It’s been a long, complex and extraordinarily fruitful journey.
A community born in Berkeley in late 1994 (The sages say : Rosh HaShana 5755) . The first Jewish meditation academy, bearing the beautifully apt name Chochmat HaLev (“Wisdom of the Heart). Visually symbolized by a cherished rendering of the Kabbalist symbol for Ein Sof (“No End”). Powered through a succession of incarnations – as all 30 year old communities are – by an extraordinary chain of seekers, creators, learners, teachers, leaders, builders, members.
We’ve changed the world. Been changed by it.
Good times. Tough times. Times of continuity. Times of disruption. Times of growth.
Always: creativity, spirituality, community, and joyous gathering to dance, sing, learn, pray, and find the wisdom to move through life together. Innovating. Inspiring. Near and far.
Celebrating Chochmat @ 30, Chochmat-style.
A series of events arcing thru January-June 2025 in which we surface, honor, celebrate, and renew who and what Chochmat has been and is becoming.
A special, built-for-experimentation variant of the Chochmat-logo to distinguish those events in the flow of goings-on and to keep bringing our attention back to the uniqueness of this moment.
For members and non-members alike.
Details on the respective event pages as the year unfolds.
Friday 1/17/25 Special Kabbalat Shabbat
Honoring former Board members and Chochmat’s extraordinary heritage of Hineini leaders
Saturday 1/25 Special Torah Service + Kiddush + Program
Celebrating R. Zvika’s Aleph ordination and, after Kiddush, Go Deeper with a community program celebrating Chochmat’s spiritual lineage with an assembly of Bay Area Renewal Rabbis.
Honoring Chochmat’s dedication to reimagining and producing a rich repertoire ofJewish spiritual practices and experiences.
Accept the Zohar’s invitation to “make Shabbat a delight.. unto both the body and soul”
Accept Chochmat’s invitation to elevate this Shabbat to one you won’t forget.
Fri 1/31 The Queen’s Table: A Gala Friday Evening of Mystical Delight
A gala Friday evening in the Chasidic tradition (the “tisch”or table) with the two top scholar-teachers in Jewish mysticism, Melila Hellner Eshed & Danny Matt. Begin with an intimate conversation over Shabbat dinner at 6 or take your seat in the study hall at 8.
Sat 2/1 Come! Parshat Bo! With Melila
Gather in community for the waning hours of shabbat to go deeper on this week’s Torah portion that only Melilah can bring. Give yourself over to the unique intimacy and power of Jewish learning (the “shiur” or lesson) Then turn together to the week ahead with Havdalah.
Sun 3/30 Exodus and the Birth of Song: A Hadar Rising Song Immersive
Celebrating Our Commitment To Music As Prayer, Prayer As Music.
Join Hadar’s Rising Song Institute in Berkeley, CA, for a full-day musical immersive exploring the Jewish singing tradition that first emerges in the midst of the Exodus narrative.
Guided by a faculty team of composers, facilitators, and scholars, this experiential day offers the opportunity to explore and cultivate the underpinnings of empowered music and prayer communities. All are invited to build skills, ask questions, and immerse in heart-opening communal song!
Sat 4/26 Day Long Contemplative Shabbat Experience
Honoring and Expanding Our Roots In Contemplative Practice.
More details coming soon.
Sun 6/1- 6/2 Tikkun Leil Shavuot with LABA
Celebrating All of Torah, all night long. Chochmat-style.
More details coming soon.
Sat 6/14 Lev Unfolding: This Moment In Chochmat Time
A party to celebrate our 30th anniversary.
More details coming soon.
