Contemplative Shacharit Service
with Zelig Golden
Thursdays 8-9am, in the garden room.
In this morning circle, we begin the day by chanting the traditional morning prayers of gratitude, praise, and direct connection to the Infinite One, followed by space for meditation and personal prayer.
Time:
5:00pm
Description:
Tai-Chi with Jeffrey Kessler
Develop inner strength, balance, and better health with Jeffrey Kessler, a seasoned practioner of chi arts. Jeffrey Kessler holds degrees in philosophy, mathematics and spiritual psychology. He is a long-time practitioner and teacher of Tai-Chi Chuan. A graduate of Chochmat HaLev's Jewish Meditation Instructor's Training program and a student of various traditions and psycho-physical systems, he is dedicated to the deepening of Jewish Spiritual practice.
Time:
6:40pm - 8:00pm
Description:
ONLY 1/1/09 - RABBI SARALEY WILL NOT BE PRESENT
A new class taught by Rabbi SaraLeya, in partnership with Jeffrey Kessler
Thursday evening weekly Parashat HaShavua Torah Study, with Hasidic commentary
6:45 Meditation led by Jeffrey Kessler
7PM (we'll start on time!) study of selected texts from the weekly Torah portion along with commentary by various Hasidic rebbes. Bring your on Humash or Tanakh if you have one.
Will be held in the Garden Room.
Time:
5:30pm - 6:20pm
Location:
Garden Room
Description:
Friday pre-Shabbat Meditation
Fridays 5:30 pm
Ease your way into the Shabbat holiday by slowing down, turning inward and meditating with a small group before Friday night services. Prepare yourself to welcome the Sabbath bride with an open, grounded heart.
Time:
6:00pm - 6:30pm
Location:
Social Hall
Description:
Come and sing, dance and bless with Jen Miriam Kantor! The service includes candle-lighting, sing-alongs with guitar and instruments, puppets and dancing. The service ends with Kiddush and Hamotzi.
Family Vegetarian Potluck to follow from 6:30-7:30.
Families are then invited to join the Celebratory Shabbat service at 7:30, especially during the first hour of singing and dancing. The evening service after
Time:
6:30pm
Description:
You are invited for a Shabbat pot-luck dinner at 6:30pm on Friday before Kabbalat Shabbat Services (usually first and third Fridays of the month, but check the calendar).
Please bring a vegetarian dish to share, a beverage of your choice and/or wine, and join friends, family and fellow community members in feasting and celebration before services.
Potluck will take place in the garden, or in the case of bad weather, in the garden room.
Time:
7:30pm - 9:30pm
Description:
Join us Friday evenings for the celebratory welcoming of the Sabbath bride. The services are led by Rabbi SaraLeya Schley, Assistant Brian Schachter-Brooks, and Cantor Cyrise Beatty and accompanied by the Chochmat HaLev musicians. Join our rich community to open your heart and connect to the Divine through prayer, song and dance.
Time:
9:30am - 10:30am
Description:
Torah study happens every Saturday morning at 9:30 am in the sanctuary. Parsha study--all welcome, no experience necessary. We read the Parsha aloud to each other, then talk about what jumps out of the story for us. For more information contact email hal.aronson@gmail.com.
Time:
10:30am
Description:
Davening with Rabbi SaraLeya -
Learners and Participatory Minyan
Rabbi SaraLeya leads a renewal style service with chanting, core elements of the traditional prayers and and interactive Torah service during which we will draw out the lessons and draw down the blessing of our Torah portion. There will be explanations of the prayers and the organization of the service appropriate to those who are present. Please contact saraleya@chochmat.org if you would like particpate or if you are ready to begin leyning from the Torah scroll!
Time:
4:00pm - 6:00pm
Location:
Chochmat HaLev Social Hall
Description:
Gather with Rabbi SaraLeya toward the end of Shabbat, a time of quiet contemplation and learning. There will be a meditative afternnon prayer service. We will share a light Third Meal (potluck vegetarian finger food please) while studying texts that will guide us on our soul journey of self-reflection and self-development. When 3 stars are visible, we will make Havdallah with wine, spices and candlelight. Note that times vary with the season, and families or other busy folk are welcome to come just for havdallah.
