The Ad Olam Mishpacha!

Kabbalah 101, Kol Zimra Chant Circle, Honoring the Memory of Debbie Friedman z’l , Jewish Movement Meditation, Reb Zalman Shabbaton, Wrestling with Desire: A Mindful Approach, Adding the Sh’ma to Your Meditation Practice

I just finished updating the www.SpiritPathNow.com/Eugene online calendar and there are some GREAT Jewish classes, workshops, song circles going on in the next month or so.  Get your calendars out, scroll down and see what catches your eye, and then mark down these amazing events....    See you there!     Lisa Kaye

(Register by 1/25)
2/2 - 11 wk online course
KABBALAH 101
with Ziva Moyal
11 week online course
Beginning Thursday, February 2nd
The $95.00 fee covers the series, and includes written materials.  Limited scholarships are available.
 - Registration is open now, through January 25, 2012
http://www.zivofkabbalah.com/classroom.php
 - Click below for a short introductory video:
http://cmeto.adobeconnect.com/p42sdrn0b1r/
- Introduction about Ramchal and his writings:
http://cmeto.adobeconnect.com/p9fz3glu32n/
 
     For Seekers in understanding how metaphysical concepts of Kabbalah affect and shape our lives, in plain English (delivered through a delightful Israeli accent), you’re invited to join the 2nd offering of “Kabbalah 101.”

     Working with the brilliant teachings of Rabbi Moshe Chayim Luzzato (Ramchal), we’ll explore key Kabbalistic concepts such as Contracting the Self, Enumerations (how & through what G!d consistently reveals G!d’s Self/ the Sephirot), Good & Evil, and more.  We’ll consider how these key concepts can and do play an active part in our daily lives, as we dwell in G!d’s Compassionate Tent.
     It’s EZ too!  Classes will take place online, through 1-hour video recordings sent directly to your inbox on Thursday at noon.  After you’ve had a chance to listen, wonder and listen again, please submit questions by Monday so that answers to your question(s) may be included in Thursday’s video session.
     For information about the teacher -- Ziva Moyal, the course, testimonials, and to register, please visit:  www.zivofkabbalah.com.
     (A bonus 12th session will take place via a 90-minute conference call where participants are invited to share how the course has improved their lives and where additional questions can be answered.)
(SPN Note:  Ziva Moyal brings Kabbalah into understandable language that opens up the wisdom for today's age.  She is a personal friend of mine and, while I've taken the course once before, I'll be taking it again.  Come join me!  Lisa Kaye)
~~~~~

1/26
Kol Zimra Chant Circle:
Chanting Into At-one-ment
with Lisa Kaye
Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012
7:00 to 8:30 pm   
Either in the Sanctuary or the 2nd Fl. Library
1175 East 29th Avenue, Eugene, OR
FREE – donations to TBI Community Education Fund gratefully accepted. Drop-ins welcome.
www.tbieugene.org  541-485-7218   info(at)tbieugene.org
     If you are looking for a new way to enter into a deep relationship with sacred Jewish texts and prayers, chanting may be just right for you!
     Sinking into the tones and kavanah (intention) of a chant can open us to a new awareness of our connection to God that is powerful and transformative.  Reb Zalman speaks of niggunim and chant as forming a Mikveh, a cleanse bath of sound to immerse oneself in.
     Each of us, wherever we are on our spiritual journey, brings a unique and holy spark of energy to the chant circle.  It is not about creating a choir of good voices.  It is about creating a sacred place of intention for transformation.
     Rabbi Shefa Gold describes chant as "building a mishkan; we’re building a sanctuary, a holy place, with our intention and with all the beauty we can bring to it. And then in the silence afterward we step into that mishkan that we have built and we receive God’s presence.”  For more info visit www.RabbiShefaGold.com.
     TENTATIVE 2012 UPCOMING DATES:  Thurs., Feb. 23, Thurs., Mar. 22 but these may change.
     Send me an email to lisakaye-chant(at)spiritpathnow.com if you would like to get updates about dates, times and locations for Lisa Kaye's Kol Zimra Chant Circles.
     Lisa Kaye was raised in Reform Judaism where she was active organizing programs and bringing innovative services and seders to several synagogues and chavurot groups through the years.  Four years ago she discovered Renewal Judaism and began the path of Rabbi Shefa Gold's Kol Zimra chant leadership training.
~~~~~

