Tikkun ha’Middot

“You shall be holy because I, your Infinite Source, am holy.”

                — Leviticus 9:1

The commandment to be holy is an invitation to fully embody our divine nature–to become our best selves. This lofty aspiration is supported by the Jewish practice of Tikkun ha’Middot–refining our character through the cultivation of the virtues such as gratitude, humility, generosity, patience, honesty, awe and holy speech. By strengthening and balancing these middot (character traits) the natural radiance of our souls can shine through.

In this study group, we will explore ancient and contemporary Jewish wisdom teachings on Tikkun ha’Middot, along with insights from the world’s great faith traditions. Each session will focus on a single soul trait through text study, storytelling, chanting, simple movement and meditation practices. If interested, those who attend this series may decide to continue meeting with the guidance of a teacher as an ongoing study group to form a unique community of practice.

Open to all — no prior experience needed.

8 Sessions, Tuesday evenings — We begin during Sukkot and will meet in the Sukkah (weather permitting) on October 22. The rest of the sessions will be in the sanctuary on Oct 29, Nov 5, 12,19, Dec 3, 10, 17.

The first and last class will include both teachers and will meet from 7 – 9 pm; all other sessions will meet from 7 – 8:30 pm.

Sliding scale:  $150-300 for CHL members; $200-$350 for non-members. No one turned away for lack of funds.

Sessions will be led by Estelle Frankel and Jeffrey Kessler

Estelle Frankel, MFT, is a practicing psychotherapist, author, spiritual director and seasoned teacher of Jewish mysticism and musar. She is a popular public speaker who has taught courses on the intersection of Judaism, spirituality and healing for over 40 years. She is the author of two books — Sacred Therapy: Jewish Spiritual Teachings on Emotional Healing and Inner Wholeness; and The Wisdom of Not Knowing: Discovering a Life of Wonder by Embracing Uncertainty.
Jeffrey Kessler is a graduate of Chochmat HaLev’s first Jewish Meditation Teacher Training Program.  Jeffrey has studied many spiritual traditions and has degrees in philosophy, mathematics, and spiritual psychology. He has spent his life exploring the many creative disciplines of staying open in order to connect with the Nameless One, and sees Meditation and Mussar practice as key to the renewal of Jewish spirituality.

Date

Oct 22 2024

Time

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
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