Time:
7:30pm - 8:30pm
Description:
Monday Night Drop In Meditation and Chanting: Torah of Awakening with Brian Schachter-Brooks
The Awakening of consciousness out of the dream of life's dramas and psychological pain is the foundation for realizing the sacred as a genuine, lived Reality. The Torah path is a tapestry of opportunities for awakening from time into Presence, from anxiety into peace, from bondage into freedom. Join Brian Schachter-Brooks Monday evenings to learn the art of true meditation through teachings, chanting of Hassidic melodies, prayer and silent sitting. Dare to join us Monday evenings for these truly transformative sessions.
Time:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Description:
Community Building Committee Meeting
Time:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location:
Social Hall
Description:
Sons of Orpheus
Time:
8:00am - 9:00am
Description:
Contemplative Shacharit Service
with Zelig Golden
Thursdays 8-9am, in the garden room.
In this morning circle, we begin the day by chanting the traditional morning prayers of gratitude, praise, and direct connection to the Infinite One, followed by space for meditation and personal prayer.
Time:
5:00pm
Description:
Tai-Chi with Jeffrey Kessler
Develop inner strength, balance, and better health with Jeffrey Kessler, a seasoned practioner of chi arts. Jeffrey Kessler holds degrees in philosophy, mathematics and spiritual psychology. He is a long-time practitioner and teacher of Tai-Chi Chuan. A graduate of Chochmat HaLev's Jewish Meditation Instructor's Training program and a student of various traditions and psycho-physical systems, he is dedicated to the deepening of Jewish Spiritual practice.
Time:
6:40pm - 8:00pm
Description:
A new class taught by Rabbi SaraLeya, in partnership with Jeffrey Kessler
Thursday evening weekly Parashat HaShavua Torah Study, with Hasidic commentary
6:45 Meditation led by Jeffrey Kessler
7PM (we'll start on time!) study of selected texts from the weekly Torah portion along with commentary by various Hasidic rebbes. Bring your on Humash or Tanakh if you have one.
Will be held in the Garden Room.
Time:
12:00pm - 3:00pm
Description:
Rental GR
Time:
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Description:
Boundary Crosser Minyan — Join Lisa and Brian Schachter-Brooks (on the SECOND Friday of each month) at 6:30 pm in this smaller, more intimate alternative to the larger Kabbalat Shabbat service. It features chanting and singing of the traditional liturgy, as well as insightful teachings on the awakening of consciousness through Torah.
Time:
6:00am - 10:00am
Location:
Sanctuary
Description:
Meeting in SF Center for Psychoanalysis
Time:
9:30am - 10:30am
Description:
Torah study happens every Saturday morning at 9:30 am in the sanctuary. Parsha study--all welcome, no experience necessary. We read the Parsha aloud to each other, then talk about what jumps out of the story for us. For more information contact email hal.aronson@gmail.com.
Time:
10:30am
Description:
Join us Saturday mornings for this meditative service led by community members. It is designed for adults and combines both chanting and silence in an alternating sequence to resonate with your soul and connect with the Divine.
Time:
7:30pm - 8:30pm
Description:
Monday Night Drop In Meditation and Chanting: Torah of Awakening with Brian Schachter-Brooks
The Awakening of consciousness out of the dream of life's dramas and psychological pain is the foundation for realizing the sacred as a genuine, lived Reality. The Torah path is a tapestry of opportunities for awakening from time into Presence, from anxiety into peace, from bondage into freedom. Join Brian Schachter-Brooks Monday evenings to learn the art of true meditation through teachings, chanting of Hassidic melodies, prayer and silent sitting. Dare to join us Monday evenings for these truly transformative sessions.
Time:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location:
Social Hall
Description:
Sons of Orpheus
Time:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location:
First meeting in the Library, thereafter in the Garden Room
Description:
STANDING TOGETHER AGAIN AT SINAI
A Beginning Jewish Spiritual Direction Group with
Laura Goldman
Our tradition teaches us that we were all present for the Revelation at Sinai, and further, that Revelation is a continuous process, available at any moment. Perhaps you have felt a spark of the Sacred, have brushed up against the Mystery, and wish to deepen this experience. Perhaps you live with a sense of God’s Presence, and long to find a way to talk about it. Perhaps your heart yearns to feel a connection to Holiness, and yet you have not found an entry.
