Classes & Practice Groups
Classes, gatherings and meditation groups that explore Jewish texts, meditation and other spiritual practices, deepening our exploration of mindfulness and other spiritual practices in the Jewish tradition.
Photo from My Seven Days In Silence, a film by Jonathan Perlman.
About our classes.
Our classes and practice groups are rooted in Jewish tradition, with branches that stretch upwards towards the expansive sky. Or HaLev believes in an open and pluralistic Judaism that brings spiritual depth and authenticity.
Classes are a way to connect and engage with the Jewish roots of mindfulness and other spiritual practices. The Jewish tradition is rich with sources on different aspects of practice, and it is deeply rewarding to study and embody them. Like unearthing precious gems, the process of uncovering the understanding of spiritual life and practice in Jewish texts is an integral part of Or HaLev’s mission.
Similarly, each Jewish holiday and month carry with them a particular energy and the possibility to harness that energy for our growth and spiritual development. Or HaLev’s teachings open the portal of the Jewish calendar and reveal its ever-unfolding truths.
Our practice groups are a path to spiritual community. Once we establish a regular meditation practice, it is incredibly helpful to have a community of like-minded and like-hearted individuals with whom we can strengthen that practice. Just like sitting in a meditation hall and feeling the commitment and strength of those around us, joining a regular meditation group can enhance and reinvigorate our personal practice.
Hanukkah Virtual Meditative Journey
With Rabbah Dr. Mira Neshama Niculescu & Zac Newman
Dec 25, 2024 - Jan 2, 2025 // Recordings & On Zoom
Sukkot Virtual Meditative Journey
With Rabbah Dr. Mira Neshama Niculescu & Zac Newman
Oct 16 - Oct 23, 2024 // On Zoom
Registration for this course has ended
Ground & Center: Weekday Community Meditation
Held by Or HaLev Teachers
Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays
At 10:15-10:45am PT / 1:15-1:45pm ET / 17:15-17:45 UK / 20:15-20:45 Israel // on Zoom
*By signing up for this, you’re also registering for Rav James’ Wednesday Open Meditation
“I had an ill-informed view of pluralistic Judaism and was surprised by the resonance of a very Jewish experience in a different context than I was used to. Through sitting with Or HaLev, I’ve discovered unexplored connections between habits of mind and body that other forms of insight, like therapy, have not been able to provide.”
- Sarah H
Open Meditation Group
With Rabbi Dr. James Jacobson-Maisels
In partnership with Pardes North America
Wednesdays at 10:15am Pacific/1:15pm Eastern/6:15pm UK/ 8:15pm Israel // on Zoom
Mindfulness has deep roots in Jewish teachings. One such source is the Hasidic master, Rabbi Kalonymous Kalman Shapira. Our weekly class will open the doorway to a world where mindfulness and Judaism are entwined.
This meditation group includes a sit with guidance, a chant, a brief teaching and time for questions and answers at the end. It’s a beautiful way to jumpstart or strengthen your practice.
This is a donation-based offering.
“Chanting is not the same as singing songs. It is the prayerful repetition of one line that enables entry into the words; to sing and be sung. Through chanting, I can soar to the highest heights and harmonize with the Divine in me, in those I’m chanting with, and in the words, which at another time may have been uttered hurriedly and without feeling.”
- Ariel H
Virtual Women’s Rosh Chodesh Meditation & Chanting Circle
With Dr. Mira Neshama Niculescu & Ariel Yisraelah Hendelman
In partnership with Pardes North America
Starting in Elul & happening monthly afterwards
at 11 am-12:00 pm Pacific / 2-3 pm Eastern / 7-8 pm UK/ 9-10 pm Israel // on Zoom
Every new Hebrew month is a deep wellspring, with its own energy and wisdom. As Rosh Chodesh is traditionally a women’s holiday, our women’s circle invites you to take part in Jewish sacred time together. It includes chanting led by Ariel, a 30 minute meditation, and a teaching from Mira. This is a donation-based offering.
Introducing Yesod: Foundations for Deepening Jewish Mindfulness Meditation
by Or HaLev & The Institute for Jewish Spirituality
A brand-new opportunity to learn with two of the world’s leading Jewish mindfulness organizations!
With Rabbis James Jacobson-Maisels, Sam Feinsmith, and Dorothy Richman
A Ten-Month Online Program
January - October 2023
Our Gates of Awareness program has begun, and registration has closed. We plan to offer this program in a three year cycle, with the next cohort beginning in 2026. You're welcome to read more about the program here