Do you want to deepen your connection with Jewish wisdom? As an experienced facilitator, I love creating learning experiences that respond to the needs of a variety of communities and organizations.
My love of teaching inspired me to pursue a Master’s in Jewish Education at Hebrew College in 2012. Since then, as a sought after scholar-in-residence, my signature workshops include text study, meditation, poetry, group spiritual direction, and LGBTQ inclusion. In my teaching, I draw on art, writing, and embodied practice to explore Jewish tradition.
I have taught at retreat centers, summer camps, community centers, congregational settings, and college campuses. From 2011-2014, I designed and implemented an innovative model for family education at Congregation Dorshei Tzedek in West Newton, MA. In 2013, I served as Liturgist-in-Residence for the National Havurah Summer Institute, where I facilitated a series of embodied explorations of prayer in preparation for High Holidays.
From 2016-2018, I worked as a curricular consultant for Moving Traditions in Philadelphia, PA, helping craft a Jewish mentorship program for teen boys. From 2017-2022 I mentored spiritual leaders at Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati (Reform) and Hebrew College in Boston (Pluralistic), and taught adult education at Orchard Cove in Canton, MA.
Recent Workshops:
Meditation & Spirituality:
Spirituality Group: This confidential small group came into existence to support residents in deepening their spiritual lives. Drawing on poetry, silent reflection, and seasonal insights, we create a space of authentic sharing and deep listening. The conversations we have and the relationships residents formed in this group over the years enrich all who participate. (Orchard Cove, 2018-Present)
Poetry & the Tasks of Aging: For those of us who identify as “spiritual but not religious” poetry can be a profoundly life-giving resource - helping us ground into wisdom and open to the unknown as we age (Hebrew SeniorLife CPE students, 2021)
Spiritual Direction in Spiritual Care: How can we draw on the discipline of Spiritual Direction to enhance the spiritual care we offer? (Hebrew SeniorLife Spiritual Care Department, 2021)
Poetry of Revelation: The mystics teach that the voice that spoke to us at Mt. Sinai has never ceased. Using the contemplative process of kriat hakodesh ("holy reading") we listen with the "ear of our hearts" for how the sacred continues to speak to us (Reconstructing Judaism Tikkun Leil Shavuot, 2021)
Hineni: An Introduction to Jewish Meditation: Join me for an exploration of the practice of mindfulness meditation. We explore this practice together to open to ourselves to ways of leading more mindful and connected lives. Together, we will taste the deep contemplative tradition within Jewish teaching (Swarthmore College, 2016-17)
Equity & Inclusion:
LGBTQ Inclusion through a Jewish Lens: Participants will develop a solid understanding of the core concepts of sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation; a better grasp on how Jewish values integrate with LGBTQ inclusion; and, a range of appropriate tools and resources to support those in our community who may approach you for assistance (Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, 2019)
Judaism and Justice: Join us for an exploration of Jewish approaches to contemporary social justice issues (Swarthmore College, 2016-17)
Art & Movement:
A Space Between: We listen to poetry with the ears of our hearts, opening us from whatever stuck place we find ourselves into creative practice as we prepare for Passover (Jewish Studio Project Immersive, 2019)
Tapping into the Creative Source: Through this contemplative process, you will access the potential of the Creative Source as you tap into your own creativity. Using drawing as a technology of the sacred, we will create from a place of freedom and experimentation, allowing the image to lead us by following its energy (Thrive RI, 2018)
Movement Minyan: The body is an integral part of our spiritual practice. Over the course of our lives, emotions and memories enter our body as feelings and sensations. Tefillah involves many powerful dynamics that we can explore through the physicality of the body: holding on and letting go, brokenness and wholeness, and activity both communal and individual. The Movement Minyan uses the dynamics of tefillah to explore what the body can teach us about returning to self, to others and to God (National Havurah Institute, 2013)
Sacred Text & Calendar:
Journey to Sinai: Engaging with texts and practices in the ancient practice of personal growth known as Mussar, this series helps us embody the holy virtues that we reflect on during the period of the Omer, in preparation for our grand gathering at Mt. Sinai. (Orchard Cove-Hebrew SeniorLife, 2021)
Maggid: Stories of Resilience: We prepare for Passover by understanding the Passover story as an ancient technology to strengthen our resilience in challenging times. (Orchard Cove-Hebrew SeniorLife, 2021)
Entering the Psalms: We explore the Book of Psalms – a collection of beautiful, gritty, desperate, and uplifting prayer-poems – alongside contemporary poetry, music, and visual art inspired by it, to see how each Psalm speaks through time. (Orchard Cove-Hebrew SeniorLife, 2021)
Approaching the Days of Awe: Ever wanted to understand the deeper themes of this season? This series ushers us from a time of brokenness and despair (connected to the Jewish holiday of Tisha B’av), to the renewal of life connected with the High Holidays. (Orchard Cove-Hebrew SeniorLife, 2020)
Introduction to Judaism: If you are beginning to explore Jewish life and practice, or seeking to fill the gaps in your Jewish education, this class is for you! Class sessions will address the foundations of Jewish living, key concepts in Judaism, and offer a taste of the wide variety of Jewish texts. For those interested in conversion to Judaism, the class will serve as a useful introduction, and rabbinic support will also be provided. Come join us on a journey towards meaningful engagement in the riches that Jewish tradition has to offer. (Congregation Dorshei Tzedek, 2020)