jaymichaelson.net » spirituality

Nishmat Hayyim Three-Day Meditation Retreat, August 26-29

Russ — Wed, 12 May 2010 07:25:37 +0000

Jay will be co-teaching this residential meditation retreat with Seth Castleman of Nishmat Hayyim. More details posted soon on www.nishmathayyim.org

Uncle Shabtai’s Neo-Kabbalistic Poetry

Russ — Mon, 10 May 2010 07:33:45 +0000

P.Diddy in Fiddler on the Roof. Checking out yeshiva bochurs during Simchas Torah. Erotic harmonies of Lecha Dodi. These and many more antinomian verses will be declaimed, shouted, and sung to musical accompaniment and general merriment.

To Sin is Holy: The Anti-Torah of Jacob Frank

Russ — Mon, 10 May 2010 07:31:18 +0000

The antinomian heretic Jacob Frank (1726-1791) was a fascinating and startling Jewish (and Christian and, briefly, Muslim) thinker and/or cult leader who believed that the total transgression of all basic norms was necessary to actualize the messianic redemption. Think Sabbetai Sevi but with more sex and heresy. In this class we’ll apply a very traditional format — hevruta, texts, etc. — to very radical texts, including some of Frank’s remarkable legends and tales.

Nehirim East Retreat, June 4-6th

Russ — Mon, 10 May 2010 07:22:21 +0000

Nehirim East is Nehirim’s flagship retreat, bringing together over one hundred LGBT Jews from around the country to the beautiful Isabella Freedman Retreat Center in Connecticut. This year directed by Dr. Zvi Bellin, Nehirim East is a unique weekend of spirituality and community: workshops, great food, sports & swimming, a pluralistic community (Orthodox to atheist, teens to 70s, with non-Jewish partners welcome), and plenty of time to connect and meet new people.

This year, our 6th Annual East Coast Retreat, features familiar faces (Jay Michaelson, Becky Emet, Rabbi Joel Alter) and new ones (Rabbis Sue Levi Elwell, Alissa Wise, Ilana Kramer, and Aaron Katz). As always we will have inspiring prayer services, dynamic spiritual and intellectual workshops, and delicious food.

Everything is God book discussion

Russ — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 23:28:10 +0000

Jay Michaelson visits Kansas City for the first time for two evenings in May. Michaelson’s new book, Everything is God: The Radical Path of Nondual Judaism, brings together Jewish, Buddhist and pop cultural sources, discusses the future of religion in an increasingly technological age, and includes a section on meditation. Michaelson asserts that the concept of non-dualism (“not two”) which is at the heart of many Eastern religious traditions, is a radical, yet ancient Jewish teaching as well. He will relate these ideas to the current renaissance in Jewish spirituality, and his own experience as a longtime Buddhist practitioner and teacher of Kabbalah.

Everything is God: An Introduction to Non-dual Judaism

Russ — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 04:54:15 +0000

The principle of non-duality—that everything is One—is familiar to spiritual seekers from a variety of mystical paths. Kabbalah, Judaism’s mystical and esoteric tradition, also expresses this idea, in uniquely provocative and sometimes startling ways. This evening we’ll combine text study (from sources as diverse as Maimonides’ Guide to the Perplexed, the Zohar, and the Baal Shem Tov), contemplation and discussion to explore key Jewish teachings on non-duality, and also explore comparative insights on how non-duality is actually lived.

Taking Enlightenment Seriously: A Jewish model of awakening with Jay Michaelson

Russ — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 04:50:55 +0000

‘Enlightenment’ is often a term associated with Eastern religions and philosophies. But as early as the prophet Daniel, enlightenment has been a Jewish ideal as well. What is Jewish enlightenment? Is it possible for regular people? How does it differ from other forms? Is the search for enlightenment just another narcissistic thrill—or does it really matter somehow? Come explore these questions and more with Jay Michaelson, author of Everything is God: The Radical Path of Nondual Judaism, recently named to the Forward 50 list of the most influential Jewish leaders in America.

What’s next after Now? Taking your practice to the next level

Russ — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 04:31:57 +0000

Contemplative practice is always about the present moment. But over time, it is indeed possible to make progress, or not, in one’s spiritual life. In this discussion for experienced practitioners, we’ll explore traditional, linear approaches to contemplative practice, focusing on practical ways each of us can take the ‘next step’ for ourselves. With Jay Michaelson, author of Everything is God: The Radical Path of Nondual Judaism, who recently spent five months in silent meditation retreat in Massachusetts and Nepal.

Nehirim West: A Weekend Retreat for GLBT Jews

Russ — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 04:33:41 +0000

Nehirim West is a weekend of community-building, spirituality, culture, activism, and fun for GLBT Jews, partners, and allies. Rates begin at $200 including room & board. Jay will be directing the retreat.

Nehirim West features:

- A truly diverse community: ranging in age from 18-73, orthodox to atheist; gay men, lesbians, genderqueers, bisexuals, transgender folk, straight allies; singles, families, couples (including many non-Jewish partners); radical faeries and nice Jewish boys; suits and radicals; this is a community like no other.

- Spirituality from traditional shabbat davening to meditation, yoga, and dance; Hasidic melodies and alternative ritual; secular Torah study and honoring the Divine Feminine. No Hebrew knowledge required.

- Workshops and seminars featuring a wide range of teachers, community members, and facilitators. Workshop topics range from political activism to personal narrative, Jewish text study to performance.

Details, registration, pricing, and more information:
http://www.nehirim.org/west

Everything is God: A Jewish Spiritual Woodstock in Boston

margaret — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:54:18 +0000

Exploring the new Jewish spirituality – what’s new, what’s not so new –

with two generations of Jewish spiritual innovators

January 31, 2010

Join Nishmat Hayyim, JBooks.com, and Zeek, together with over twenty cosponsoring organizations, for a unique evening of discussion, connection, and celebration in honor of the new book by Forward 50 award winner Jay Michaelson, Everything is God: The Radical Path of Nondual Judaism.

Learn about new forms of Jewish spirituality & community with Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg (Surprised by God), Jay Michaelson, and a panel of experts. This fascinating panel discussion will explore how the generation of the iPod has begun to develop new responses to the crises of modernity and post-modernity. Neo-Hasidic hip-hop, independent prayer groups, the Jewish food movement, eco-kashrut, GLBT/queer Jewish organizations, and “integral Judaism” are some examples of this newest wave of Jewish spiritual reinvention. What’s new here, and what’s not so new? Are these new developments to be welcomed, or feared? Featuring personal life stories, humor, and the insights from multiple spiritual traditions, the panel will be a rare opportunity to explore these inspiring and fascinating new forms of spirituality first-hand with some of those who are creating them.

Connect at a “county fair” of Jewish innovators and meet the people responsible for this new flowering of Jewish spiritual creativity!

Celebrate with musical performances by Rakia, an eco-kosher reception and book signing, and plenty of time to meet and mingle with today’s leading Jewish spiritual innovators.