Tzamah Nafshi — What Does The Soul Thirst For?
Judaism offers a normative and profound spiritual path, rooted in the Torah. Expressed in Abraham’s journey beginning at lekh lekhah to Miriam as the carrier of the water (Torah), Jewish tradition is rich with encounters that answer our souls’ deep yearning for connection with the divine. And yet, somewhere along the way, we lost something — modernity demanded a choice between halakhah and mysticism–with the latter being portrayed as too fringe. We have been denying ourselves the natural balance of both–only living with half a soul. A scholar-in-residence program with me works to guide the community to enrich their Jewish practice with both: revealing the spiritual architecture within our texts and traditions, and supporting community leaders in integrating these sacred tools into both their organizations and their personal lives.
Sample Themes:
Spiritual Preparation For Elul Or The Omer — a guided journey for these times of introspection, offering a spiritual reset in preparation for the pinnacles of the Jewish year.
Binah, The Next Chapter — A spiritual exploration for those entering retirement or navigating later life, drawing on Jewish texts and practices to cultivate purpose, meaning, and discernment in this sacred stage of life.
Spiritual Leadership From The Inside Out — A training for rabbis, board members, Hillel leadership, camp counselors, or lay leaders to root their work in spiritual presence—offering tools to cultivate inner clarity, resilience, and a Torah-centered approach to guiding others.
Sample Schedule:
Friday Evening
– D’var Torah during Kabbalat Shabbat services or over Shabbat dinner
Saturday
– Participation in Shaharit
– Text study and interactive workshop following lunch
– Afternoon session leading into Havdalah, including niggunim, contemplative learning, and spiritual practice
Sunday (Optional Add-On)
– Art Beit Midrash with the Religious School (See: Offerings).
Sacred Together 