The tradition of Jewish meditation is rich, varied, and little known. Here at Chochmat, we are at the forefront of making meditation a part of mainstream Jewish spiritual practice. We invite you to participate in our sitting groups, classes, workshops, retreats, and contemplative services. Whether you’ve meditated before or not, there is a meditation activity here for you. In fact, unless otherwise specified, all our activities are suitable for both beginners and seasoned meditators. If you are new to Jewish meditation and would like to meet with one our teachers, contact  Jeffrey Kessler to answer any questions.

"The spiritual realm is remarkably subtle. For this reason, in the story of Elijah (1 Kings 19: 11-12), God is not found in the whirlwind, fire or earthquake -- but in the subtle voice (or sound) that can only be heard in silence (qol d'mamah daqah). We can discern instructions for meditation here: the challenge in meditation is to persevere and to penetrate beyond the whirlwind of thought, the fire of emotion, and the quaking of sensation -- until we come to the very foundations of consciousness. Here, we may hear the still, subtle voice and find renewal in our encounter with the Divine."
--Rabbi Jonathan Omer-Man

"Though specifically Jewish, Elijah's teaching points to a universal possibility. The Buddhist tradition includes a remarkably similar teaching in the name of Kwan Yin, Bodhisattva of compassion and mercy. In Chinese, the Bodhisattva's full name is Guan (Kwan) Si Yin. The three words mean 'PERCEIVE WORLD SOUND.' The teaching here is that compassion and mercy stream from the heart of whoever really listens to the subtle voice of silence, which is the sound of all creation."
-- Jeffrey Kessler

We offer meditation services on various days of the week:

• Monday – 7:00pm Drop-in Meditation
• Thursday – 8:00am Contemplative Shacharit
• Thursday – 7:00pm Drop-in Meditation
• Friday – 6:15pm Lay-led Meditation
• Last Sunday – Meditation Retreat

Torah of Awakening
with Brian Schachter-Brooks
Mondays at 7:00 pm, drop-in sessions
Meditation, Chanting and Talk

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.

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.

Thursday Evening Drop-In Meditation
Meditation and Conscious Movement
Jeffrey Kessler, Thursdays at 7:00pm

This meditation and the discussion afterwards are focused on spiritual understandings of the weekly Torah portion, and Shabbat preparation.

"Though specifically Jewish, Elijah's teaching points to a universal possibility. The Buddhist tradition includes a remarkably similar teaching in the name of Kwan Yin, Bodhisattva of compassion and mercy. In Chinese, the Bodhisattva's full name is Guan (Kwan) Si Yin. The three words mean 'PERCEIVE WORLD SOUND.' The teaching here is that compassion and mercy stream from the heart of whoever really listens to the subtle voice of silence, which is the sound of all creation."
-- Jeffrey Kessler

Friday pre-Shabbat Meditation
Fridays 6:15 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.

Contemplative and Chanting Shabbat Morning Service
For upcoming dates, please visit the calendar
10:30 am some Saturday mornings

This meditative service, led by community leaders, is designed for adults and combines both chanting and silence in an alternating sequence to resonate with your soul and connect with the Divine.

Meditation Retreats
Last Sunday of each month

Want to take a day to refresh your soul? Come to these retreats, which include simple movement, chanting, and meditation. They're an opportunity tot take a break from ordinary life, and are meant to be a time of silence and solitude. (Bring your own lunch. We'll supply cushions and chairs.)

Directions

© 2007 Chochmat HaLev
2215 Prince St.   |   Berkeley CA 94705  |   USA
510.704.9687   |   US Toll-Free 888.383.HEAL (4325)
fax 510.704.1767
email: frontdesk@chochmat.org

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