Two circles. Do one or both!

Intimate. Curious. Spacious. Synchronous.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IYUN, I am so pleased to offer not one, but TWO wonderful opportunities this summer for anyone who values Jewish wisdom and learning in community. Each circle is 6 weeks and will be limited to 8 participants each. Register for one or both! You do NOT need to have any previous knowledge to join (and it’s fine if you do!).

 

CIRCLE 1: SPIRITUAL PRACTICES FOR REAL LIFE

Tuesdays ✡︎ June 30, July 7, 14, 21, 28, August 4 ✡︎ 1:00-2:30pm EST

What is a life well-lived, and how do we achieve such a thing? While we dare not offer others a set of prescribed answers, engaging the question itself with others can be a worthy, meaningful, and provocative experience.

Together, we will explore perspectives from Jewish tradition on spiritual practices for real life. Study/conversation topics to include gratitude, spirituality, divinity, resistance, and redemption.

 

CIRCLE 2: BETWEEN SELF AND OTHERS

Tuesdays ✡︎ June 30, July 7, 14, 21, 28, August 4 ✡︎ 3:00-4:30pm EST

How do I relate to others? While the particulars of this shift and change over the course of our lives, how we interact is an abiding question we each engage. Relating to other people is fundamentally messy work that asks us to regularly refine our approach and examine ourselves anew.

In this Circle, we will reflect with fellow practitioners on just a handful of the essential gestures of this pursuit — forgiveness, discerning purpose, our public presentation, speech, and communal responsibility.

How will it work?

* During our time together, we’ll read and discuss texts meant to teach and get us thinking. With Jewish wisdom as our guide, we will welcome questions and explore our reflections on the readings.

* Come ready to be curious. Leave feeling even more curious :)

* During each gathering, we will be learn in real time from source sheets beautifully curated by IYUN during. There will be no required outside readings or assignments, but you may find that you’re inspired to continue your explorations between sessions.

“Ben Zoma says: Who is wise? He who learns from every person.”
— Pirke Avot 4:1

Who should join? ✡️

All are welcome!

Here are some examples of who might enjoy this opportunity:

  • Non-Jews who find themselves drawn to Judaism and want a place to start exploring

  • People in the process of converting to Judaism who wish to expand their existing Jewish conversations and explorations 

  • Folks who have Jewish heritage but limited education or knowledge

  • Jews who identify as “cultural” or “spiritual but not religious”

  • Jews who haven’t set foot in a synagogue since their b’nai mitzvah 

  • Jews who are observant in traditional and/or non-traditional ways

  • Jews who are established in a synagogue/Jewish community of any denomination and love furthering their learning whenever possible

  • Jews who wish they felt more connected but don’t know where to begin

  • Jews who question the role of Judaism in their lives

  • Anyone who values text-based discussion and learning in community

Cost & Registration

STEP ONE:

Click the button and complete the Iyun registration form:

register here

STEP TWO:

Pay from the heart 💛

Suggested amount:
$222 for ONE circle
$444 for BOTH circles

pay with a card

Or Venmo: @JenaSchwartz
Please specify which circle(s) you are paying for.

✡︎

  • Payments are nonrefundable and for all six (or 12) sessions.

  • After you sign up, you’ll receive an email with a Zoom link and source sheets (for those who like to print things out in advance).

  • Sessions will NOT be recorded; participants are highly encouraged to attend all sessions if possible, but you are most welcome to sign up even if you will have to miss one or two.