ALEPH Alliance for Jewish Renewal

The fall season is here, and with it comes an important deadline— Applications for Spring 2025 Due September 30, 2024

The ALEPH Ordination Program trains students from diverse backgrounds and every denomination to serve the global Jewish community. Each AOP program’s unique curriculum engages our dynamic faculty and student body in a full spectrum of Jewish learning and practice. Transformative, yet traditional.

Learn how to apply: https://aop.aleph.org/

The 22nd Annual Kavod v'Nichum Chevra Kadisha Conference, September 15 & 16, is an online Conference that brings together a diverse group of participants - including Chevra Kadisha volunteers, clergy, end-of-life doulas/midwives, Jewish communal professionals, students, funeral home professionals, chaplains, and those curious about Jewish end-of-life practices- to explore the profound intersection of tradition, community, and modern Jewish practice.

View the incredible list of educators and topics and register today with discount ⬇️ https://whova.com/web/-2Rxip8e-6SjW-W-8t3V0eslmFG8MPfoBgxyPKBsez4=/

🎁 redeem a special 10% discount for full conference registration for the ALEPH community: ALEPH10%

T'Shuva: A Return through the Psalms is a three part event led by Dr. Brielle Rassler is starting this Thursday, September 12, 2024

TIME: 7pm ET / 4pm PT
LOCATION: Zoom 🔗🔜 COST: $50

The month of Elul, which leads into our High Holiday season, offers a unique opportunity for reflection and growth known as t’shuvah, returning. Our tradition guides us to return to wholeness in our relationships with self, G-d, and other through this potent and poignant time. Join us as we dive deep into this process of return, led by the wisdom and poetry of our sacred psalms. We will explore Psalm 27, traditionally prayed every day during the month of Elul, as well as other psalms and practices which will open our hearts, clear our minds, and ready us to journey through the transformative process of the High Holidays.
Event Link 🔗 https://aleph.org/civicrm/event/register/?reset=1&id=563

All programs and ALEPH virtual events community calendar: http://www.aleph.org/virtualprograms

T’Shuva: A Return Through the Psalms
Starting 🔜 Thursdays, September 12, 19, 26
TIME: 7pm ET / 4pm PT
COST: $50
TEACHER: Rabbi Dr. Brielle Rassler

The month of Elul, which leads into our High Holiday season, offers a unique opportunity for reflection and growth known as t’shuvah, returning. Our tradition guides us to return to wholeness in our relationships with self, G-d, and other through this potent and poignant time. Join us as we dive deep into this process of return, led by the wisdom and poetry of our sacred psalms. We will explore Psalm 27, traditionally prayed every day during the month of Elul, as well as other psalms and practices which will open our hearts, clear our minds, and ready us to journey through the transformative process of the High Holidays.

LOCATION: Zoom 🔗 register with https://aleph.org/civicrm/event/register/?reset=1&id=563

Aleph Co-Sponsors Climate Action for a Just Future 📣
The stakes have never been higher. November’s federal elections will shape our fight against the climate crisis—our goal is to halve emissions by 2030 and reach zero by 2050. For us to protect a just, livable future l’dor v’dor (from generation to generation), we need leaders who will act with the urgency that science and justice demand.

In partnership with the Voter Project, Aleph is rallying to mobilize volunteers. Together, we’ll contact half a million voters, including climate-concerned , to ensure they vote.

🌱 Join us campaign 🌍


✨📣 https://dayenu.org/chutzpah/

Let's wish Stephanie Buncher, ALEPH's Events and Retreats Manager, a happy 8-year Workaversary! We are so blessed to have Stephanie on our team. She helps to make the magic happen each and every day!

This Sunday: Experiencing the Way of David and the Prophets: An Introduction

DATE: Sunday, September 8
TIME: 7:30pm ET (4:30pm PT)
LOCATION: Zoom registration here: https://aleph.org/civicrm/event/register/?reset=1&id=561
TEACHER: Jeff “KD” Meyers

In this introductory class, we will be guided by the spirit of Aryeh Kaplan’s extraordinary book, “Meditation and the Bible” which reveals many hidden teachings of Judaism through an exploration of Jewish “meditation,” the visionary experience, revelation, and the Way of the Prophets. We will explore the wisdom of David and the Prophets through Song, Poetry, and Art as well as through Meditation and Invocation of the Holy One.

We will reflect on some short readings from “Meditation and the Bible.” We will sing the Names and prayers of the Holy One, and through sharing, singing, journaling, drawing or other creative activities we will humbly sit and commune with the Heart of Ruach Hakodesh and the Holy Mystery. ⚪️This introductory class is part of a more extensive training on the experience of the Way of David and the Prophets. Bring a journal to write in and have a comfortable place to sit or lay down some of the explorations. more virtual programs like this: http://www.aleph.org/virtualprograms

You’re Invited to a Captivating LIVE Play: Save the Date for the Desert Wind.

