Heartbreak and Renewal: Preparation for the High Holidays A series during the month of Elul in preparation for the High Holidays "This is real. This is very real. This is absolutely inescapable. And we are utterly unprepared. And we have nothing to offer but each other and our broken hearts. And that will be enough." Rabbi Alan Lew * Nishmat Hayyim teachers are offering 5 hour weekend retreats and 2 hr. weeknight programs to be held at your synagogue during the 7 weeks leading up the High Holidays. These programs will include instruction and practice of contemplative silence and chant used to deepen the process of Teshuvah, turning and returning to the home of our soul. *This is Real and You are Completely Unprepared, 2003 Contact Nishmat Hayyim to discuss your synagogue's specific needs and interests. (617) 244-3757 office@nishmathayyim.org

Jewish Meditation: A Roadmap for Inner Peace with Roberta Isberg In this one and one-half hour introductory talk, Roberta Isberg discusses why it is worthwhile to meditate and what is meaningful about meditating in a Jewish context. Following instruction in meditation, we practice a brief meditation together. We then use the quality of attention developed through meditation to explore and discuss a Torah reading or a ritual practice. This talk is intended for people who are curious about, but not yet ready to commit to, meditation in a Jewish context. Read A One-Session Introduction to Jewish Meditation Read Suggested reading for Introductory Talk on Jewish Meditation

Jewish Meditation and Contemplative Chant Course with Yocheved Sheila Katz A multi-week course exploring Hebrew chant and silent meditation, forms of Jewish contemplative practice that cultivate awakening to the present, to the presence of each other, and to the Presence within all being. Make space for that "still small voice" that gets buried under the cacophony of demands on our attention. Through chant and meditation we build a mishkan, holy space, as a source of awareness and strength to be with What Is. Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh.

Meditation and Jewish Learning with Natan Margalit with Natan Margalit A multi-week class on the most Jewish of spiritual practices: learning torah, interpreting texts, has not often been seen as a meditation. In this course we combine text study, discussion and silent sitting to integrate our minds and hearts in a new practice of attention and dialogue. The Shekhina, God's Presence, is found in the present, and being present with these texts forges a unique relationship to Her.

Seth Castleman

Finding Space: How To Bring A Little Calm And Insight Into Our Stressful, Anxious Lives A class in meditation, Jewish teachings, and stress-reduction techniques to cultivate better physical and emotional health and well being in a Jewish context. Taught by Seth Castleman who is a co- founder and guiding teacher of Nishmat Hayyim, The Breath of Life Meditation Collaborative of New England and has a background in classical Jewish texts, theology and mysticism. From Our Lips to God's Ears: Meditation, Prayer, and Other Conversations with God A course in Jewish meditation and prayer practice. Explore both traditional and alternative Jewish practices. If you have ever found the prayers of siddur less than meaningful, yourself less than fully connected with The Divine while praying, or your mind at all distracted during services – then this course is for you! Hitbodedut: A Day Long Meditation Retreat An extended one day experience of instruction, guided prayer-meditation and teaching. Mindfulness and other meditation practices will be taught, to enable one to step out of the busyness and noise for a day. Appropriate for beginning and experienced meditators with periods of sitting, walking and eating meditation. What is Jewish Meditation? Wisdom for a Sane Life..... A mutli-week course exploring how meditation has the potential to be a gateway to Ruach ha-Kodesh, the spirit of holiness. Torah, Rabbinic, Kabbalistic, Hassidic and contemporary texts will act as guidebooks to learning meditation practices and practical everyday techniques. Contemporary psychology and research in mind-body medicine will be integrated with Jewish teaching and practices. Focus on intention and attention opens the door to infinite possibilities. No previous meditation experience required, yet this course is also appropriate for seasoned meditators interested in Jewish sources and practices.

Carl Woolf

Contemplation, Prayer, & Chant with Carl Woolf A four session course focusing on doing segments of the Maariv service in a contemplative manner. The sessions include chant, silence, liturgy and introduce a heart-opening meditative movement integrating the kabbalistic "four worlds." Carl Woolf, an experienced teacher and prayer leader, who has also studied Jewish devotional chanting with Rabbi Shefa Gold, will guide us in the use of chanting, silence, mindfulness, movement, and liturgy.

Seth Wax

Introduction to Jewish Meditation with Seth Wax Are you looking to relieve stress in your daily life? Or perhaps you’re searching for a deeper spiritual connection? Maybe you’ve just been curious about meditation? If so, join us for an introduction to meditation in a Jewish setting. We’ll learn some accessible and easy-to-use meditation practices while we explore a range of contemplative and mystical techniques that are found in the Bible, rabbinic literature, the prayer book, Jewish mysticism, and Hasidic writings. This class is suitable both for those who are new to meditation and those who have an established practice.

For more information or to schedule a program please contact us at office@nishmathayyim.org or 617-244-3757.

Consider scheduling a class with Nishmat Hayyim Breath of Life Jewish Meditation Collaborative of New England for your synagogue or group. Nishmat Hayyim has been offering classes and contemplative services for participants from all traditions and levels of experience since its inception by Rabbi Moshe Waldoks and Seth Castleman in 2004. Our classes including, Jewish Wisdom for a Sane Life and Meditation and Contemplative Chanting, introduce forms of Jewish contemplative practice that many find deepen their appreciation for the spiritual riches in both Torah and tefilah. Participants learn accessible Jewish meditation practices and teachings in a warm and supportive atmosphere. Nishmat Hayyim can bring programs to your congregation including:

• Evening Lectures
• 5 Week Classes
• Contemplative Services
• Family Programs
• Retreats
• Professional Training Workshops

Nishmat Hayyim has hosted recent programs at Temple Israel, Boston; Temple Israel, Natick; Temple Shalom, Newton; Congregation Beth El, Sudbury; Temple Beth Zion, Brookline; Congregation Nehar Shalom, Jamaica Plain; Harvard Hillel, Cambridge; Temple Beth Elohim, Wellesley and Ohabei Shalom, Brookline. Please call us at 617-244-3757 to discuss any potential or specific interests for your congregation.

Check out our current events calendars on the main page of this site.

Individual Instruction and Support

Individual sessions with a teacher or Rabbi are offered. Areas of focus can include:

• Instructions and guidance for beginning meditators
• Support for on-going practice
• Meditation and Judaism in family life
• Work with illness, life transitions, or loss
• Guided meditation practices
• An opportunity to discuss questions and issues in one's Jewish practice and daily life

For more information or to schedule a program please contact us at office@nishmathayyim.org or 617-244-3757.