Events

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January 2025

Kabbalat Shabbat

Friday, January 3, 6pm In person and on Zoom Meeting ID 878 1040 4956Passcode 972073 Join Chochmat HaLev for a Kabbalat Shabbat (Welcoming Shabbat) service, a mystical tradition full of embodied prayer, soulful singing, ecstatic dancing, guided meditation, sharing of ancestral wisdom, and connection in intergenerational community. This service will be led by Zvika Krieger,  Lior Tsarfaty, Lauren Arrow, and special guests. Service will start promptly at 6pm — please arrive a few minutes early to check in and be seated. Potluck oneg after services, followed by HeartSpace at 8pm, If you’re planning to attend in-person, please register in advance.If you’re planning to attend via Zoom, the link is here: https://zoom.us/j/8781040 Register here! HOLY WORK (Sign up to volunteer) During service Childcare is available. Please register so we know you’re coming! After service Please bring a delicious vegetarian contribution to our potluck oneg and schmooze with our beloved community! Followed by HeartSpace at 8pm  Accessibility ZOOM INFOJoin with video  https://zoom.us/j/87810404956 Join by phone  1-669-900-6833, 1-346-248-7799, 1-253-215-8782Meeting ID 878 1040 4956Passcode 972073Notice: Our Zoom recordings are for archival purposes only, and therefore are not available to the public.DONATION INFO Our Shabbat services are supported by donation. Each donation, small and large, allows us to continue with this offering. Please contribute when you register, or at one of the links below:• Donate online chochmat.org/give• Venmo @chochmat • Paypal shalom@chochmat.orgPhysical Access Entrance Entrance to the Sanctuary is at the corner of Prince St. and Fulton St.. There are 8 steps into the main entrance of the Sanctuary. There is an accessible ramp at a separate entrance on Fulton St. Please let a volunteer or staff know if you need to use this entrance; you can also email us in advance at shalom@chochmat.org Seating We have folding chairs (some with padding, some without), pillows, and floor cushions available...

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03 Jan
6:00 pm

Torah Study

Saturdays, 9:30 – 11amwith Eric Strellis Join on  Zoom It is a tree of life to all who take hold of it, and whoever keeps hold of it is happy; its ways are ways of pleasantness, and all its paths are peace.  – Proverbs 3:17-18 If Torah is our Tree of Life, where are its roots, how does it flower, what does its fruit taste like? Answers to these questions, and more, are revealed to us every week when we study together. Engaging with Torah allows us to access an Eternal Wisdom that often seems intimidating, hidden and unreachable. Explore the parsha, the week’s Torah portion, with a warm, supportive, questioning community.  Together, we luxuriate in the specialness of Shabbat, delving deeply into the text. We read the entire parsha aloud in English and see where the discussion leads us.  Prior experience with the text is not required as we read it again, together, for the first time. Join us and deepen your connection to Torah, Shabbat, and Jewish community. Everyone is welcome, every voice is valued. For more information, please reach out to Eric Strellis at eric@chochmat.org. DONATION INFOWe rely on your contributions to cover our expenses. Please consider donating, or become a member! Free for Chochmat members$5 requested donation for non-members• Donate online here• Venmo @chochmat• Paypal shalom@chochmat.org ZOOM INFOIf you are new to Zoom, join early and follow the prompts to download the free software.Join with videohttps://zoom.us/j/652501750 Join by phone1-669-444 9171 1-346-248-77991-253-205-0468 Meeting ID: 881 8385 9402Passcode: 986927
04 Jan
9:30 am