This group is for those who are interested in beginning an exploration of their spiritual lives with others on a similar path. We will support each other as we deepen our abilities to listen with our hearts and discover our unique response to the eternal Revelation. Through the use of meditation, prayer, silence, and words, we will create a spiritual community of safety and interconnection.
For additional info, and to arrange for an interview, please contact Laura Goldman at (510) 528-1835.
Laura Goldman is a practicing psychotherapist and spiritual director. She is a teacher of Jewish meditation and leader of contemplative worship at Chochmat HaLev.
Time:
8:00am - 9:00am
Description:
Contemplative Shacharit Service
with Zelig Golden
Thursdays 8-9am, in the garden room.
In this morning circle, we begin the day by chanting the traditional morning prayers of gratitude, praise, and direct connection to the Infinite One, followed by space for meditation and personal prayer.
Time:
5:00pm
Description:
Tai-Chi with Jeffrey Kessler
Develop inner strength, balance, and better health with Jeffrey Kessler, a seasoned practioner of chi arts. Jeffrey Kessler holds degrees in philosophy, mathematics and spiritual psychology. He is a long-time practitioner and teacher of Tai-Chi Chuan. A graduate of Chochmat HaLev's Jewish Meditation Instructor's Training program and a student of various traditions and psycho-physical systems, he is dedicated to the deepening of Jewish Spiritual practice.
Time:
6:40pm - 8:00pm
Description:
A new class taught by Rabbi SaraLeya, in partnership with Jeffrey Kessler
Thursday evening weekly Parashat HaShavua Torah Study, with Hasidic commentary
6:45 Meditation led by Jeffrey Kessler
7PM (we'll start on time!) study of selected texts from the weekly Torah portion along with commentary by various Hasidic rebbes. Bring your on Humash or Tanakh if you have one.
Will be held in the Garden Room.
Time:
7:40pm - 9:00pm
Description:
Ritual Committee Meeting
Time:
12:00pm - 3:00pm
Description:
Rental GR
Time:
5:30pm - 6:20pm
Location:
Garden Room
Description:
Friday pre-Shabbat Meditation
Fridays 5:30 pm
Ease your way into the Shabbat holiday by slowing down, turning inward and meditating with a small group before Friday night services. Prepare yourself to welcome the Sabbath bride with an open, grounded heart.
Time:
6:00pm - 6:30pm
Location:
Social Hall
Description:
Come and sing, dance and bless with Jen Miriam Kantor! The service includes candle-lighting, sing-alongs with guitar and instruments, puppets and dancing. The service ends with Kiddush and Hamotzi.
Family Vegetarian Potluck to follow from 6:30-7:30.
Families are then invited to join the Celebratory Shabbat service at 7:30, especially during the first hour of singing and dancing. The evening service after
Time:
6:30pm
Description:
You are invited for a Shabbat pot-luck dinner at 6:30pm on Friday before Kabbalat Shabbat Services (usually first and third Fridays of the month, but check the calendar).
Please bring a vegetarian dish to share, a beverage of your choice and/or wine, and join friends, family and fellow community members in feasting and celebration before services.
Potluck will take place in the garden, or in the case of bad weather, in the garden room.
Time:
7:30pm - 9:30pm
Description:
Join us Friday evenings for the celebratory welcoming of the Sabbath bride. The services are led by Rabbi SaraLeya Schley, Assistant Brian Schachter-Brooks, and Cantor Cyrise Beatty and accompanied by the Chochmat HaLev musicians. Join our rich community to open your heart and connect to the Divine through prayer, song and dance.
Time:
9:30am - 10:30am
Description:
Torah study happens every Saturday morning at 9:30 am in the sanctuary. Parsha study--all welcome, no experience necessary. We read the Parsha aloud to each other, then talk about what jumps out of the story for us. For more information contact email hal.aronson@gmail.com.
