David Ingber
Ecstatic Kabbalat Shabbat Service
Releasing the Week, Receiving Shabbat
Ritual & Prayer
Lecha Dodi N'Aytze HaSadeh...Come with us to find the field of joy, the field of peace and love...Kabbalat Shabbat is the portal through which we receive the joy and peace of Shabbat. Join us as we use traditional liturgy, soulful music, inspiring teachings and rejuvenating meditation to bring us into Shabbat. (There will be mixed gender seating, and musical instruments will be used.)
The Quest for Sprituality
David Ingber,
Elie Kaunfer,
Aliza Lavie,
Joe Septimus,
Mitchell Silver
Panel members discuss the essence of spirituality and how do prayer, synagogue service, and alternate forms of devotion or minyan figure in one’s own development, search, or quest to be reflective, uplifted, elevated, and find greater meaning in one’s life. A wide range of panelists will present their thoughts, opinions, and recommendations on how to conduct and lead a more meaningful spiritual life.
Naked Kabbalah
Nothing Added or Subtracted
Torah & Text
This class pulls no punches and is designed for the those who have want the 'goods' that the Kabbalah has to offer. We will cut to the essence of the Kabbalistic or mystical universe, journeying into of the heart of Jewish wisdom teachings. The Kabbala purports to answer questions like: Who am I? Why am I here? Who is G-d? How did the world come to be? Why does evil exist? Come and explore ten core, transformative ideas found in the Kabbalah or Jewish mysticism. NO PRIOR BACKGROUND NECESSARY.
The Yin Yang of Jewish Practice & Ritual
David Ingber,
Joe Septimus
Advanced,
Torah & Text
Jewish practices and rituals may be enriched and, possibly, redefined by considering how they participate in the dialectic of opposing forces and concepts that are intertwined, interdependent and give birth to one another. Texts from Talmud, Siddur, Rav Soloveitchik, Rav Kook, and Eastern and Western philosophy will be studied.
Chvaruta III: Ahavat Yisrael
The Rashab's Dreaded Space Thief
Ritual & Prayer,
Torah & Text
Ahavat Yisrael is the theme we are tracking in text and tradition in new ways each day of this conference. Think of all the ways in which you relate to having personal space, did you know this relates to the mitzvah of Ahavat Yisrael. Not at all what it seems to be. Make new friends and discover what is amazing and profound about space and interpersonal peace as we enter into the thoughts of the great philosopher rabbi known as the Rashab. Chevruta (partner study) is an empowering study form in which, no matter what your level of experience, your connection to the text will soar in small groups and partner study. **Please note that this session will run for 90 minutes.
Messiah Complex
Shabbetai Zvi, Jacob Frank, and Other Over-Achievers
Torah & Text
A promised redeemer, or messiah (anointed one), has been a part of the Jewish tradition for millennia. What does the job description and resume for a messianic character look like? Explore the fascinating history and complex psychology of messianism, messianic contenders, and pretenders. Study this phenomenon by looking at sources ranging from the Bible to Freud, refracting such figures as Shabbetai Zvi and Jacob Frank through multiple lenses, and understand both the cultural phenomenon and psychological phenomenology that give rise to messianic expression. Travel on an exciting journey into the heart of a deeply controversial topic.