Rosh Chodesh Women+ Wisdom Circle

This Rosh Chodesh Women+ Wisdom Circle is a monthly gathering for women-identifying and nonbinary individuals to connect in community and tap into the wisdom and healing available through the Hebrew calendar—and one another. Each new moon, we’ll explore the unique “soul” of the month through themed discussions, embodied practice, and mystical meditations. We’ll harness the power of coming together at the new moon towards personal growth and collective healing, carrying our learnings into the rest of the month until we meet again. Sessions will be led by Stacia Kenet and ilyse iris magy What to Expect: Honor Tradition: Gather in a circle around each new moon to celebrate our connection to natural rhythms and each other. Each session will include check-ins, song, learning, meditation, embodied practice, creative exploration, and spiritual reflection. Learn Ancient Mystical Practice: Experience the soul energy of the month by meditating on a unique permutation of God’s name, YHVH. Build Meaningful Connections: Share stories, insights, and intentions in a trusted container that fosters authentic and vulnerable conversation. Strengthen Community Bonds: Deepen your connection to the Chochmat HaLev community while engaging in transformative Jewish learning and practice. LOGISTICS: Where: Chochmat HaLev When:  Six sessions roughly every four weeks, on Sundays close to the New Moon  Time:  3:30-5:30pm Jan 5 – Tevet  Feb 2 – Shvat  Mar 2 – Adar  Apr 6 – Nissan  Apr 27 – Iyar  Jun 1 – Sivan (**Might be at an alternative location) Who:  Our Rosh Chodesh circle is open to anyone who identifies as female as well as anyone who feels most comfortable in such a space, including those who identify as trans, non-binary, or gender expansive. A note on gender affinity spaces:  Our Rosh Chodesh circle is open to anyone who identifies as female as well as anyone who feels most comfortable in such...

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05 Jan
3:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Monday Night Meditation

Mondays,  7 – 8:30pm by donationOnly on Zoom Check out our Timeline of Jewish Meditation » EVENT DESCRIPTION Come Deepen Your Practice of Jewish Meditation Want to see God (or at least It’s shadow)? Lower your blood pressure? Manage your spiritual confusion? Connect with a deeper Jewish consciousness? Learn about Judaism’s esoteric side? Get a whiff of enlightenment? Just as healthy foods nourish our body, Jewish meditation nourishes our soul.  It has been around for centuries and includes forms such as chanting, visualization, silence, and movement. It can revitalize and transform Judaism from the blasé familiar into a profound and constantly renewing spiritual practice. As one of the first modern Jewish institutions to teach these forms when we opened our doors in 1995, we invite you to join us in a journey that is both personal and communal, a claiming and reclaiming of ancient pathways that open and deepen our capacity to live in connection. Some of the teachers are skilled in Classical Jewish styles of meditation, while others are practitioners of other forms but have integrated Jewish wisdom, liturgy, and concepts into their teaching. All provide an interesting, engaging and meaningful experience. For beginners and experienced meditators alike. No previous meditation or Jewish experience required. By donation. DONATION INFO$18 suggested donation. Our meditation program is supported entirely by donations. Each contribution, small and large, allows us to keep bringing you meaningful offerings.• Donate online chochmat.org/give• Venmo @Chochmat• Paypal shalom@chochmat.org ZOOM INFO Join with video:  https://zoom.us/j/848045873?pwd=bHpOZEpwTGJkbDNRLzNoVjNoZ01vZz09 Join by phone: 1-669-900-6833, or 1-346-248-7799, or 1-253-215-8782Meeting ID: 848-045-873Passcode: 847352 BIOSJen RoitmanJen experienced the power of chanting and meditation at a contemplative Rosh Hashanah service led by Rabbi Jonathan Omer-man and has been practicing Jewish and Vipassana meditation for more than 18 years.  She is a graduate of Rabbi Shefa Gold’s Kol Zimra Chant Leader Training, and The Sati Center Buddhist Chaplaincy Program. ...