Time:
10:30am
Description:
Continue the festive traditions of Kabbalat Shabbat into the morning. This service is led by Rabbi SaraLeya Schley, Brian Schachter-Brooks and Cyrise Beatty and the Chochmat musicians. In this fresh and vibrant musical service, we will chant, daven and meditate to the effervescent sounds of harmonium and hand drums, hear an accessible Torah reading and create a sacred space for inner alchemy! Please bring a vegetarian/dairy/kosher fish dish to share for a post-service kiddush luncheon. We'll supply the challah and the wine!
Time:
12:30pm - 2:00pm
Description:
After Morning Blessing service: Vegetarian Potluck Shabbat lunch and study session in honor of MLK’s Birthday (1/15/-9, observed on 1/19/09) and Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel’s yartzheit (1/14/09). We will read and discuss their writings and be inspired to work toward social justice. Joint activity with Progressive Jewish Alliance. (only 3 days before the presidential inauguration).
Description:
Annual Members Meeting
Time:
6:40pm - 9:00pm
Description:
A spiritual direction group with Estelle Frankel
Time:
7:30pm - 8:30pm
Description:
Monday Night Drop In Meditation and Chanting: Torah of Awakening with Brian Schachter-Brooks
The Awakening of consciousness out of the dream of life's dramas and psychological pain is the foundation for realizing the sacred as a genuine, lived Reality. The Torah path is a tapestry of opportunities for awakening from time into Presence, from anxiety into peace, from bondage into freedom. Join Brian Schachter-Brooks Monday evenings to learn the art of true meditation through teachings, chanting of Hassidic melodies, prayer and silent sitting. Dare to join us Monday evenings for these truly transformative sessions.
Time:
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Description:
Board Meeting
Time:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location:
Social Hall
Description:
Sons of Orpheus
Time:
8:00am - 9:00am
Description:
Contemplative Shacharit Service
with Zelig Golden
Thursdays 8-9am, in the garden room.
In this morning circle, we begin the day by chanting the traditional morning prayers of gratitude, praise, and direct connection to the Infinite One, followed by space for meditation and personal prayer.
Time:
5:00pm
Description:
Tai-Chi with Jeffrey Kessler
Develop inner strength, balance, and better health with Jeffrey Kessler, a seasoned practioner of chi arts. Jeffrey Kessler holds degrees in philosophy, mathematics and spiritual psychology. He is a long-time practitioner and teacher of Tai-Chi Chuan. A graduate of Chochmat HaLev's Jewish Meditation Instructor's Training program and a student of various traditions and psycho-physical systems, he is dedicated to the deepening of Jewish Spiritual practice.
Time:
6:40pm - 8:00pm
Description:
A new class taught by Rabbi SaraLeya, in partnership with Jeffrey Kessler
Thursday evening weekly Parashat HaShavua Torah Study, with Hasidic commentary
6:45 Meditation led by Jeffrey Kessler
7PM (we'll start on time!) study of selected texts from the weekly Torah portion along with commentary by various Hasidic rebbes. Bring your on Humash or Tanakh if you have one.
Will be held in the Garden Room.
Time:
12:00pm - 3:00pm
Description:
Rental GR
Time:
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Location:
The home of Lydia and Michael: 1401 Scenic Ave. Berkeley, CA
Description:
Learn how to create a Jewish household with ritual and shared song through monthly gatherings with others in the Chochmat community!
Please RSVP Melanie@chochmat.org
Time:
6:30pm - 9:00pm
Description:
Invite your havurah or other community members to Shabbat at your home. Let's build intimate spiritual community!
Rabbi SaraLeya and Ron would like to share their Shabbat Table with 4-6 members of the community each month. What a wonderful way to get to know each other in a more intimate way! Please write to saraleya@chochmat.org to schedule by Wednesday of the week.
Time:
7:00pm - 10:00pm
Location:
The house of Miriam and Barbara: 528 Zorah Street, Oakland
Description:
Grab your walking shoes and head to your neighbors for Shabbat! Join with Chochmat community that live in this neighborhood for community building and Jewish life.
