas and visits to natural and historical landmarks. Each day will begin with stretching and creating kavannah (intention). While on the road, we will stop for meditation and prayer. Day one will begin with a short bike repair clinic followed by the easiest of the daily rides. This class is limited to 10 participants. Prior biking is a must as the mountain roads can be physically challenging. Bike rental is available for an additional fee of approximately $100.00. See you on the road to peaceful bliss.
Opening the Wisdom Heart through Meditation Rabbi Jeff Roth Rabbi Jeff Roth In psalms we read that counting our days can bring us a heart of wisdom. Our tradition understood that an open heart is the floodgate through which compassionate wisdom can manifest in our lives. The reintroduction of meditation into contemporary Jewish life has given us tremendous tools for transforming our lives in just this way. In this workshop, you will become familiar with a range of these meditative practices including concentration techniques, contemplative prayer, chanting and the use of silence to expand the awareness. In addition, participants will be encouraged to spend the time from wake up until lunch in silence. By doing this intensive meditation practice in the context of the larger retreat framework, we have the opportunity to watch how the practice impacts our ability to be present to others with openness, clarity and compassion.
Rabbi Jeff Roth
In psalms we read that counting our days can bring us a heart of wisdom. Our tradition understood that an open heart is the floodgate through which compassionate wisdom can manifest in our lives. The reintroduction of meditation into contemporary Jewish life has given us tremendous tools for transforming our lives in just this way. In this workshop, you will become familiar with a range of these meditative practices including concentration techniques, contemplative prayer, chanting and the use of silence to expand the awareness. In addition, participants will be encouraged to spend the time from wake up until lunch in silence. By doing this intensive meditation practice in the context of the larger retreat framework, we have the opportunity to watch how the practice impacts our ability to be present to others with openness, clarity and compassion.
Welcoming the World to Come: Jewish Reflections on the Messiah PM Classes Rabbi Leila Gal Berner What do Jews believe about the Messiah, the end time, and olam ha-ba (the world to come)? What does Jewish tradition teach us about how to prepare for Messiah-time and the relationship between the coming of the Messiah and tikkun olam (repair of the world)? We will look at images of the Messiah from different points in our history (as king and restorer of the Temple, as warrior in the final battle between good and evil, and as presider over the ultimate repair of the world), then ask how contemporary understandings of the Messiah are affecting current Israeli politics. Readings will include ancient rabbinic and Kabbalistic texts, as well as contemporary commentaries. Finally, we will engage in contemplative and group exercises designed to help us imagine what Mashiach-zeit might be like.
PM Classes
What do Jews believe about the Messiah, the end time, and olam ha-ba (the world to come)? What does Jewish tradition teach us about how to prepare for Messiah-time and the relationship between the coming of the Messiah and tikkun olam (repair of the world)? We will look at images of the Messiah from different points in our history (as king and restorer of the Temple, as warrior in the final battle between good and evil, and as presider over the ultimate repair of the world), then ask how contemporary understandings of the Messiah are affecting current Israeli politics. Readings will include ancient rabbinic and Kabbalistic texts, as well as contemporary commentaries. Finally, we will engage in contemplative and group exercises designed to help us imagine what Mashiach-zeit might be like.
Loneliness To Loving The Eros Of Tears Rabbi Mordechai Gafni Rabbi Mordechai Gafni The de-sanctification of Eros is understood by ancient Kabbalists as being one of the prime expressions of shattered vessels in our world. Why is classical religion so afraid of Eros? How can we honor the fear without it deadening our opportunity for depth and ecstasy? The exploration of Eros, as experienced through tears, laughter, love, and sexuality, will provide the framework for creating a new model for living deeply meaningful and relevant Jewish lives. Our discussion will take us on a journey through talmudic and Kabbalistic sources in an attempt to reclaim Eros for the realm of the holy. Each session will depart from a series of texts and perhaps continue into meditation, physical work and writing. This is an opportunity to participate in the re-claiming and re-newing of core spiritual paradigms, which will allow the messiah in each of us to emerge - gently, softly, fiercely and passionately.
Rabbi Mordechai Gafni
The de-sanctification of Eros is understood by ancient Kabbalists as being one of the prime expressions of shattered vessels in our world. Why is classical religion so afraid of Eros? How can we honor the fear without it deadening our opportunity for depth and ecstasy? The exploration of Eros, as experienced through tears, laughter, love, and sexuality, will provide the framework for creating a new model for living deeply meaningful and relevant Jewish lives. Our discussion will take us on a journey through talmudic and Kabbalistic sources in an attempt to reclaim Eros for the realm of the holy. Each session will depart from a series of texts and perhaps continue into meditation, physical work and writing. This is an opportunity to participate in the re-claiming and re-newing of core spiritual paradigms, which will allow the messiah in each of us to emerge - gently, softly, fiercely and passionately.
Mysticism and our Jewish Future Rabbi Shaya Isenberg Throughout the Jewish world there is an explosion of interest in spiritual experience: we are hungry for God. This appetite gives great hope for Judaism's future, as it is the mystical core that allows direct access to an experience of God that keeps religious tradition alive and vibrant. In this course we'll explore mystical and meditative paths that have evolved within Judaism, and experience practices that bring God directly into people's lives. Merkavah mystics, Kabbalists and Hasidic rebbes met God in their own ways, leaving us important clues for our own journeys. We'll study inspiring, accessible texts, chant Hasidic melodies, and meditate. In addition, we will draw comparisons to Buddhist, Christian and Sufi mystical traditions. This course will help participants create a toolkit of traditional and contemporary spiritual techniques from which they may build a personal daily Jewish practice.
Throughout the Jewish world there is an explosion of interest in spiritual experience: we are hungry for God. This appetite gives great hope for Judaism's future, as it is the mystical core that allows direct access to an experience of God that keeps religious tradition alive and vibrant. In this course we'll explore mystical and meditative paths that have evolved within Judaism, and experience practices that bring God directly into people's lives. Merkavah mystics, Kabbalists and Hasidic rebbes met God in their own ways, leaving us important clues for our own journeys. We'll study inspiring, accessible texts, chant Hasidic melodies, and meditate. In addition, we will draw comparisons to Buddhist, Christian and Sufi mystical traditions. This course will help participants create a toolkit of traditional and contemporary spiritual techniques from which they may build a personal daily Jewish practice.
Torah for a Grown-up Human Race Rabbi Arthur Waskow Rabbi Arthur Waskow If Eden is the story of the human race as children becoming rebellious adolescents, then entering a grim young adulthood where men boss women and humans eat only through exhausting toil, then when and how does the human race reach full adulthood? What can Shabbat, the Song of Songs, the Jubilee, Kabbalah, Jewish feminist spirituality, and Jewish renewal teach us about our personal and communal maturation process? We will study some of these traditions and sources, and respond to them, using drushodrama, chant, and journaling to create a vision of our most grown-up selves.
Rabbi Arthur Waskow
If Eden is the story of the human race as children becoming rebellious adolescents, then entering a grim young adulthood where men boss women and humans eat only through exhausting toil, then when and how does the human race reach full adulthood? What can Shabbat, the Song of Songs, the Jubilee, Kabbalah, Jewish feminist spirituality, and Jewish renewal teach us about our personal and communal maturation process? We will study some of these traditions and sources, and respond to them, using drushodrama, chant, and journaling to create a vision of our most grown-up selves.