Transforming Jews, Judaism, and the world through contemplative Jewish Practice.
Photo from My Seven Days in Silence, a film by Jonathan Perlman.
Who We Are
At Or HaLev, we believe that Judaism is a precious resource for crafting a meaningful life, and a gateway to transformative spiritual practice. We teach contemplative, pluralistic, connective Judaism as a way of life.
Our Vision
Founded in 2011 by Rabbi Dr. James Jacobson-Maisels, Or HaLev’s vision is one of transformational Judaism that is capable of healing the individual as well as the collective.
Or HaLev was launched with the goal of giving people access to a deep meditation practice through a cross-denominational approach to Judaism. We are a destination for Jewish mindfulness that creates open and immersive opportunities for deepening spiritual practice in Israel, the UK, and North America.
In doing so, we offer a taste of Judaism as we know it can be – welcoming, renewing, inspirational - and then work to support our students year-round to integrate this into their lives. Or HaLev has touched thousands of people so far, across five continents, regardless of prior meditation experience or Jewish background. We offer a broad tent and all are welcome.
Our work in Israel brings innovative and inclusive Judaism to Israeli Jews from all backgrounds and denominations supporting the growth of pluralism and democratic Judaism in Israel.
Our Values
Repair/Tikun
Judaism is a source of deep wisdom and tools to effect transformation (tikkun) of ourselves, our community, our world and God. Such repair has always been the ultimate goal of the Jewish mystical tradition.
Practice/Tirgul
Transformation occurs through discipline and practice and requires concrete techniques of self-development. Other traditions also have wisdom and tools, and we are open to drawing on those techniques that aid our transformation.
Spiritual Community/Hevriah
Spiritual community is a crucial component of self-transformation. We work together to tend our spiritual garden through communally-held spaces that welcome people from all backgrounds, identities, and outlooks. Diversity is what gives our community strength and we are committed to being an open and welcoming place for all.
Humility/Anava
Our teachers are themselves on the path of transformation, succeeding and failing, and sharing their journeys with their students.
Divinity/Tzelem Elokim
Honoring the sanctity of all beings made in the image of God, in our dealings in the world, we celebrate our intrinsic belovedness as children of the divine..
Lineage/Masoret
Opening to the gifts we receive from our tradition, we commit ourselves to sharing this practice with others.
Our Staff
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Rabbi Dr. James Jacobson-Maisels
Founder & Spiritual Director
Rav James leads and directs the vision of Or HaLev. Ordained by Rav Daniel Landes, with a doctorate in Jewish Studies … read more
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Galit Toledano
Executive Director
Galit brings over 25 years of experience in managing social change organizations with broad experience partnering across government, business, NGOs, and individuals in both Israel and the United States…read more -
Carrie Watkins
Community Manager
Carrie Watkins is a practitioner, organizer, and teacher of Jewish Meditation. A fourth year Rabbinical Student at Hebrew College, Community Manager for Or HaLev … read more
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Adam Treistman
Teacher and Israel Community Manager
Adam is a veteran group facilitator and teacher of Jewish spiritual development. In recent years, he has established … read more
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Yifat Ben Dror
Digital Content Manager
Yifat is a graduate of Journalism and Communications studies (with honors) from Bar Ilan University…read more
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Naomi Shifrin
English Language Coordinator
Hailing from New York, Naomi Shifrin is a vocalist, prayer leader, and lifelong student of yoga and mindfulness meditation…read more
Our Faculty
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Rabbah Dr. Mira Neshama Niculescu
Mira is a Paris-born scholar and teacher of Torah and Meditation. She earned a Ph.D. in Sociology of Religion … read more
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Danny Cohen
Danny graduated from the Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania and pursued the study of Torah and … read more
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Rabbi Dorothy Richman
Dorothy serves as the rabbi of Makor Or: Jewish Meditation Center and is a founding faculty member of the new … read more
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Dafna Arnoni
Dafna is a Jewish meditation and mindfulness teacher with over 15 years of dedicated practice … read more
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Keren Sheffi
Keren Sheffi is a writer of fiction and non-fiction, a translator of Dharma and other books, and a meditation teacher who… read more
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Yael Shy
Yael Shy is the CEO of Mindfulness Consulting, LLC, where she teaches and consults on mindfulness for … read more
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Rabbi Benjamin Barnett
Benjamin serves as Rabbi of Havurah Shalom in Portland, Oregon. In that role, he strives to listen deeply and accompany … read more
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Genevieve Greinetz
Genevieve Greinetz serves as Assistant Rabbi and Director of Education at Peninsula Temple Beth El in San Mateo, CA. … read more