🎭 Save the date: Sunday, September 15
Time: 7pm ET / 4pm PT
Location: Zoom 🔗 register with the link
Cost: Suggested donation of $18

Join us for an unforgettable evening as we present a LIVE reading of DESERT WIND, a compelling new play by acclaimed playwright and television writer Stephanie Liss. Set against the backdrop of the Houthi takeover, this powerful story follows a Jewish Yemenite couple who face unimaginable challenges. With the husband imprisoned and the wife forced to brave the vast desert, DESERT WIND weaves a tale of love, survival, and resilience.

The play features original music by the renowned RebbeSoul, known for his groundbreaking work in Jewish Roots and World music, and stars Assaf Cohen and Stephanie Satie, with narration by Elisheva Herrera. This event marks the first official collaboration between ALEPH and The American Jewish Theatre and is proudly co-sponsored by to the Middle East and North Africa (JIMENA).

Why Attend?

Experience a powerful story: DESERT WIND is a moving narrative that will take you on an emotional journey.
⚪️Hear original music: Enjoy the beautiful compositions of RebbeSoul, whose work has been celebrated worldwide.(For more information about RebbeSoul, visit rebbesoul.com)
⚪️Support meaningful art: Your suggested donation helps support this incredible production and the artists involved
⚪️Connect with the community: Join us on Zoom to engage with fellow attendees and participate in a live Q&A after the reading.
⚪️Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience a live play reading that will leave you inspired and moved. Stephanie Satie

We look forward to sharing this special evening with you! Register here: https://aleph.org/civicrm/event/register/?reset=1&id=565
Featuring: Stephanie Satie (photo number 2) 🎭

Dear AOP Community,

As we start the fall 2024 semester, we're wishing you all a productive and enriching semester. The first AOP students are being admitted for the Spring 2025 semester.

📆If you know someone who might be interested in enrolling in the AOP, the Spring 2025 admission deadline is due September 30, 2024.

📚 Our public courses are still open for registration. The AOP opens a select number of our graduate-level seminary courses to the general public. Each course has 13 weekly meetings and is conducted via live video conference using Zoom.

📄Remember, every class is an opportunity to grow.
Stay curious and don't hesitate to seek help when needed. 📧You may also email the AOP office at [email protected] to request registration or with questions.

Courses include:
Music for the Jewish Liturgical Year
Biblical Hebrew 101
Biblical Hebrew 103
Liturgical Hebrew 1
Rabbinic Hebrew Workshop
Defining Identity, Belonging, and Community
Transformative Themes in Reb Zalman’s Writings
First Encounter with the Talmud and Midrash
Listening for God’s Voice – The Biblical Prophets
Contemplative Torah – Kriat Ha-kodesh
Qurious Wisdom Conversations on the Quotidian with Qohelet & Lao Tzu (Course started August 28)

Learn more here: https://aop.aleph.org/public-courses/

You can find our upcoming community events on our website, where we invite you to participate and register for our virtual programs designed to support wellbeing, connection and so much more. ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal’s virtual programming includes our Tikshoret Program and Renewing Our Collective Soul: A Virtual Program designed for our times.

http://www.aleph.org/virtualprograms

Teachers and leaders from all over the globe have hosted sessions on meditation, embodied movement, spiritual direction, and so much more – gently guiding us to spaces where we can connect with our deepest selves.

One hundred Blessings to Reb Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, z"l on his birthday! Share a blessing for Reb Zalman and for our world!

"The World is Under Blessed" – Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi (April 27, 2010) On April 27th, 2010, Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi (1924-2014) was interviewed in the prayer room of his home library by documentary filmmaker Llewellyn Smi...

📚We’re excited to begin the Fall 2024 semester in the ALEPH Ordination Program. Please note that in contrast to recent years, the Fall semester this year begins on Wednesday, August 28, before Labor Day.

☑️You can still register for the AOP’s Public Courses; these graduate-level seminary courses are open to the general public to participate as an auditor or for credit. 📆 Each course has 13 weekly meetings and is conducted via live video conference using Zoom. 📧 You could also email the AOP office at [email protected] to ask to be registered or with questions.

Courses include:

Music for the Jewish Liturgical Year
Biblical Hebrew 101
Biblical Hebrew 103
Liturgical Hebrew 1
Rabbinic Hebrew Workshop
Defining Identity, Belonging, and Community
Transformative Themes in Reb Zalman’s Writings
First Encounter with the Talmud and Midrash. 📚

…for the full list visit this page: https://aop.aleph.org/public-courses/

An Elul Journey: Navigating Powerful Emotions with R.A.I.N.

