Or HaLev: Transforming Jews, Judaism, and the world through contemplative Jewish Practice

Featuring: Rabbi Dr. James Jacobson-Maisels, Founder

Or HaLev is a Jewish Path to a more vibrant, whole and awakened life through mindfulness and innovative Jewish practice. Or HaLev believes that Judaism is a precious resource for crafting a meaningful life, and a gateway to transformative spiritual practice. We teach contemplative, pluralistic, connective Judaism as a way of life.

History

Founded in 2011 by Rabbi Dr. James Jacobson-Maisels, Or HaLev’s vision is one of transformational Judaism that is capable of healing the individual as well as the collective.

Or HaLev was launched with the goal of giving people access to a deep meditation practice through a cross-denominational approach to Judaism. Or HaLev is a destination for Jewish mindfulness that creates open and immersive opportunities for deepening spiritual practice in Israel, the UK, and North America.

In doing so, they offer a taste of Judaism as we know it can be – welcoming, renewing, inspirational - and then work to support our students year-round to integrate this into their lives. Or HaLev has touched thousands of people so far, across five continents, regardless of prior meditation experience or Jewish background. We offer a broad tent and all are welcome.

Their work in Israel brings innovative and inclusive Judaism to Israeli Jews from all backgrounds and denominations supporting the growth of pluralism and democratic Judaism in Israel.

Or HaLev offers a range of classes, retreats, and other opportunities to engage in deep spiritual practice that can heal and transform you in a way that is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition.

Or HaLev’s work is guided by the following values:

1. Repair/Tikun -Judaism is a source of deep wisdom and tools to effect transformation (tikkun) of ourselves, our community, our world and God. Such repair has always been the ultimate goal of the Jewish mystical tradition.
2. Practice/Tirgul -Transformation occurs through discipline and practice and requires concrete techniques of self-development. Other traditions also have wisdom and tools, and we are open to drawing on those techniques that aid our transformation.
3. Spiritual Community/Hevriah - Spiritual community is a crucial component of self-transformation. We work together to tend our spiritual garden through communally-held spaces that welcome people from all backgrounds, identities, and outlooks. Diversity is what gives our community strength and we are committed to being an open and welcoming place for all.
4. Humility/Anava-Our teachers are themselves on the path of transformation, succeeding and failing, and sharing their journeys with their students.
5. Divinity/Tzelem Elokim - Honoring the sanctity of all beings made in the image of God, in our dealings in the world, we celebrate our intrinsic belovedness as children of the divine.
6. Lineage/Masoret - Opening to the gifts we receive from our tradition, we commit ourselves to sharing this practice with others.

Visit Or HaLev at: https://www.orhalev.net. Follow Or HaLev on Facebook , Instagram and YouTube.

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