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 capped at 8 participants. 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
FALL 2026 DATES TBA
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
FALL 2026 DATES TBA
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 learn in real time from source sheets beautifully curated by IYUN. 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.”
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
““Truly a wonderful experience. I appreciated the open and nuanced approach you encouraged and that everyone participated in. I learned a lot from you, from the text, from the others, and also from myself. It reinforced my positive association with Torah learning and community.””
Cost & Registration
Each circle is capped at 8 people.
STEP ONE:
Complete the Iyun registration form for the circle you want.
If you’re registering for both, you only need to include your name & email in each form!
STEP TWO:
PAY FROM THE HEART 💛
SUGGESTED: $180 for one circle (or $300 if you’re registering for both).
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.