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         Nishmat Hayyim
         1566 Beacon St.
         Brookline MA 02446

Dear Chaverim,

Jews have always been seekers. We yearn for Jewish community, spiritual sustenance, and meaningful traditions. As a people we are deeply committed to Jewish continuity and tikkun olam. Thus, in each generation we must ask, "Today, are we living up to Judaism's potential? Are the necessary resources available to meet our needs and the needs of our community, within a Jewish context?"

Just looking back over the past few months, Nishmat Hayyim: The Breath of Life Jewish Meditation Collaborative of New England can tell that we are answering these questions. We can tell when 200 people from across the religious spectrum recently came to a contemplative Jewish service. We can tell when an open lecture drew 75 people on a Sunday morning at a synagogue in Lexington. We can tell when up to 50 new students attend each of our "trademark" five-week courses regularly co-sponsored with congregations throughout Metro Boston.

But it isn't just about the numbers. We can tell when one student walks in and says, "I haven't been in a synagogue in 25 years. Not since my Bar Mitzvah. But now I come to these classes - and now I've started coming to services as well. Can I talk to you about my Judaism?" It is about affiliated Jews all across the area - along with their lay leaders and clergy - coming to us with such interest and enthusiasm, asking us to bring programs into their congregations. As one rabbi asked me recently as we were planning a course in his synagogue, "I want you to help me plant the seeds of something deeply meaningful and lasting, something in the congregants and something in me. Can you do that?"

Nishmat Hayyim is a vibrant resource to the greater Jewish community dedicated to supporting Jewish spiritual life and providing accessible gateways into Judaism, through collaborations with synagogues and other Jewish institutions. We teach Jewish contemplative practices that draw from a rich tradition of Jewish texts, established meditation techniques, and the experiences of our daily lives. We work with Rabbis integrating contemplative components into their Shabbat service. We offer classes and programs in synagogues, senior centers, and Hillels. For individuals, we offer programs including contemplative Torah study, tefillah and ways to cultivate better physical and emotional health and well being in a Jewish context. For many, this is a compliment to their regular synagogue participation. For others, we are a roadmap back to their Judiam.

Now we need your generous support to help us sustain this meaningful Jewish programming in our community.

Nishmat Hayyim has experienced tremendous growth, particularly in the past year. Recent programs have been co-sponsored with: Temple Beth Zion, Brookline, Temple Israel, Boston, Temple Emunah, Lexington, Temple Ohabei Shalom, Brookline, Temple Israel, Natick, Temple Aliyah, Needham, Temple Beth Elohim, Wellesley, Mayyim Hayyim, GesherCity, Bureau of Jewish Education, Combined Jewish Philanthropies to name a few. Our courses and special events this fall had an average attendance of over 70 people per session.

As an innovative addition to the community of New England, Nishmat Hayyim needs your support. Our wonderful challenge is meeting the program requests from the Jewish community. Without increased staffing, teachers, and resources, we will not be able to fulfill these opportunities. With your help, we can continue to appropriately staff our organization and keep our programs affordable to individuals and communities, and never turn anyone away for lack of funds. We currently operate on a shoe-string budget. However, to maintain and develop the infrastructure, staffing, and programming to support our growth it is essential that we raise $50,000 in our end-of-year campaign.

Please contemplate a contribution of time and/or money. Be a Founding Member of Nishmat Hayyim with a tax-deductible contribution of $500 or more. Help us build our Jewish community and continure to serve those Jews looking to return.

With many thanks and blessings,
Seth Castleman, Co-Founder and Teacher