1/28
A Journey of Spirit:
Honoring the Memory of Debbie Friedman z’l
Saturday, January 28 ~ 6 pm
Temple Beth Israel
1175 E. 29th Avenue, Eugene
(29th & University)
FREE; donations accepted after Havdallah
Join us for:
     · Havdallah
     · Film Screening: A Journey of Spirit,
            a documentary by Ann Coppel
     · Song Circle featuring Beth Miriam Rose
            & Jewish Songs of the Spirit and Rabbi Boris Dolin
     Join Rabbi Boris, Beth Miriam Rose and Jewish Songs of the Spirit as we honor the memory of Debbie Friedman z’l on her one-year yahrzeit. Beloved Jewish singer/songwriter, legendary performer, composer, recording artist, teacher and passionate Jewish visionary, Friedman profoundly influenced and enriched contemporary Jewish music and liturgy. Havdallah will be followed by a showing of A Journey of Spirit, a documentary about Friedman’s life and work, and a song circle where all can join in sharing Debbie’s music.
~~~~~

Thursdays ongoing...
Jewish Movement Meditation with Evlyn Gould
Thursdays, January 5-March 29, 9:00 am
Temple Beth Israel
1175 E. 29th Avenue, Eugene
(29th & University)
This is an ongoing practice group.
Newcomers are invited to join at the start of each 4 week period.
Donations to TBI Community Education Fund gratefully accepted.
     Jewish Movement Meditation awakens the body’s own capacity for self-transformation. With music, sound, and breath, we use techniques of Jewish meditation to invoke the internal genius of the body’s living waters—the mayyim chayyim—and their power of self-renewal. Join us as we dive into the sacred waters of life to restore health, build core strength, and listen in together to the wisdom of the body. We will work on the floor individually, but together, in comfortable clothing without zippers or buttons. No special experience, strength level, or movement training is necessary. But it is important to form the safe space of a working group or community. This is an ongoing practice group. Newcomers are invited to join at the start of each 4 week period.
     Evlyn Gould holds a M.A. and a Ph.D. in French Literature and a CAS Distinguished Professorship at the University of Oregon as well as B.A. degrees in French and Dance. She has trained for 30 years in classical dance and has worked for five years in Continuum Movement.
~~~~~

Early Registration needed for this below special event......

(Register as soon as possible!  This will sell out quickly!)
Havurah Shir Hadash Synagogue presents
A Weekend Shabbaton
with Reb Zalman & Eve Ilsen
The Omer:  Making it Count!
April 20-22, 2012 in Ashland, Oregon

     Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi is one of the most important spiritual leaders of our generation. Join us in this rare opportunity to learn, laugh, and pray with these two renowned and beloved teachers.
    $230 if pre-paid & pre-registered by February 10
                 for members of ALEPH communities
    $255 for pre-paid & pre-registered by February 10 for general public
    $280 all registration after February 10.
    Some work study trades available
Registration:  Registration Forms & FAQ’s available at www.havurahshirhadash.org
For more information contact:  ayala(at)ashlandhavurah.org
Weekend Events:
Friday night and Saturday morning services led by Reb Zalman, Eve, along with his students.
Afternoon Workshops; Saturday evening Havdallah and special event, plus Sunday morning closing circle.
Fee includes Friday evening dessert, Saturday luncheon, Seudah Shishit (light meal) and Sunday morning bagels.
Saturday evening event $18:
No additional charge for participants in the weekend Shabbaton.
This special program on Saturday evening will be open to the public.

(SPN NOTE:  Lisa here...  I went to the Shabbaton with Reb Zalman last year and it was wonderful!  He is a true visionary.  More info on Reb Zalman:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zalman_Schachter-Shalomi)
~~~~~

3/3
Wrestling with Desire: A Mindful Approach
with Barry Nobel
Saturday, March 3, 3:00 pm.
Temple Beth Israel
1175 E. 29th Avenue, Eugene
(29th & University)
Contributions to TBI’s Community Education Program encouraged
Registration appreciated by March 1
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE
    In our culture that masterfully promotes the selfish pursuit of pleasure, comfort, and security, God’s warning to Cain comes into sharp focus: “If thou doest not well, sin coucheth at the door; and unto thee is its desire.” But the Eternal One then adds, “Thou mayest rule over it” (Gen. 4:7).  Join us for mindfulness practice and conversation on how greater mindfulness can help us wrestle successfully with the yetzer hara (the evil impulse). Beginners and experienced mindfulness practitioners are welcome.
     Barry Nobel, J.D., Ph.D. is a practitioner and teacher of Mindfulness-based Conflict Engagement. He has taught religious ethics, among other courses, at Linfield College, the University of Puget Sound, and the University of California, Santa Barbara.
~~~~~