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06 Jan
7:00 pm

Meditation of Presence

with Jeffrey KesslerWednesdays  |  8:15 – 9amBy Donation  |  On Zoom  Check out our Timeline of Jewish Meditation » Torah is our technology for encountering the Divine Presence. Silence provides a necessary space for that encounter. According to Jewish tradition, the Presence dwells continually within and around us, but we must learn deep listening to receive its generative wisdom. Shemah – in a word that sounds like an exhalation of breath,  we are directed to listen in order to understand the Divine Oneness. We are to open to this Oneness with all of our heart, our soul, our strength. We must listen to our bodies, our emotions, our thoughts, all that is deep within us. Join us as we sit together in silence, after a brief teaching on meditation practice in connection either with the weekly Torah portion or where we find ourselves in the Jewish sacred calendar. About Jeffrey KesslerA graduate of Chochmat HaLev’s first Jewish Meditation Teacher Training Program, Jeffrey has studied many spiritual traditions. With degrees in philosophy, mathematics and spiritual psychology, Jeffrey has spent his life exploring the many creative disciplines of staying open in order to connect with the Nameless One. He sees Meditation and Mussar practice as key to the renewal of Jewish spirituality. DONATION INFO$18 suggested donation. Every contribution, large or small, allows us to keep bringing you meditation, services, and much more. • Donate online chochmat.org/give• Venmo @Chochmat• Paypal shalom@chochmat.org ZOOM INFOJoin with video  https://zoom.us/j/520703203?pwd=RnJNRittSkZNcnkxNm03WGxvcFgyQT09 Join by phone  1-669-900-6833, 1-346-248-7799, 1-253-215-8782Meeting ID: 520 703 203Passcode: 062729
08 Jan
8:15 am

Let’s Talk Prophets

×No meeting on 9/12! Read aloud and discuss Kings 1, Chapters 21-22 and Kings 1, Chapters 1-2. Our reading concludes Eliah’s story. We will meet via Zoom. All donations appreciated! 7pm on Zoom »Meeting ID: 895 6011 5951Passcode: 573038 “Never again did there arise in Israel a prophet like Moses.” Our Torah Scroll ends with the death of Moses and the People of Israel poised to enter the Promised Land.  What a classic cliffhanger! But the story of the Jewish people continues and the book of Nevi’im, or Prophets: For those of you who love a good story, maybe even hero and anti-hero themes, you are in luck. Our readings chronicle the story of the Israelites in the promised land and the challenges they face.  It is truly amazing that the Divine One has put up with all this! Come explore these fascinating texts with us on every 2nd Thursday of the month at 7pm. The text can be found on Sefaria Never again did there arise in Israel a prophet like Moses…. Deut. 34:1″
09 Jan
7:00 pm

Torah Study

Saturdays, 9:30 – 11amwith Eric Strellis Join on  Zoom It is a tree of life to all who take hold of it, and whoever keeps hold of it is happy; its ways are ways of pleasantness, and all its paths are peace.  – Proverbs 3:17-18 If Torah is our Tree of Life, where are its roots, how does it flower, what does its fruit taste like? Answers to these questions, and more, are revealed to us every week when we study together. Engaging with Torah allows us to access an Eternal Wisdom that often seems intimidating, hidden and unreachable. Explore the parsha, the week’s Torah portion, with a warm, supportive, questioning community.  Together, we luxuriate in the specialness of Shabbat, delving deeply into the text. We read the entire parsha aloud in English and see where the discussion leads us.  Prior experience with the text is not required as we read it again, together, for the first time. Join us and deepen your connection to Torah, Shabbat, and Jewish community. Everyone is welcome, every voice is valued. For more information, please reach out to Eric Strellis at eric@chochmat.org. DONATION INFOWe rely on your contributions to cover our expenses. Please consider donating, or become a member! Free for Chochmat members$5 requested donation for non-members• Donate online here• Venmo @chochmat• Paypal shalom@chochmat.org ZOOM INFOIf you are new to Zoom, join early and follow the prompts to download the free software.Join with videohttps://zoom.us/j/652501750 Join by phone1-669-444 9171 1-346-248-77991-253-205-0468 Meeting ID: 881 8385 9402Passcode: 986927
11 Jan
9:30 am

