Stairs, Sunsets and Song: A sweet series of Strolls and Celebration with Chochmat HaLev.
2nd and 4th Tuesdays in the summer months: June 10, June 24, July 8, July 22

Sing-a-Longs and Sunsets. Sweat and Staircases. Sweetness and Shalom! What do they all have in common? Chochmat's very own tour de East Bay of the amazing and ever mysterious staircases! The East Bay has many natural and spiritual treasures…. Join with friends for a hike along the staircases and parks of North Berkeley and Claremont. Each hike will begin with a short gathering ritual, and will stop at sunset for some songs and praise as day turns to night.

Locations and song leaders vary. Participants will learn great songs they can use with friends and kids to bless and celebrate the evening…and of course the chance to visit some of the best and hidden stairs and parks that dot the East Bay landscape. Carpools leave at 6:00 pm sharp and return at 9 pm. Participants may choose to pick a place to share dinner afterwards. Please bring nosh to share, water and warm clothes. For more information about the location (you can meet us there!) please call Melanie at 510 375-1657.

$15 suggested donation for each walk. Everyone will leave with a local map of these pathways and a new memory.

Rosh Chodesh Nisan
with Jueli Garfinkel
Rosh Chodesh Nisan is Canceled; join us next month for Rosh Chodesh Iyar.

Rosh Chodesh is an ancient tradition on the Jewish path, and a beautiful opportunity for women to come together in strength and song on the new moon. Please join us next month for an intimate and creative ritual circle to welcome the energy of the moon of Iyar. We will use art, ritual, song, meditation, prayer and movement, to create a supportive, grounding, fun, and soulful space.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO HELP WITH MAGGID CONFERENCE

Third Annual All-Maggidic Conference, July 16-20, 2008, in Berkeley

Come share your skills, knowledge, and vision with fellow maggidim and the greater Jewish community, July 16-20, 2008 in Berkeley, California. Featured presenters include Maggids Jhos Singer and Sarah Etz Alon, Rabbi-Maggid Dan Lev, and others.

Last year teachers, practitioners, and students of maggidut assembled to share stories, techniques, and discussions of meaning and purpose, all in a rich field of kavannah and devekut. This year, we expect over two hundred participants share, experience, and discover more of what we do not yet know.

There will be presentations from established leaders and emerging voices, as well as luminaries in neighboring fields. We also envision resources, workshops, panels, networking and mutual support, as well as moments in time that incorporate new and old rituals.

Who Are the Maggidim?
Historically, "Maggid" was a title for Jewish inspirational speakers and storytellers. Today, maggidim embrace a broader role, exemplifying a grass-roots, populist model of Jewish spiritual leadership -- often more from the heart or the kishkes than the head. Many serve with no title or fanfare.

Originally itinerant preachers, modern maggidim can also be teachers, ritual facilitators, congregational leaders, counselors, etc. Storytelling is only one way of accomplishing the maggid’s goal -- bringing people closer to the Divine. Inspirational speaking/preaching, leading Torah study, dance, and even one-on-one conversations are other paths along this holy journey.

Many volunteers are needed in all areas, including set up, registration, food, clean up, and more. If you would like to volunteer before or during the conference, please email frontdesk@chochmat.org.

To find out more information or register for the conference, please visit www.moshavhaam.org or call (315) 849-2251. We look forward to seeing you there!