Events

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March 2024

Monday Night Meditation

Mondays – 7 – 8:00pmby donationOn Zoom ONLY Check out our Timeline of Jewish Meditation » SCHEDULE1st Mondays – Judy Fleischman2nd Mondays – Jen Roitman3rd Mondays – Daniella Salzman4th Mondays – Jeffrey Kessler5th Mondays – Jeffrey Kessler DESCRIPTION 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 INFOIf you are new to Zoom, join early and follow the prompts to download the free software. 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: 848-045-873 Passcode: 847352 BIOSJen RoitmanJen experienced the power of chanting and meditation at a contemplative Rosh Hashanah service led by Rabbi Jonathan...

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18 Mar
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
20 Mar
8:15 am

Torah Study

Saturdays, 9:30 – 11amwith Eric StrellisJoin with 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
23 Mar
9:30 am

Contemplative Shabbat – Saturday Morning

Saturday March 23, 11am Join us for an in-person Shabbat service. Kiddish Lunch 12:30 pm, Care Circle 1:00 pm. Janet Kalk and Jeffrey Kessler will be conducting 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 Kiddish lunch and Chesed Care Circle, sponsored by Heart 2 Heart. This offering is free and in-person. No registration required.  This month’s Chesed Care Circle will be led by Amos Lans, Chochmat member will offer two activities from his InterPlay practice.This is approximately a 15-20 minute optional fun exchange then back to eating and schmoozing. First, Amos will introduce folks to the “Joys of Exformation”—ways to release tensions & stress caused by information overload. The second will be a Solo Hand Dance for Guidance, a relaxing and slow movement form which people can use to obtain guidance for questions in our lives. Amos first started attending Chochmat’s Contemplative Shabbats in 2006, and has relished the slow pace of those services and the chance to chant in such a caring community. He has been a regular attender of the Thursday Men’s InterPlay class since 2008, and has been leading InterPlay for 11 years.  For more information about interplay, email: amoslans6@gmail.com Janet Falk has been associated with Chochmat HaLev since 2006, when she started participating in Monday Night Meditation. She has been a regular meditator since that time and has co-led the monthly Contemplative Shabbat morning service for several years, along with Jeffrey Kessler. Janet has also served on the board of Chochmat HaLev, was the Board President for 2 years, and continues as chair of the High Holy...

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23 Mar
11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Purim Festival at Urban Adamah

Celebrate Purim on the farm with Urban Adamah, Chochmat HaLev, Kehillah Community Synagogue, and Berkeley Moshav! Purim-themed crafts, music, and stories geared toward families and youth ages 0-12, followed by a community dinner will be offered for all. Children under 2 are free. Costumes are highly encouraged! SCHEDULE 5:30 – 6:30 PM | Puppet Show, Holiday Crafts and Games 6:30 – 7:30 PM | Community Dinner (outdoors) 7:30 – 10:00 PM | Megillah Reading and Community Bash (Register Separately) Puppet Show (Ages 0-6): Families are invited to join Jen Miriam Altman for music, puppets, and a pre-school friendly telling of the Purim story! Laugh at the silly King who likes to throw parties instead of ruling. Dance with Vashti who won’t come and dance because she is busy having her own dance party. Cheer for the Brave Ester who risks all to save her people. Clap and dance as Mordechai delivers his popular song… “Mordechai won’t bow down”. ‘Boo’ as Haman rolls the dice to set a day to punish Mordechai and his people. And be prepared for a surprise ending! This show will have you laughing, crying, praying, and dancing in the aisles. The puppet show is geared for families with kids ages 0 to 6 and will be held indoors. Purim Carnival (Ages 6-12): While our younger community members have the option of our Purim puppet show, Urban Adamah will also be hosting a wide array of carnival-style activities for young people 6-12. Activities include making your own grogger to shake when we hear the name “Haman” during our community megillah reading, making mishloach manot bags to bring joy and sweetness to others, ring toss, cornhole, pin-the-hat-on-Haman and more. Click Here to Register for the Puppet Show! Adults and their friends are invited to join later in the evening for our Purim Megillah Reading and Bash! Please note, registration for the...

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23 Mar
5:30 pm - 11:00 pm

Monday Night Meditation

Mondays – 7 – 8:00pmby donationOn Zoom ONLY Check out our Timeline of Jewish Meditation » SCHEDULE1st Mondays – Judy Fleischman2nd Mondays – Jen Roitman3rd Mondays – Daniella Salzman4th Mondays – Jeffrey Kessler5th Mondays – Jeffrey Kessler DESCRIPTION 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 INFOIf you are new to Zoom, join early and follow the prompts to download the free software. 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: 848-045-873 Passcode: 847352 BIOSJen RoitmanJen experienced the power of chanting and meditation at a contemplative Rosh Hashanah service led by Rabbi Jonathan...

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25 Mar
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
27 Mar
8:15 am

Heart Song – A Music and Mindfulness Event

Since ancient times, music has been used to connect us to our internal world and to help us explore different parts of ourselves. We would like to invite you to a unique opportunity to celebrate the connection between sounds, voice, silence, music and our inner experience.  In this workshop we will explore your essential self through mindfulness and the soul connecting quality of music. No musical ability is necessary. You can be tone deaf! Music has the capacity to touch us very deeply, evoke our feelings, move our bodies and inspire our spirits.    We are born with an innate sense of love, personal mission, natural self-expression, authenticity and grace that often becomes compromised through the inevitable hurts and disappointments that wound us, and around which we tend to contract away from our essence. This workshop is designed to help you reconnect with what is deepest in you, the music of your soul, the richness of your own song that is longing to be sung.  You will be supported in embodying your own uniqueness in a safe, gentle and music filled environment where you can rediscover yourself in connection with others.  In this workshop we will use world music to sing, chant, meditate and study the different experiences that music evokes in us.  Allow music to begin the process of healing the wounds which separated you from yourself and yourself from others  Connect with others from a place of authenticity and celebration through music  Participate in music that will evoke your compassion for self others  Use traditional music from different parts of the world and modern exercises to bring our attention inward.   Use music as a tool for transformation and growth.  Click here to Register Lior TsarfatyLior Tsarfaty is an internationally touring musician and recording artist.  He uniquely weaves music and various healing modalities to...

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28 Mar
6:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Torah Study

Saturdays, 9:30 – 11amwith Eric StrellisJoin with 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
30 Mar
9:30 am
April 2024

Monday Night Meditation

Mondays – 7 – 8:00pmby donationOn Zoom ONLY Check out our Timeline of Jewish Meditation » SCHEDULE1st Mondays – Judy Fleischman2nd Mondays – Jen Roitman3rd Mondays – Daniella Salzman4th Mondays – Jeffrey Kessler5th Mondays – Jeffrey Kessler DESCRIPTION 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 INFOIf you are new to Zoom, join early and follow the prompts to download the free software. 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: 848-045-873 Passcode: 847352 BIOSJen RoitmanJen experienced the power of chanting and meditation at a contemplative Rosh Hashanah service led by Rabbi Jonathan...

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01 Apr
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
03 Apr
8:15 am

Kabbalat Shabbat with Wilderness Torah!

Friday, April 5, 6pm In person and on Zoom Meeting ID 878 1040 4956Passcode 972073 Join Chochmat HaLev and Wilderness Torah 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 and special guests. Service will start promptly at 6pm — please arrive a few minutes early to check in and be seated. Community Potluck after services, followed by HeartSpace.  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/8781040495 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 Community Potluck oneg and schmooze with our beloved community! Then join us for another special HeartSpace circle.   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.org 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. Physical 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...

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05 Apr
6:00 pm
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