Contemplative Shabbat – Saturday Morning

Join us for an in-person Shabbat service. Kiddish Lunch 12:30 pm, Chesed Community Care Circle 1:00 pm. Janet Falk and Jeffrey Kessler conduct Chochmat’s beautiful Contemplative Service, created by founding member Nan Gefen and Rabbi Jonathan Omer-man. The service follows the arc of the traditional morning Shabbat service in distilled form – with alternating periods of chant and silence, time for personal prayer, Torah teaching, and Mourner’s Kaddish. This service will be followed by a oneg lunch sponsored by Heart 2 Heart.  Join us at 1:00 pm in the social hall and courtyard for Chesed Community Care Circle. This offering is free and in-person. No registration required. Contact Shelley Coleman heart@chochmat.org with any questions. Want to get involved a little a lot call:  heart 2 heart at 510-390-6609 DONATION INFOOur Shabbat services are supported by donation. Each donation, small and large, allows us to continue with this offering.• Donate online chochmat.org/give• Venmo @chochmat• Paypal shalom@chochmat.org
11 Jan
11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Winter Retreat 2025

We invite you to gather in a beautiful, communal setting as we care for our bodies, minds and hearts within the sacred container of retreat. Join us to slow down, meditate, and create a collective field of awareness to rediscover the gratitude, joy, and peace that the practice of presence offers us. Whatever is true for you – whatever is happening in your life and inner world – we invite you to come as you are. No meditation experience is necessary. Through guided meditation, silence, gentle movement, teachings, journaling and group reflection, we will rest our minds, restore our bodies, and revive the deep wisdom of our hearts together. Daniella Salzman and Adam Moskowitz are grateful to co-lead this retreat, with inspiration from many teachers, wisdom paths and communities Where: Chochmat HaLev, 2215 Prince Street, Berkeley, CA 94705 When: Sunday, January 12, 2025, from 9:30 am – 4:30 pm Who: All are welcome. No experience needed. Cost: $54 scholarship | $72 sustainable | $90 supportive Please plan to fully disconnect from email, texting, and phone calls during our time together. The retreat will include periods of silence and group reflection. Additional Information:Arrive early to settle in and start on time, doors open at 9:00am. There will be cushions, back-jacks and chairs. There is a small courtyard for outdoor breaks. Hot water, tea and vegan/gluten-free snacks will be available in the kitchen. Please bring: lunch – please do not plan to leave Chochmat HaLev during the day. The venue is a kosher-style facility, so no pork or shellfish or meat mixed with dairy are allowed on the premises. Thank you for your understanding. layers for warmth closed water bottle for inside the sanctuary journal & pen any additional items to support you in being comfortable in your seat For more on...

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12 Jan
9:30 am - 4:30 pm
Chochmat Halev
2215 Prince Street

Kiddush Levana Men’s Circle

Experience the Power of Tradition, Connection, and Spiritual Growth The Kiddush Levana (Sanctifying the Moon) Men’s Blessing Circle is a monthly gathering that combines Jewish tradition, spiritual practice, and community building. This program is for male-identified individuals seeking a safe and meaningful space to explore personal growth, offer blessing for the new month,, and strengthen connections within the Chochmat HaLev community. What to Expect: Celebrate Tradition: Begin each session outdoors under the moonlight with a joyous Kiddush Levana ritual. Sing, dance, and honor the cycles of nature in alignment with Jewish wisdom. Engage in Inquiry and Reflection: Gather in a circle to explore the Four Worlds of Kabbalah—each session will include check-ins, intention-setting, learning, and spiritual reflection. Build Meaningful Connections: Share stories, insights, and intentions in a trusted container that fosters authentic and vulnerable conversation. Strengthen Community Bonds: Deepen your connection to the Chochmat HaLev community while engaging in transformative Jewish learning. Sessions will be led by Noah Phillips and David Steuer LOGISTICS: Where: Nicholl Knob and Noah’s nearby home in Point Richmond When:  6 Sundays, Monthly, at sunset, between the third and fifteen days of the Hebrew month (the second or first Sunday of each Gregorian month). Jan 12 (Tevet 12) Feb 9 (Shevat 11) March 9 (Adar 9) April 6 (Nisan 8) May 4 (Iyar 6) June 8 (Sivan 12) Who: Our Kiddush Levana circle is open to anyone who identifies as male as well as anyone who feels most comfortable in such a space, including those who identify as trans, non-binary, or gender expansive. A note on gender affinity spaces: Our Kiddush Levana circle is open to anyone who identifies as male as well as anyone who feels most comfortable in such a space, including those who identify as trans, non-binary, or gender expansive. Our intention is...

