If you were intrigued by Alan Morinis's keynote talk, come try a little taste of Mussar right here at Limmud! Gary Shaffer, a seasoned Mussar leader, offers an interactive, experiential introduction to Mussar practice.
Gary Shaffer is a past president of The Mussar Institute and an attorney/mediator whose practice covers family, commercial, employment and personal injury matters. He graduated with honors from Harvard College and the Cardozo School of Law, and believes Mussar and mediation are both... Read More →
Jewish writings offer precious, profound, and practical wisdom for anyone who wants to love or be loved. We will look at aspects of both ahava (loving another) and being ahuv (the quality of being lovable) in short texts from the Bible and from the Mussar spiritual tradition. The session will incorporate chevruta (paired) learning and visualization.
Julie Hirschfeld has a New York psychotherapy practice that also offers specialized coaching for individuals and families needing support during preparation for Bar/Bat Mitzvah or other major life events. She holds a master's degree from Oxford University, a Ph.D. in clinical psychology... Read More →
Waiting for a bus, squeezing in ten minutes to get our hearts pumping, not having time to exercise... New Yorkers get the most steps of any FitBit users, but many of us use the cold weather as an excuse to skip outdoor recreation. Judaism has resources to strengthen body and spirit. Join coach Bonnie Schwartz and Jewish educator Sarah Chandler for a session in embodied study and practice. Learn easy moves for building strength, tips for meditating on the go, and Jewish teachings to inspire. Bring your coat and hat -- we will be outdoors for the majority of the session! No other special attire or equipment needed.
Sarah Chandler is a Brooklyn-based Jewish educator, ritualist, artist, activist, and poet. She is the program director for Romemu Yeshiva, a contemplative program of study and practice for adults, and a garden educator with Grow Torah.
Bonnie Schwartz has been involved with USA Swimming for over 30 years as both a highly accomplished swimmer and a widely sought-after coach. She is the “Rosh Mayim” (water sports director) of Ramah California and the first business manager of Ramah Sports Academy.
Using drama games that draw on specific Jewish concepts and values, this workshop will explore important communications skills and compassionate listening. Participants will learn about how these skills create the foundations for healthy, positive relationships and discuss how to bring them into their lives.
Naomi Ackerman's participation was made possible with generous support from The Covenant Foundation.
Naomi Ackerman, the founder and executive director of The Advot Project is an experienced actress, consultant and facilitator creating curricula that use drama techniques to deal with social, gender, and educational issues as well as exploring identity and promoting tolerance and... Read More →
Shabbat is meant to be a 25-hour “Palace in Time.” A lot easier said than done! Together, we will look at some of the ways the Sages tried to make Shabbat an embodied experience of calm and joy (including no talking about politics!). Picking up where they left off, we will aim to create and share some of our own approaches to making Shabbat a true “Taste of the World to Come.” Whatever your level of observance, discover new ways to understand human joy and thriving through the lens of Shabbat.
Loren Berman is a student at Yeshivat Chovevei Torah. Originally from Los Angeles (where he was a successful child actor), Loren is the East Coast Educator for Moishe House International, the supervisor of High Holidays programming at Rikers Island, and a former teacher of Torah in... Read More →
This workshop will engage the mind, the soul, and the body, teaching the rituals and movements associated with the morning blessings, Birkot HaShachar. We begin with simple stretches and breathing, opening ourselves to the transformational power of these prayers for entering the day. We learn about their historical meaning and experience them in a new way through movement and meditation. Starting your day with this approach supports health and happiness by helping you tune in to both your body and your soul.
Judy Greenfeld is co-author of Minding the Temple of the Soul and Entering the Temple of Dreams, Beginning and Ending Each Day Embodied in Jewish Prayer, Movement and Meditation. Ordained as a cantor by the Academy of Jewish Religion in Los Angeles, she founded her own congregation... Read More →