Virtual Programs

About this Program

In these times of physical distancing, it’s hard to feel connected to our innermost selves. Many of us are doing the best that we can just to stay afloat, that we haven’t had the chance to touch base with our souls.

ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal’s virtual programming includes our Tikshoret Program and Renewing Our Collective Soul: A Virtual Program For Our Times, which was created in March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.

Most programs are pay-what-you-wish. Donations will directly support the work of ALEPH and Jewish Renewal programming, and we are thankful for any amount you can donate. If you’re unable to make a donation at this time, that’s okay too. We welcome you.

New offerings will continue to be added, so be sure to check back here often.

Upcoming Programs

Nechamah Minyan (Rabbi Geela Rayzel Raphael and friends)
New Books, New Music, New Fun, New Year! (Rabbi Geela Rayzel Raphael and friends)
Silence is Praise: Metivta-Style Morning Meditation Service (Rabbi Anne Brener)

Session Descriptions

New Books, New Music, New Fun, New Year! - FULL DETAILS

Date: Saturday, December 31
Time: 8 pm ET (5 pm PT)
Cost: Pay-what-you-can
Led by: Rabbi Geela Rayzel Raphael and friends

What good is sitting alone in your room on New Year’s Eve? Join Rabbi Geela Rayzel Raphael and friends for an entertaining Zoom Gala! We will begin with prayer and song for an hour of Ma’ariv. Then listen and learn with amazing authors whose books came out this year. Subjects include Kabbalah, Shechinah, spirituality, cutting-edge issues, and of course—lots of music and surprises!

Featuring:
Professor Yossi Chajes, Rabbi Laura Duhan-Kaplan, Rabbi Dan Ehrenkrantz, Rabbi Yaacov Gabriel, Beth Hamon, Shoshana Jedwab, Rabbi Tmimah Ickovits, Rabbi Jane Litman, Hazzan Abbe Lyons, Cantor Jacqueline Marks, Gilla Nissan, Gabrielle Pesacador, Rabbi Matthew Ponak, Cantor Aviva Rosenbloom, Janice Rubin, Rabbi Tzemah Yorah, and more!

REGISTER ONLINE HERE FOR NEW BOOKS, NEW MUSIC, NEW FUN, NEW YEAR!

Nechamah Minyan - FULL DETAILS

The Nechamah Minyan meets nightly at 9 pm Eastern (6 pm Pacific), every day except Friday, providing nechamah (comfort) beyond time and space. Serving to connect people across denominational lines; people who need a place to pray; to heal; to grieve; to experiment with different forms and modalities of prayer; the Nechamah Minyan is a container for the end of the day and to say kaddish. It has helped attendees relax into the night, soothe sleepless souls, and connect with one another. It is different every night—depending on who is leading—so come a few times to get an array of musical, liturgical, meditative, and poetic styles.

The Nechamah Minyan was started in January 2021 by Reb Geela Rayzel Raphael as a place to say kaddish (Jewish prayer for the dead) for her mom, Natalie Robinson, (Nechama Leah bat Elke v’Chayim).

For Jews in mourning, it is traditional to say daily Kaddish in a minyan, which is a group of 10 or more persons. All who mourn, who are honoring yahrzeits, or who wish to participate in the mitzvah of making a minyan, are invited to join this important program.

If you would like to register, please reach out to Rabbi Geela Rayzel Raphael at rrayzel@shechinah.com.

If you are looking to attend a minyan taking place that evening, please contact Rabbi Geela Rayzel by 6 pm EDT.

If you’d like to be on the last-minute text list (to be contacted to participate in the mitzvah of making a minyan, in the case not enough are gathered) please reach out to Rabbi Geela Rayzel at the email above.

If you’d like to lead one of the evenings (creative, traditional, and all types of services are welcome!) please reach out to Rabbi Geela Rayzel at the email above.

If you would like to express your gratitude for this type of program, please feel free to make a donation HERE.

If you would like to register, please reach out to Rabbi Geela Rayzel Raphael at rrayzel@shechinah.com.

Silence is Praise - FULL DETAILS

Date: Weekly on Wednesdays
Time: 11:30 am-12:30 pm ET (8:30-9:30 am PT)
Cost: Pay-what-you-can
Presenter: Rabbi Anne Brener

Description: Overwhelmed with stress from social distancing, quarantine, and COVID-19? Join Rabbi Anne Brener for a chanting and meditation service, using the structure of the morning service, to calm our bodies and connect our souls. There will be time for some check-in afterward.

REGISTER ONLINE HERE FOR SILENCE IS PRAISE

Our Session Leaders

We are thankful for so many incredible leaders who are stepping up to provide space for us to virtually connect. Our leaders are sure to excite, grow, and inspire you – learn more about them below!

Get to know our session leaders!

FAQ

When is this event taking place?

Each program takes place at different dates and times. Please refer to your selected program for the correct dates and times, and be sure to pay attention to time zones.

Where is this event taking place?

This event is entirely virtual! You can participate from anywhere in the world. You can even be in your pajamas (we won’t tell!)

Do I need an internet connection to participate?

An internet or phone connection is required to be able to participate. We encourage having some sort of camera so that your face can be seen, but a phone will work just fine if needed.

What if I have never done video conferencing before?

That’s okay! After you register, you will be given detailed instructions on how to get set up so that you will be able to fully participate in as many sessions as you wish.

How long is each session? How often do they meet?

Session lengths vary based on the program. Refer to the detailed session descriptions above to learn more.

The views, information, or opinions expressed during this event are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of ALEPH and its members.