DATES: September 4, 11, 18, 25
TIME: 8 - 9:15 pm ET (5 - 6:15pm PT)
LOCATION: Zoom
COST: $72 for all four sessions
TEACHER: Certified mindfulness instructor and Jewish educator Alison Cohen

Popularized by renowned meditation teacher and psychologist Dr. Tara Brach, the R.A.I.N. process for navigating powerful emotions–Recognize, Allow, Investigate, Nurture–can noticeably improve and transform how we relate to ourselves and to others, especially amidst all that is unfolding in the world today.

Offered by certified mindfulness instructor and Jewish educator Alison Cohen, this four-week R.A.I.N. course is a unique opportunity to explore this profound, timely practice for strengthening emotional awareness, responsiveness, and compassion. It is being offered during the month of Elul, a period of the Jewish calendar that invites us to prioritize inner and interpersonal work prior to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

The experiential class sessions will be a step-by-step journey through the four components of the R.A.I.N. process. Session 1 will hone in on strengthening our capacity to Recognize what we’re feeling when we’re feeling it, Session 2 will center on the Allowance process, and so forth. Each session will include: Guided meditation and reflection, optional writing prompts, discussion, and Jewish wisdom that illuminates R.A.I.N.

No previous knowledge of meditation, R.A.I.N, or Judaism necessary: All that’s required is your presence, interest, and curiosity!

🔗🔝Learn more and register https://aleph.org/civicrm/event/register/?reset=1&id=559

DESERT WIND, a new play by playwright/television writer Stephanie Liss, is the powerful, moving, story of a Jewish moving, story of a Jewish Yemenite couple. Caught in the midst of the Houthi takeover, they are trapped — he imprisoned, and she forced to escape through the expanse of the unforgiving desert.

DESERT WIND features original music by RebbeSoul, and stars Assaf Cohen, and Stephanie Satie, with Narration read by Elisheva Herrera, and is the first official collaboration between ALEPH and The American Jewish Theatre.

This event is co-sponsored by Jews Indigenous to the Middle East and North Africa (JIMENA).

Exciting news from The American Jewish Theatre 🎭 Catch a link to read their latest newsletter for new shows and live performances.

We are honored to co-sponsor along with JIMENA: Jews Indigenous to the Middle East and North Africa and invite you to save the date 📆 this September 15, 2024 and join us for the timeless More details: https://mailchi.mp/0975d604a428/happy-passover-from-the-american-jewish-theatre-19975?

Exciting news from The American Jewish Theatre 🎭 Catch a link to read their latest newsletter for new shows and live performances.

We are honored to co-sponsor along with JIMENA: Jews Indigenous to the Middle East and North Africa and invite you to save the date 📆 this September 15, 2024 and join us for the timeless More details: https://mailchi.mp/0975d604a428/happy-passover-from-the-american-jewish-theatre-19975?

Have you already registered for the Rabbis and Cantors Retirement Plan (RCRP)?

This is a virtual event scheduled for Monday, August 26 at 7pm ET / 4pm PT
Please register in advance to attend this Live on Zoom ℹ️ see link below ⬇️
Come learn about the advantages of participating in the Rabbis and Cantors Retirement Plan (RCRP) with Rabbi Nathan Weiner, RCRP's education committee chair. Together, we will discuss how the RCRP can be a vital and tax-advantaged part of your retirement planning. The RCRP is a special type of retirement product called a 403(b)9, allowing clergy to claim parsonage in retirement, among other benefits.

This plan is made available to all ALEPH graduates, and to OHALAH members at a discounted rate.

**To complete your registration, please make sure you click on the "review" button at the end of this form.

https://aleph.org/civicrm/event/register/?reset=1&id=562

This Tuesday: Dancing the Tree of Life from Grief to Rebirth: Tisha B’Av to Rosh Hashanah

🪧Tuesdays, August 13 and October 1
TIME: 7pm ET / 4pm PT
COST: $36
LOCATION: Zoom
TEACHER: Rachael R. Resch
Come embody the Kabbalah Tree of Life and re-dedicate yourself to living in reciprocity with the Holy in Nature. Reb Zalman called the seven-weeks leading up to Rosh Hashanah, “Counting the Mishkan” – the word mishkan meaning “dwelling place of The Holy.”

We begin at Tisha B’Av, the Temple of Grief, and through movement help metabolize the heartbreak of humanity’s destruction of Mother Earth into a life-giving force so that all of Creation can jump up and live again on the New Year.