7:00 Potluck Dinner, Shabbat and Chavurahing!
a-m main dish, salad and wine
n-z appetizers, desert and wine
RSVP: Melanie@chochmat.org 704-9687 ext 12
Time:
9:30am - 10:30am
Description:
Torah study happens every Saturday morning at 9:30 am in the sanctuary. Parsha study--all welcome, no experience necessary. We read the Parsha aloud to each other, then talk about what jumps out of the story for us. For more information contact email hal.aronson@gmail.com.
Time:
10:30am
Description:
Joint service with Aquarian Minyan, followed by catered Birthday luncheon for Yakov Jaffe.
Time:
4:00pm - 6:00pm
Location:
Chochmat HaLev Social Hall
Description:
Gather with Rabbi SaraLeya toward the end of Shabbat, a time of quiet contemplation and learning. There will be a meditative afternnon prayer service. We will share a light Third Meal (potluck vegetarian finger food please) while studying texts that will guide us on our soul journey of self-reflection and self-development. When 3 stars are visible, we will make Havdallah with wine, spices and candlelight. Note that times vary with the season, and families or other busy folk are welcome to come just for havdallah.
Time:
7:30pm - 10:30pm
Description:
The theme of the dance journey/movement meditation will be inspired by the Buddhist Metta Prayer, a beautiful heart opening prayer and teaching in lovingkindness.
Each TransDance has beautiful music and an image, metaphor or ritual focus, in service to exploring the wholeness of who we are and the Mystery of life.
Beginners and experienced movers are welcome. Spaciously facilitated, all movement is at your own pace and interpretation. Some people come just for the love of dance and even more come because dance is, or is becoming, part of their path of healing and transformation.
Heather's Bio:
Heather Munro Pierce is a modern day temple dancer who has led inspirational, transformative and healing movement for nearly 20 years. As well as producing her own workshops and retreats, she leads events for many groups and organizations, including Esalen, The Association of Enneagram Teachers, and the Omega Institute. She is featured in the Spring 2008 issue of Conscious Dancer magazine. www.TransDance.com
The Metta Prayer:
In order that I may be skilled in discerning what is good, in order that I may understand the path to peace,
Let me be able, upright, and straightforward, of good speech, gentle, and free from pride;
Let me be contented, easily satisfied, having few duties, living simply, of controlled senses, prudent, without pride and without attachment to nation, race, or other groups.
Let me not do the slightest thing for which the wise might rebuke me. Instead let me think:
May all beings be well and safe, may they be at ease.
Whatever living beings there may be, whether moving or standing still, without exception, whether large, great, middling, or small, whether tiny or substantial,
Whether seen or unseen, whether living near or far,
Born or unborn; may all beings be happy.
Let none deceive or despise another anywhere. Let none wish harm to another, in anger or in hate.
Just as a mother would guard her child, her only child, with her own life, even so let me cultivate a boundless mind for all beings in the world.
Let me cultivate a boundless love for all beings in the world, above, below, and across, unhindered, without ill will or enmity.
Standing, walking, seated, or lying down, free from torpor, let me as far as possible fix my attention on this recollection. This, they say, is the divine life right here.
Saturday Jan. 24th
Doors open at 7:30
Journey begins at 8:00pm (Sanctuary)
Community gathering/meet and greet: 9:30-10:30 (Social Hall)
Cost:
$15 purchased in advance
$20 and up at the door.
Time:
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Description:
Introduction to Jewish Meditation
with Brian Schachter-Brooks
4th Monday of each month, 7pm
Free (Donations welcomed.)
The Jewish tradition is rich with images of communion with the Divine. These images to point to a deeper Reality--not to events that happened a long time ago or those we hope will happen in the future—but to the oneness of Being in the here and now. The key to this communion is meditation, or hitbodedut.
Join Brian Schachter-Brooks and the Chochmat HaLev musicians for an informative and experiential introduction to Jewish Meditation. This seminar will provide an overview of hitbodedut, chanting, silent meditation, and a question & answer session. Perect for those new to or curious about Jewish meditation.