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12 Jan
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Monday Night Meditation

Mondays,  7 – 8:30pm by donationOnly on Zoom Check out our Timeline of Jewish Meditation » EVENT DESCRIPTION Come Deepen Your Practice of Jewish Meditation Want to see God (or at least It’s shadow)? Lower your blood pressure? Manage your spiritual confusion? Connect with a deeper Jewish consciousness? Learn about Judaism’s esoteric side? Get a whiff of enlightenment? Just as healthy foods nourish our body, Jewish meditation nourishes our soul.  It has been around for centuries and includes forms such as chanting, visualization, silence, and movement. It can revitalize and transform Judaism from the blasé familiar into a profound and constantly renewing spiritual practice. As one of the first modern Jewish institutions to teach these forms when we opened our doors in 1995, we invite you to join us in a journey that is both personal and communal, a claiming and reclaiming of ancient pathways that open and deepen our capacity to live in connection. Some of the teachers are skilled in Classical Jewish styles of meditation, while others are practitioners of other forms but have integrated Jewish wisdom, liturgy, and concepts into their teaching. All provide an interesting, engaging and meaningful experience. For beginners and experienced meditators alike. No previous meditation or Jewish experience required. By donation. DONATION INFO$18 suggested donation. Our meditation program is supported entirely by donations. Each contribution, small and large, allows us to keep bringing you meaningful offerings.• Donate online chochmat.org/give• Venmo @Chochmat• Paypal shalom@chochmat.org ZOOM INFO Join with video:  https://zoom.us/j/848045873?pwd=bHpOZEpwTGJkbDNRLzNoVjNoZ01vZz09 Join by phone: 1-669-900-6833, or 1-346-248-7799, or 1-253-215-8782Meeting ID: 848-045-873Passcode: 847352 BIOSJen RoitmanJen experienced the power of chanting and meditation at a contemplative Rosh Hashanah service led by Rabbi Jonathan Omer-man and has been practicing Jewish and Vipassana meditation for more than 18 years.  She is a graduate of Rabbi Shefa Gold’s Kol Zimra Chant Leader Training, and The Sati Center Buddhist Chaplaincy Program. ...

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13 Jan
7:00 pm

Meditation of Presence

with Jeffrey KesslerWednesdays  |  8:15 – 9amBy Donation  |  On Zoom  Check out our Timeline of Jewish Meditation » Torah is our technology for encountering the Divine Presence. Silence provides a necessary space for that encounter. According to Jewish tradition, the Presence dwells continually within and around us, but we must learn deep listening to receive its generative wisdom. Shemah – in a word that sounds like an exhalation of breath,  we are directed to listen in order to understand the Divine Oneness. We are to open to this Oneness with all of our heart, our soul, our strength. We must listen to our bodies, our emotions, our thoughts, all that is deep within us. Join us as we sit together in silence, after a brief teaching on meditation practice in connection either with the weekly Torah portion or where we find ourselves in the Jewish sacred calendar. About Jeffrey KesslerA graduate of Chochmat HaLev’s first Jewish Meditation Teacher Training Program, Jeffrey has studied many spiritual traditions. With degrees in philosophy, mathematics and spiritual psychology, Jeffrey has spent his life exploring the many creative disciplines of staying open in order to connect with the Nameless One. He sees Meditation and Mussar practice as key to the renewal of Jewish spirituality. DONATION INFO$18 suggested donation. Every contribution, large or small, allows us to keep bringing you meditation, services, and much more. • Donate online chochmat.org/give• Venmo @Chochmat• Paypal shalom@chochmat.org ZOOM INFOJoin with video  https://zoom.us/j/520703203?pwd=RnJNRittSkZNcnkxNm03WGxvcFgyQT09 Join by phone  1-669-900-6833, 1-346-248-7799, 1-253-215-8782Meeting ID: 520 703 203Passcode: 062729
15 Jan
8:15 am
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