3/21
Adding the Sh’ma to Your Meditation Practice
with Shmuel Cohen
Wednesday, March 21, 7:00 pm
Temple Beth Israel
1175 E. 29th Avenue, Eugene
(29th & University)
$10; Registration/payment deadline: March 18
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE
     In this one evening workshop, we will uncover some of the deep and hidden kabbalistic and chassidic meanings of this simple phrase as we meditate on these words and learn how best to use the sh’ma as a meditation.
     After becoming bar-mitzvah Shmuel Cohen walked away from Judaism, and after a career as a software engineer, he moved to San Francisco to become a musician and a poet. In the mid-1990s he moved to Eugene and studied with Rabbi Hanan Sills. For the last 10 years, he has been living in Jerusalem studying in yeshiva with various teachers. He recently returned to Eugene with the hope of sharing some of the joys and gems found in our ancient tradition.
     Visit Shmuel's Facebook page for more info.
~~~~~

Help spread the word!  Find Ad Olam on Facebook and share with your friends!

Rosh HaShanah with the Ad Olam Community!

 

       

We gathered after Erev Rosh Hashanah services for a nice kiddush, great challah and of course, apples and honey!  Plus we were treated to a new niggun by Rabbi Hanan which he shared on his portable little laptop piano keyboard while we all joined in!

If you have photos from any of the Ad Olam gatherings, email them to
[email protected] and I'll get them posted for you!

See you on Friday night and Saturday for Yom Kippur services
and the four Yom Kippur afternoon Play-shops.

__________

Yom Kippur Afternoon PlayShops 1:30 - 4:00 pm

Said Rabbi Shimon ben Gamliel
"There were no days as festive as Yom Kippur afternoon"

In this spirit the afternoon theme will be meditation, song and process.
There will be two sessions. Each will have a choice of two offerings.  

Session 1 - 1:45 - 2:45

Singing Alive with Rob Tobias
Participatory singing and moving together.
Multi part songs that awaken us at our core, moving us into the New Year.
We sing blessings, We sing renewal.

Open Heart Meditaton with Valerie Keartes
Connect with and feel your spiritual heart - Your connection with Source
Feel the Love and the Light of the Divine within
and experience more calm, peace, and joy in your daily life.

Session 2 2:55 - 3:55  

Finding Your Direction for the Coming Year
with Gary Reiss PhD & Annie Greenberg
Yom Kippur is a time to let go of the past year,
and find our direction for the coming year.
It is a turning point to be conscious of.
Walking a spiritual path involves knowing and following that direction.
Through experiential exercises, we will find our path as an individual
and group for the coming year.

Chanting Into At-one-ment with Lisa Kaye
Sacred chant is a transformative journey.
It is about hearing with the 'inner' ear.
We step into a conscious awareness that we are One,
and that our connection to God is present in every moment.
____________________________________________________

See you at Yom Kippur service!
Click here for Yom Kippur services times and locations
Download High Holy Day Mail Back Form

All are welcome to participate in our services. We do not charge or sell tickets, but rather request a tax deductible $25 -$50 donation per adult for each of the four main services (2 morning and two evening), or an appropriate amount based on your financial situation.

Kol Zimra - Jewish Sacred Chant Circle - Yom Kippur Offering

Come Chant In At-one-ment...

Yom Kippur afternoon playshop
Satuday, October 8, 2011
Session 2   2:55 - 3:55 

Sacred Chant is not about what our voices 'sound' like.  It is about hearing with the 'inner' ear.  If you are looking for a new way to enter into a deep relationship with sacred Jewish texts and prayers then chanting may be just for you!  Sinking into the tones and kavanah of a chant can open us to a new awareness of our connection to God that is powerful, joy-filled and transformative.  Reb Zalman speaks of niggunim and chant as forming "a Mikveh of sound to immerse oneself in."

Through the deep vibrations and repetitive sounds of ancient sacred words chant takes us on an inward journey through the gates of prayer and into a deep nurturing silence between the chants.  We step into a conscious awareness that we are One, that our breath is One, that our voice is One, and that our connection to God is present in every moment.  Come add your voice to building this mishkan of sacred chant.     

__________

Is Chanting Jewish?