We’ll begin and end the seven weeks of Dancing the Tree of Life with two 1½-hour sessions. As a bonus, you’re welcome to attend at no extra cost a weekly 20-minute Tree of Life Dance on Wednesday mornings, 8:00-8:20 am (PT) / 11:00-11:20 am (ET), from August 14 to October 2

Please join us in bringing physical and spiritual healing to your body, the Body of Humanity and the Body of the World. All ages and physical abilities are welcome. No previous movement background is needed. (Due to music licensing rights, sessions will not be recorded.) 🔗 learn more and register here: https://aleph.org/civicrm/event/register/?reset=1&id=564

Kabbalat Shabbat w/ Ami Weintraub Ami Weintraub (he/they) is a Jewish writer and Rabbinic student. Ami is the author of the personal memoir, "To the Ghosts Who are Still Living." Ami is the founder and former director of Ratzon:Center for Healing and Resistance, a Jewish, q***r anarchist community center in Pittsburgh. Currently, Am...

Alliance for Jewish Renewal welcomes Hazzan Stephanie Weishaar as our new Board Chair.

“I’m honored by this opportunity to bring my skills and training to the organization that has fueled my reconnection with Judaism and continues to inspire me. With so many brilliant teachers, musicians, and ritual artists in Jewish Renewal, ALEPH is the best kept secret in Judaism. It is time to bring this joyful Judaism to the wider world.” says Hazzan Stephanie.

Since 2014, Hazzan Stephanie has served as the Spiritual Leader of Kol Nefesh congregation in Columbia, Maryland. Prior to her work as a Jewish professional, she earned a degree in international relations and spent many years in nonprofit development in Ukraine, Russia, and the US. Stephanie’s volunteer work has centered around interfaith collaboration, education, and the arts. After raising two wonderful children, she followed her dream to study in seminary and was ordained by ALEPH in 2021. She joined the ALEPH Board of Directors in December 2022. Stephanie lives on a farm in Maryland with her husband and their two dogs. In this note: ALEPH would like to honor and thank departing Board member Douglas Chermak, who completed six years (two terms) of service. Rabbi Jeremy Parnes, who served as Board Chair this past year, has moved into the Vice Chair position.

https://kolaleph.org/2024/08/01/aleph-welcomes-new-board-chair/

Take Action for People and Planet for Tisha B’av with the Jewish Earth Alliance this Thursday, August 8th. 🏵️ Pre-Tisha B’Av Virtual Lobby Day for Climate Solutions 🏵️

The fast day of Tisha B’av commemorates the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. However, it is also a day to reflect on how tragedy can birth transformation.

Did you know that Jewish tradition viewed the universe as God’s Temple, and the Temple in as a microcosm of Earth? There are many different expressions of this idea. For example, the chamber of the Holy of Holies represented the heavens, the sacrificial altar represented the land, and the cast metal sea ( ים מוצק ) that is described in the book of Kings represented the ocean.

Today itself is threatened by climate change. This Tisha B’av we can take action to accelerate the transformation that is already underway by advocating for policies to clean up the pollution caused by fossil fuels, build renewable energy capacity, and further equity by investing in communities that have suffered the most from the energy systems of the past.

You can make a difference as we approach this Tisha B’av by joining other members of our community to meet with our It’s easy and effective Register and join us: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdd6v9eSdB4bIGOfNsfsKGTOPgCciTAqnaPuPIcAkfsiupZKw/viewform

This Sunday, August 4th, join us for: YOM RISHON – Sing, Pray, Meditate in Partnership with ALEPH

TIME: 12:30 pm ET / 9:30am PT (75 Minute Session)

YOM RISHON is a virtual service open to all, featuring meditation, traditional Jewish prayer, music & the 32 Paths of Presence (Hebrew letters and the Tree of Life). Join Rabbi Brian Yosef and special guests! Register here: https://www.google.com/url?q=https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYtcuyvpz8tGtZRYhhLyYumMSesEfDn86jq&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw0SxVAoNcUPCldZPUcxyodv

This Monday, August 5 Join us for a restorative virtual program: 1:30pm ET / 10:30am PT (75 Minute Session)
IYUN AYIN "Immersion in Spaciousness" in Partnership with Integral Life Community & ALEPH
Open to All: Teaching, Chanting, Meditation, Healing, Kaddish, Community. Link to all events: https://aleph.org/virtualprograms/

This Wednesday, July 31: The Two States, One Homeland Model for Peace
with the Israeli and Palestinian Co-Executive Directors of A Land for All

Time: 1pm ET / 10am PT
Location: Zoom REGISTER in advance 🏵️ https://aleph.org/civicrm/event/register/?reset=1&id=560

Join us as we come together for a powerful conversation with May Pundak and Dr. Rula Hardal, the Israeli and Palestinian co-executive directors of the rapidly growing “A Land for All” peace movement. At this time of grief, anger, pain, and despair, May and Rula will share their vision and discuss the compelling and practical solutions they offer for the thorniest sticking points in the Israel-Palestine conflict.

