The Wisdom of Our Heart

Eight basic ideas that make up our teachings:

1. The Infinite Spirit (Ayn Sof) is One.
2. Everyone can know Ayn Sof.
3. Loving kindness (Chessed) infuses all reality.
4. All processes of the universe reflect the Divine. These processes are both personal and intimate.
5. The soul seeks to know itself. All beings will attain perfect self-awareness in the fullness of time.
6. We are co-creators of reality. Human beings are part of and partners in the ongoing creation of the universe.
7. Community heals. We have the responsibility to work together to make the world a better place, to help manifest the presence of Ayn Sof.
8. These teachings are embodied in the mitzvahs and a covenanted community.

Pre-registration is required for all intensive learning programs. To pre-register, please call 510.704.9687 or email frontdesk@chochmat.org.

Learning Sacred Hebrew with Rabbi Daniel Lev
Mondays 7:30 -9 pm in the Chochmat Library
May 12, 19, 26, June 2, 16, 30, the rest to be scheduled with class!
REGISTRATION ENDS MAY 8TH.
If you register before May 1st: subtract 5% off class fees!

Join others in the joyful way to learn the holy language! Be dependent on transliteration no longer and learn the Hebrew alphabet and simple translations of prayer book and other texts with Rabbi Daniel Lev. This class is open to both beginning and intermediate students. Beginners will learn the Alef-Bet and basic "reading-grammar" that enables them to sound out the language well enough to follow the prayer book. Intermediate students will review and continue on with grammar and move on to read and translate with comprehension. Bring your desire to learn
Hebrew, a dedication to showing up to class, and a willingness to do homework. The class is limited to 15 students with a minimum of ten! For further information, call Rabbi Lev at 684-4950

$200 nonmembers per 8 week session
$160 members per 8 week session

Or pay before May 1: $190 for nonmembers, $152 for members!

Life Cycling: Jewish Shamanic Wisdom of the
Seasonal Celebrations
with Rabbi Gershon Winkler

Sundays: March 23
and May 18
10:30am-5:30pm
Fee: $150 members, $200 general public
Pre-registration required
To Pre-register, Click Here

The 12th-century sage Rabbi Avraham ibn Daud taught that the universe is always in motion and the stars are constantly shifting in their constellar arrangements. As they do so they effect changes in our planet, which in turn creates shifts in Nature, which in turn effect the souls of all earth creatures. Learn about the nature of these changes and how to tap into the mystique and choreography of the dance we so glibly refer to as Life on Earth. Each segment of this series will introduce both written and oral traditions from ancient Jewish mystery wisdom, much of which is unavailable in the English vernacular. Come and experience the rites and chants associated with the seasonal changes and how they nourish our souls.

PRE-REGISTRATION SPECIAL: Those pre-registering for this workshop will receive free admission to Rabbi Gershon’s Saturday evening talks on February 16, and May 17 at 7:30pm.

May 17th, $25 for members, $30 for general public.
May 18th, $100 must preregister (if registered, 17th is included)

Gershon Winkler is cofounder and Director of the Walking Stick Foundation, a non-profit organization devoted to the recovery of aboriginal, earth-honoring spirituality. He has authored 13 books on Jewish theology, folklore and mysticism. He has lectured and served as Scholar-in-Residence at colleges and universities, and for ecumenical and Jewish retreats, across the USA, Canada, Europe and Israel. Two of his most recent books, Magic of the Ordinary: Recovering the Shamanic in Judaism and Kabbalah 365: Daily Fruits from the Tree of Life, encapsulate his nearly two decades of study and practice of the long-lost shamanic traditions of ancient and early-medieval Judaism.

The Spirit of Integrity
with Estelle Frankel

Sundays: January 13, February 10, March 9, April 13, May 4, and June 1
11am-1:30pm
Fee: $225 members; $300 general public
Last two classes changed in honor of Mothers' Day and Shavuot, please see new dates.

The existence of the world rests upon three pillars -- Torah (wisdom), Avodah (spiritual practice) and Gemilut Chassadim (deeds of loving kindness).
-- Pirkay Avot

In Torah there is no distinction between the spiritual and the ethical. The mitzvot or commandments between humans and God find expression in how we treat our fellow humans. Every story of spiritual ascent is juxtaposed to mitzvot concerned with how we create a just and caring society. The message is clear—ecstatic experience must translate into action —otherwise it is irrelevant! This program will be devoted to studying inspirational teachings from Torah, Kabbalah and Mussar that illustrate the relationship between the mystical and the ethical. Monthly sessions will focus on cultivating “midot ha'nefesh”—core virtues or soul qualities that help us embody the divine presence in our daily lives. We will explore ways to express this vision in the larger community through a service project or deeds of loving kindness so that together we create a nurturing community in which we may grow in wisdom, spirit and integrity.

Suggested Readings: A Code of Jewish Ethics: You Shall Be Holy by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin; Mishneh Pirkay Avot; Everyday Holiness by Alan Morinis; Sacred Therapy by Estelle Frankel; Ethical Tales from the Kabbalah by Aryeh Wineman; Chofetz Chaim: A Lesson a Day by Art Scroll Publication; Ein Yaakov -- Excerpts from Talmudic Tales

Maggid - Pastoral Training:
A Graduated Course of Study
Under the direction of Rabbi Avram Davis and Yeshivat Simchat Lev

If you have felt the call of HaShem to serve the community as clergy, then you have the opportunity in this course of study to develop the skills and spirit necessary to be a Maggid (Rabbinic Pastor). The goal of this program is to help each student cultivate the clarity of consciousness and loving relationship with the Divine that resides within every aspect of the world. Those who wish to continue on toward ordination need to be filled with the desire to help others transform and grow in their relationship to the Shekhina & to do the work necessary in themselves to develop into Maggid & Rabbi.

Dates: On average, this is a two-year course of study, and regular program meetings are held every other Sunday.

This program is under the direct instruction and transmission of Rabbi Emmeritus Avram Davis, PhD.

For more detailed info, please see the Yeshivat Simchat Lev website.