According to Aleph, the Alliance for Jewish Renewal, many people "do not know that meditation, dance, chant, and mysticism have been present in Judaism throughout the ages and not, as some mistakenly believe, patched on to Judaism from other cultures or made up out of whole cloth.  Sadly, some of our authentic, time-honored beliefs and practices have been lost to assimilation, leaving many contemporary Jews largely unaware of them. This is a major reason why so many spiritually sensitive Jews have sought spiritual expression in other faith traditions. It is an important part of ALEPH's mission to make the "hidden" treasures of Judaism known and accessible to these seekers."

"To be able to pray is to know how to stand still and dwell on a word.  This is how some worshippers of that past would act:  'They would repeat the same word many times, because they loved and cherished it so much that they could not part from it.'"
           R.Tzvi Elimelekh of Dynov, quoted by A.J. Heschel

Lisa Kaye has been leading Jewish Renewal chant circles for the past two years.  She graduated from Rabbi Shefa Gold's two year Kol Zimra chant leader program in 2009.  Kol Zimra is in its 8th year of training rabbis, cantors and lay leaders in Jewish Renewal chant.

For more info on chant visit www.RabbiShefaGold.com

_______________________

More details about other Yom Kippur Afternoon Playshops from will be posted later. 
Subscribe to the Ad Olam updates for all the details.

1:45 - 2:45  ~  Session 1 (two choices)
   Rob Tobias, Singing Alive
   Valerie Keartes, Open Heart Meditation
2:55 - 3:55  ~  Session 2 (two choices)
   Gary Reiss PhD & Annie Greenberg, Your Deepest Calling
   Lisa Kaye, Kol Zimra Sacred Chant

Welcome to Ad-Olam

Rabbi Hanan & Friends at Unity of the Valley
Come share the spirit & wisdom
of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur

These holy-days are a time of prayer, music, reflection and learning,
a time when the veils between the worlds thins.
The services are liberal, renewal, feminist, and inclusive in orientation,
yet draw from traditional and mystical sources.
All are welcome to come to any or all of the services.

2011  HIGH HOLY DAYS
(click underlined links for services schedule details) 

Rosh Hashanah - The Jewish New Year
         Wednesday - September 28 evening
         Thursday - September 29 morning

Yom Kippur - The Day of Atonement
         Friday - October 7 evening
         Saturday - October 8 all day

 Download High-holy-day-mail-back-form

 

The High Holy Day Coordinators & Music Makers

These Holy Days are being coordinated by Rabbi Hanan, Jordan Michels, Rob Tobias, and Beth Miriam Rose. Beth and Rob are also are featured muscians this year. Rabbi Hanan will be present at most of the services leading and joining in song, chant, prayer and teachings. Thank you Valerie Keartes for taking on much of the logistics.

In addition music is being offered by: Youme Danziger, Emily Fox, Chico Schwall,  Debbie Sugarman.

Lisa Kaye will be offering sacred chant and Barry Nobel guiding us in meditation. Jordan and company will offer some theatracal stories.

And please be sure to check out the names of our other brothers and sisters  who will be joining us for the Yomim Noraim (these Days of Awe) on the Thank You handout at services.

We thank those who bring so much spirit to our Hevre (our extended family):

Rob's new High Holy Day song with the words of Rumi

What You Really Love - Rob Tobias

Click link above for a taste of what's to come!!!

Donations

Download High Holy Day Mail Back Form

All are welcome to participate in our services. We do not charge or sell tickets, but rather request a tax deductible $25 -$50 donation per adult for each of the four main services (2 morning and two evening), or an appropriate amount based on your financial situation.

To avoid dealing with money during the High Holy Days a mail back card and envelope are enclosed. Donations can also be made at the door. Make checks out to Ad-Olam. All money goes to support the work of Ad-Olam. Our combined collaborative efforts make these services possible.

We need volunteers for this and other events throughout the year. Let us know what your interest and talents are on the mail back form. This is especially important if you are unable to contribute financially.

Other ways of giving can be found our our support page.

Childcare

Regretfully official childcare is not provided. Parents are asked to share co-oping childcare during High Holy Day services. Snacks and juice will be provided and a room at Unity will be available for use by parents.

 

High Holiday messesge from Rabbi Hanan 2011

High Holiday Letter from the President - Jordan

Download High Holy Days Flyer    
         Please print and post