Time:
7:30pm - 8:30pm
Description:
Monday Night Drop In Meditation and Chanting: Torah of Awakening with Brian Schachter-Brooks
The Awakening of consciousness out of the dream of life's dramas and psychological pain is the foundation for realizing the sacred as a genuine, lived Reality. The Torah path is a tapestry of opportunities for awakening from time into Presence, from anxiety into peace, from bondage into freedom. Join Brian Schachter-Brooks Monday evenings to learn the art of true meditation through teachings, chanting of Hassidic melodies, prayer and silent sitting. Dare to join us Monday evenings for these truly transformative sessions.
Time:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location:
Garden Room
Description:
This is a Spiritual Direction Group for those who have experienced a recent death, and those who have not previously had the opportunity to grieve an older loss in a clear or healing manner. We will meet monthly, using meditation, prayer, reflection, and ritual to move through a mourning process in a safe, and spiritual atmosphere. Additionally there will be teachings regarding various Jewish mourning practices and Jewish views of the afterlife.
As with other Spiritual Direction offerings, this is a contemplative group designed to track the sacred dimensions of our lives, including the grieving process. Participants should be willing to both share something of their own experience of loss, as well as listen to the stories of others.
Please contact Laura Goldman at (510) 528-1835 to obtain additional information and to schedule an interview.
$200 for members; $250 for non-members
7 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays: 1/27, 2/17, 3/17, 4/7, 5/19, 6/2
Time:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location:
Social Hall
Description:
Sons of Orpheus
Time:
8:00am - 9:00am
Description:
Contemplative Shacharit Service
with Zelig Golden
Thursdays 8-9am, in the garden room.
In this morning circle, we begin the day by chanting the traditional morning prayers of gratitude, praise, and direct connection to the Infinite One, followed by space for meditation and personal prayer.
Time:
5:00pm
Description:
Tai-Chi with Jeffrey Kessler
Develop inner strength, balance, and better health with Jeffrey Kessler, a seasoned practioner of chi arts. Jeffrey Kessler holds degrees in philosophy, mathematics and spiritual psychology. He is a long-time practitioner and teacher of Tai-Chi Chuan. A graduate of Chochmat HaLev's Jewish Meditation Instructor's Training program and a student of various traditions and psycho-physical systems, he is dedicated to the deepening of Jewish Spiritual practice.
Time:
6:40pm - 8:00pm
Description:
A new class taught by Rabbi SaraLeya, in partnership with Jeffrey Kessler
Thursday evening weekly Parashat HaShavua Torah Study, with Hasidic commentary
6:45 Meditation led by Jeffrey Kessler
7PM (we'll start on time!) study of selected texts from the weekly Torah portion along with commentary by various Hasidic rebbes. Bring your on Humash or Tanakh if you have one.
Will be held in the Garden Room.
Time:
12:00pm - 3:00pm
Description:
Rental GR
Time:
9:30am - 10:30am
Description:
Torah study happens every Saturday morning at 9:30 am in the sanctuary. Parsha study--all welcome, no experience necessary. We read the Parsha aloud to each other, then talk about what jumps out of the story for us. For more information contact email hal.aronson@gmail.com.
Time:
1:00pm - 5:00pm
Description:
Date: Saturday, January 31, 2009
Time: 1:00 – 5:00 PM
Fee: $54 members, $60 nonmembers
Location: Chochmat HaLev, 2215 Prince Street, Berkeley, CA
Jewish tradition teaches that all living creation is a reflection of the Divine. For lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Jews, how do our individual and collective histories as queer Jews inform how we live in our bodies? This Shabbaton will include prayer, contemplative silence and meditation, Jewish texts and group discussion for an afternoon of immersing ourselves in the Divine Presence, drawing on Jewish and queer sources for healing and transformation. People of all genders, cultures and spiritual practices are welcome to attend. No one turned away for lack of funds.
Please also join us for the Contemplative Shabbat morning service from 10:30AM – 12:30PM.
Pre-registration is required.
For more information and to sign up, please email frontdesk@chochmat.org .
or call 510.704.9687.
Karen Lee Erlichman, MSS, LCSW provides psychotherapy and spiritual direction in private practice in San Francisco, and is the Bay area Director of Jewish Mosaic: the National Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity. She is currently training to be a facilitator with the Center for Courage and Renewal, based on the teachings of Quaker Educator Parker Palmer.