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Rebecca Schisler
A devoted mindfulness practitioner and teacher, Rebecca is a core faculty member at the Institute for Jewish Spirituality… read more
Board of Directors
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Joe Green
Co-Chairman
Joe is a social entrepreneur based in Los Angeles. He is the co-founder (along with Sean Parker) of Causes … read more
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Michael Burnham
Co-Chair
Michael Burnham has practiced mindful meditation for forty years. As he closed a successful business career, he … read more
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Jonathan Tassoff
Treasurer
With a BS in Economics from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, Jonathan is … read more
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Alan Bernstein
Board Member
Alan is a Managing Director at the Community Development Venture Capital Alliance, where he co-manages the Puerto Rico … read more
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Bryan Berkett
Board Member
Bryan is an avocado farmer in California … read more
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Stephanie Pell
Board Member
Stephanie Pell is a long-time student of Or HaLev, legal consultant, mother and dual citizen of the US and Israel … read more
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Karen Herron
Board Member
Karen Herron is a lay leader working toward economic, racial, and gender equality and religious pluralism… read more
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Jill Minneman
Board Member
Jill Minneman partners with individuals and nonprofit organizations to create and sustain positive, transformational change. ..read more
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Scott Austin
Board Member
Scott believes every interaction is a precious opportunity for kindness and thus tikkun olam. Most conversations with Scott cannot go more than 5 minutes without him…read more
Press
Partners
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HaMakom
HaMakom offers Jewish teachings of wisdom, compassion, and meditation practice for the wellbeing of all that lives. Or HaLev and HaMakom have offered retreats together for many years, and look forward to continuing to do so.
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Institute of Jewish Spirituality
IJS offers programs and resources to cultivate mindfulness, deeper connection, and enliven Jewish life. Or HaLev and IJS are two of the leading organizations in the field of Jewish mindfulness. As such, we are thrilled to announce our partnership in offering a Mindfulness Teacher Training Course (Learn More).
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The Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies
Pardes is an open, inclusive, diverse and intellectually-challenging Jewish learning community based in Jerusalem with programs worldwide. Pardes cultivates a life-long love of Jewish learning, the Jewish people and Israel, while inspiring the next generation of communal and spiritual leaders, and educators. Pardes and Or HaLev have offered retreats together for many years and look forward to continuing to do so.
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Giving Group Community
The Giving Group Community (GGC) was founded in 2021 to enable passionate philanthropists to connect with each other and explore unique giving opportunities in Israel and the Jewish world.
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The Natan Fund
Natan inspires philanthropists to become actively engaged in building the Jewish future by giving collaboratively to cutting-edge initiatives in Israel and in Jewish communities around the world. Natan believes that educated, engaged, and entrepreneurial philanthropy can transform both givers and grant recipients.
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Rise Up
Rise Up was launched in the Fall of 2019 with funding from the Nathan Cummings Foundation. Rise Up's mission is to nurture the soul of Jewish justice work.
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The Ravitz Foundation
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Lippman Kanfer Foundation for Living Torah
Lippman Kanfer Foundation for Living Torah is helping Jews and fellow travelers apply Jewish wisdom to thrive and shape a better world.
Or HaLev’s 2023 Annual Report
In 2023 Or HaLev continues to generate exceptional programming while expanding our spectrum significantly and providing new opportunities for our community to connect, learn and grow. We have risen to the challenge of responding to the needs of the Jewish Community post October 7, and are continuing to remain present and responsive to the ongoing impact of the war. Our organizational transitions have prepared us for strategic planning and growth and positioned Or HaLev to continue the positive trajectory through significant steps in 2024.
We are so grateful for your support!
Or HaLev’s 2022 Annual Report
You are an integral part of our success and we are excited and grateful to share our 2022 annual report with you!. This past year was an immense year of growth and we look forward to continued enhancements in our programming and strategic advancement.
We are so grateful for your support!
Or HaLev’s 2021 Annual Report
We are pleased to share our highlights of 2021 in our Or HaLev Annual Report. We are immeasurably grateful to our growing network of funders and supporters for making this possible as we continue to grow
Make a donation.
A not-for-profit organization Or HaLev is supported by the generosity of our constituents. We thank you for your support.