The devastating attacks in Israel have upended Jewish life across the globe. The grief, fear, anger, and unbearable uncertainty of this moment affects us all. Whether you are Jewish, work for or volunteer at Jewish organization, or have Jewish friends and colleagues – we know that everything is not alright. JLC learners and educators are physically spread across the globe, but all of our hearts are in the East.
Jewish wisdom can be a source of comfort, strength, and practical tools during challenging times. Jewish learning can provide connection and respite when we need it most. Learning together is what we do, and we need wisdom and community now more than ever.
We invite you and everyone within your organization to join us for any of our JLC learnings as we make our way through these days of pain. Shalom Orzach will reflect on the weekly Torah portions and lead a group conversation about how we cope, respond and repair in the aftermath of destruction. This will be the first in a twice-weekly series of learner gatherings wherein JLC educators will share Jewish wisdom, traditions, and history in effort to shore us up as a community during this time. These are not briefings from Israel and we do not intend to provide updates about the unfolding situation on-the-ground. These gatherings are an opportunity to seek support through Jewish text and tradition.
Please find the details, educator bios, and registration links for each virtual gathering below. More gatherings will be announced as we finalize dates, topics, and educators.
Parsha Reflections: Coping, Responding, and Repairing
Thursday, October 19th @ 12pm ET / 9am PT
Led by Shalom Orzach
REGISTER HERE
Tools for Communal Grief Processing
Tuesday, October 24th @ 3pm ET / 12pm PT
Led by Rabbi Lauren Ben-Shoshan
REGISTER HERE
Aish Kodesh / Promise and Loss
Thursday, October 26th @ 12pm ET / 9am PT
Led by Rabbi Avi Strausberg
REGISTER HERE
What to Do When the World Feels Dark: Hasidic and Rabbinic Ideas for Coping with AnxietyRabbi Jesse PaikenREGISTER HERE If I am Not for Myself: Teachings on Rest, Boundaries, and Stamina for Jewish Professionals [includes a guided meditation] Thursday, November 2nd @ 12pm ET / 9am PT Led by Rabbi Matthew PonakREGISTER HERE “Ordered in Your Limbs:” Learning Torah as Bodies and Not Just Brains Tuesday, November 7th @ 3pm ET / 12pm PT Led by Rabbi Avigayil HalpernREGISTER HERE Traumatic Times: Judaism has a Ritual for That Thursday, November 9th @ 12pm ET / 9am PT Led by Tehilah EisenstadtREGISTER HERE Jewish Poetry for These Times Tuesday, November 14 @ 3pm ET / 12pm PT Led by Dr. Joshua KrugREGISTER HERE The Shechina and Healing Thursday, November 16th @ 12pm ET / 9am PT Led by Ariela YomtovianREGISTER HERE A Spiritual and Philosophical Reading of the Prayer for the State of Israel Tuesday, November 21st @ 3pm ET / 12pm PT Led by R. Marcelo KormisREGISTER HERE [Thanksgiving – No Session Thursday 11/23] Jewish Creative Writing and Spiritual Journaling: A Chance to Pause, Think, Feel, and Express Tuesday, November 28th @ 3pm ET / 12pm PT Led by R. Micah LapidusREGISTER HERE Vayidom Aharon: When There Are No Words Thursday, November 30th @ 12pm ET / 9am PT Led by R. Ari PertenREGISTER HERE
Tuesday, October 31st @ 3pm ET / 12pm PT Led by