Linking Judaism and the Spirit

[School Councils UK <Jess...>]

I wanted to tell you all (as I guess a lot of you perceive your work as
spiritual) about a weekend that I just co-facilitated. I think that this 80
people on hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org could most understand about it out of
everyone I know. I'm also telling you in case it inspires you to go and try
it yourself.

I led a weekend retreat with a story-telling friend of mine where we
brought people together who on one side are frum and on the other, wanted
to know what a tallit was.

And then we observed shabbat together, talked tefillah, prayed, meditated,
told each other our stories, sang Barcheinu Avinu a lot, did energy healing
work, did free dance to Klezmer music and ate great vegetarian food.

The sun shone brightly, the sky was blue and after our outdoor shabbat
morning service we looked up and a cloud had formed a perfect Shin. Shalom
maybe.
It was really something.

Most people on the weekend were not Jewishly religious. But were into
'spiritual pursuits', yoga, meditation etc. A significant number said 'Oh
my yoga teacher is Jewish, but doesn't do anything Jewish'. All these
Jewish people out there desperately seeking something spiritual and not
being shown an entrance into our tradition.

Together we will open our gates and encourage them to find themselves inside.

Chazak ve'ematz

love

Jess