A Land for All brings together, under one roof, Israelis and Palestinians who recognize that two peoples share a deep connection to the exact same homeland, and that only a partnership-based approach can create a better future for all. Their movement’s creative “two states in one homeland” plan has been featured recently on , in the , and elsewhere.

📚Begin your journey with ALEPH's Hebrew courses and embrace a transformative educational experience. Learn more and register for the Fall 2024 semester at ALEPH Ordination Program.

Would you like to stay informed about important admissions dates and updates. We value your privacy. Your email address will only be used to send admissions-related information and will not be shared with third parties. Subscribe to the AOP Admissions Updates with this secure link 🔗

http://eepurl.com/iB6jH-/

Our fall semester is right around the corner, delivering a vibrant and rich program, including ✨Transformative Themes in Reb Zalman’s Writings 📚 ✨ More information about our Fall 2024 semester and registration for the following Public Courses: https://aop.aleph.org/public-courses/ ℹ️ Apply by August 23 2024. The AOP Fall semester begins on August 28, for public courses - anyone can register for these non-credit courses. (Each video conference course has 13 weekly meetings and is conducted live using Zoom).

Enroll now and take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to continue learning in an engaging and supportive environment.
ALEPH ✨📚Public Course Offerings:
Music for the Jewish Liturgical Year
Biblical Hebrew 101
Biblical Hebrew 103
Liturgical Hebrew 1
Rabbinic Hebrew Workshop
Defining Identity, Belonging and Community
Transformative Themes in Reb Zalman’s Writings
First Encounter with Talmud and Midrash
Listening for God’s Voice - The Biblical Prophets Contemplative Torah – Kriat Ha-kodesh Qurious Wisdom Conversations on the Quotidian with Qohelet & Lao Tzu ℹ️

July 28 is a special performance 🌟🕺💃ALEPH’s biggest summer fundraiser is an unforgettable evening you won’t want to miss. The ALEPH Virtual Cabaret is this Sunday!

Join us as for a stellar lineup of performers who will lift us up in song, connect with us through words, and bring us all together—beyond our Zoom screens—as one collective soul. Date: Sunday, July 28
Time: 4-6pm ET (1-3pm pm PT)
Welcome and centering from 3:45–4 pm ET (12:45 – 1pm PT)
Cost: Pay-what-you-can with a suggested donation of $36 or more.

Emcee’d by Rabbi Mark Novak and Hazzan Stephanie Weishaar, and produced by Rabbinic Pastor/Cantor Lisa Levine, ALEPH’s fundraiser events are a special offering to bring our community together and enjoy the gift of music and community during this heartwarming virtual event ✨🎵 please share this invitation with your friends and family: https://aleph.org/virtualcabaret/

Join us THIS SUNDAY at 4pm ET to see some INCREDIBLE performers in our Virtual Cabaret! 🎶🎶🎶

Our theme this year is "Kolot L'Shalom - Voices for Peace," and we hope you can join as we're uplifted in song and pray for peace with others from all across the globe.

More information and registration here: www.aleph.org/virtualcabaret

Questions? Email [email protected]

Next Wednesday, please join us for an important : The Two States, One Homeland Model for Peace
with the Israeli and Palestinian Co-Executive Directors of A Land for All

Save The Date: Wednesday, July 31
Time: 1pm ET / 10am PT

This is a virtual event by ALEPH (Location: Zoom) please register with the link below.

Join us as we come together for a powerful conversation with May Pundak and Dr. Rula Hardal, the Israeli and Palestinian co-executive directors of the rapidly growing “A Land for All” peace movement. At this time of grief, anger, pain, and despair, May and Rula will share their vision and discuss the compelling and practical solutions they offer for the thorniest sticking points in the Israel-Palestine conflict.

A Land for All brings together, under one roof, Israelis and Palestinians who recognize that two peoples share a deep connection to the exact same homeland, and that only a partnership-based approach can create a better future for all. Their movement’s creative “two states in one homeland” plan has been featured recently on CNN, in the New York Times, and elsewhere.

Learn more about May, Rula, and A Land for All here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JhKFA9yrlZPggoX37fCBZ3wXB1ncTRyd/view