Virtual Programs

About this Program

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 (unless otherwise noted), 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

  • Diving Deeply into the Golem of Prague
  • Renewing Judaism: Past, Present, & Future
  • ALEPH Kallah Info Sessions
  • Mid-Omer Tune-Up!
  • Approaching the Holy Mountain: Spiritual Preparations for Shavuot

Continual Programs

  • Nechamah Minyan (daily)
  • Silence is Praise (weekly)

Session Descriptions

Virtual Program - Minyan

Diving Deeply into the Golem of Prague

DATE: Tuesdays, April 22, 29 & May 6
TIME: 7pm ET / 4pm PT
LOCATION: Live on Zoom
COST: $54
 
Explore the legend of the Golem of Prague in this engaging three-session workshop led by Maggid Jim Brulé. Delve into the story’s spiritual roots, ethical dilemmas, and contemporary relevance through storytelling, discussion, and reflection. Uncover lessons on creation, power, and responsibility, gaining insights that resonate with modern life.
Virtual Program - Minyan

Renewing Judaism: Three Generations Reflect on the Movement

Renewing Judaism: Past, Present, & Future
April 27, May 4, May 28 | Live on Zoom

ALEPH and The Shalom Center present a three-part webinar series reflecting on the past, present, and future of Judaism’s renewal, as together we braid anew and again these sacred strands.

• Renewing Judaism: Past • Sunday, April 27, 2:00pm – 3:30pm ET
The origins of Jewish Renewal, dating back to the Havurah movement, the Jewish Catalog, the founding of ALEPH, and Renewal’s early days.
With Rabbis Arthur Waskow, Phyllis Berman, Jeff Roth, Marcia Prager, and Michael Strassfeld.
 
• Renewing Judaism: Present • Sunday, May 4, 2:00pm – 3:30pm ET
The current state of Judaism and what it might mean to encounter this time with Jewish Renewal sensibilities.
With SooJi Min-Maranda, Rabbi Tirzah Firestone, Rabbi Or Rose, Rabbi Jay Michaelson, and Ilana Sumka.
• Renewing Judaism: Future • Wednesday, May 28, 7:00pm – 8:30pm ET
Judaism’s future and what it might mean to renew Judaism for the times ahead.
With Rabbi Jericho Vincent, Yehudah Webster, Rabbi Zvika Krieger, Ana Levy-Lyons, and Rabbi Nate DeGroot.
Virtual Program - Minyan

Kallah Info Session

Kallah Curious?
Attend one of two Kallah information sessions to learn more about this year’s Kallah in Baltimore, MD. Attendees will get a special discount code valid for 24 hours after the session.
Session One | Monday, May 5 | Noon- 1 pm eastern
Session Two | Tuesday, May 20 | 8 – 9 pm eastern
Deadline to register for Kallah is midnight eastern time on Thursday, May 29.
Virtual Program - Minyan

Mid-Omer Tune-Up

Wednesday, May 14 | 6pm ET / 3pm PT | Live on Zoom 

Here’s something to feel hopeful and excited about: Counting the Omer is a happening thing! The days between Passover and Shavuot are filled with mystical energy and creative potential. It’s a mitzvah—and a journey. And whether you’ve been counting daily or don’t even know what the Omer is, this gathering is for you.

Reb Zalman z”l helped spark this Omer revival, and he’d be dancing with joy to see all the beautiful, surprising ways people are interpreting the Sefirot this year.

Do you love dance? Movement? Journaling? Tarot? Psalms? Mysticism? Meditation? Mandalas? There’s an Omer counter for that—and for you.

Join Rabbi Geela Rayzel Raphael and a circle of amazing teachers and artists as we pause at the midpoint of the Omer to refresh, re-tune, and re-inspire ourselves for the journey ahead—toward revelation at Shavuot.

Featuring:
Rabbi Brielle Rassler • Mark Alan Horn • Rabbi Dr. Orna Triguboff • Elissa Yaffe Cohen • Joanne Fink • Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer • Dr. Julie Leavitt • Aliza Joy Rothman • Rabbi Mark Novack • Kohenet Shoshana Bricklin • Juliet Spitzer

Virtual Program - Minyan

Approaching the Holy Mountain: Spiritual Preparations for Shavuot

Wednesdays, May 7, 14, 21 | 8pm ET / 5pm PT | Live on Zoom | $54

Join us for a three-part course lef by Reb Simcha Raphael exploring the spiritual themes of Shavuot:

  • Session 1: Sinai Revelation & the Mythic Journey: Guidelines for Life in Transition – Explore Midrashic texts on Sinai to uncover how we, too, can receive Torah and revelation in our lives today.
  • Session 2: Transcending Trauma: Mythic Dimensions of the Book of Ruth – Discover the resilience and spiritual wisdom in Ruth’s journey and how it speaks to our own times of transition.
  • Session 3: The History and Mystery of Yizkor: Wisdom from Our Ancestors – Delve into the origins of Yizkor and how this prayer connects us to our ancestors in meaningful ways.
Virtual Program - Minyan

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.

Virtual Program - Minyan

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. 

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!

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.
ALEPH Virtual Programs

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.