• General Resources
• Theology

• GENERAL RESOURCES  (return to top)

One of the most visible trends in the North American Jewish Community is the search for spirituality. The word, in fact, is a haven to some and a red flag to others—the question of whether spirituality should be regarded as a specifically Christian province remains controversial. The acceptable outlines of this newly emerging topic, therefore, remain unclear. A large and rapidly growing literature proposes to explain spirituality as well as to guide readers on their personal journeys.

Lawrence Kushner, having published in the field of Jewish spirituality for over twenty years, is a pioneer. His writing, for adults as well as children, is prolific. Perle Besserman writes on the intersection of Judaism and Eastern religions and what Jewish spirituality might gain from such insights. David Cooper writes on meditation practice that is informed with Sufist and Buddhist ideas as well as Jewish ones, and Avram Davis looks into Jewish meditation and mysticism. Shoni Labowitz writes on spirituality and sexuality. Kerry Olitzky’s work has often overlapped with Jewish resources for those in twelve-step programs. Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi’s well-received latest work deals with spiritual aging, and Rami Shapiro’s translation of Pirke Avot is a classic for study and inspiration. Other notable authors in the field include Sylvia Boorstin, Wayne Dosick, Nan Fink Gefen, Reuven Hammer, and Gershon Winkler. Jewish Lights and Jossey-Bass, among others, are important publishers of this material. Some noteworthy books are described below.

Eisen, Arnold. Taking Hold of Torah: Jewish Commitment and Community in America. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1997.

Using the five books of Torah as his chapter headings, Eisen lays out his vision of how to transform Jewish life in America at a time when religious identification and commitment seem optional.

Matlins, Stuart, ed. The Jewish Lights Spirituality Handbook. Woodstock, VT: Jewish Lights Publishing, 2001.

The 50 contributors to this anthology explore every aspect of Jewish spirituality—God, community, prayer, liturgy, healing, meditation, mysticism, study, Jewish traditions, rituals, blessings, life passages, special days, the everyday, repairing the world, and more—offering the reader everything needed to discover all the directions in which Jewish spirituality can go. This book is the ideal companion for those who are searching for greater personal meaning, actively seeking ideas, information, practices and inspiration, or just curious.

Schwarz, Sidney. Finding a Spiritual Home: How a New Generation of Jews Can Transform the American Synagogue. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2000.

Combining organizational analysis and stories of spiritual journeys, Sidney Schwarz explains and supports his theory of synagogue-community as the future of the American Jewish synagogue. Schwarz provides a historical overview of the American synagogue and Jewish community, including sociological research and practical examples to shed light on how the needs of the current American Jewish community can best be addressed. Organizational culture, mission, values, and leadership style in four synagogues, each from a different movement, are analyzed. The author’s analysis explains how each synagogue deals with specific community needs and the overall needs of the American Jewish community. Schwarz includes an epilogue of ten steps toward congregational transformation and a small discussion guide to use with groups.

The role of the congregation in spirituality is still seen as idiosyncratic; few accepted “best practices” exist. There is also the question of whether books alone can provide a sufficient resource in this area. For some, it is dangerous to believe that religious growth can be achieved with only a book. Jewishly, we are advised to get ourselves a teacher.

Three institutions, Metivta, Elat Chayyim (see Renewal Judaism), and Chochmat HaLev are leading the way in teaching Jewish meditation practice. Rabbi Zalman Schachter is also a noted teacher. Based in Boulder, he teaches at Naropa University.

Metivta: A Center for Contemplative Judaism

Metivta is a transdenominational Jewish center for study and contemplative practice. Rooted in the mystical lineage of Kabbalah and Hasidism, it provides access to Jewish spiritual teachings and practices and helps students adapt them to everyday life. Metivta offers a variety of venues, from weekly classes to week-long meditation retreats, for both study and practice. In addition to local offerings in the Los Angeles area, its retreats and distance-learning programs reach people around the globe.

Chochmat HaLev

Nondenominational Chochmat HaLev is the largest Jewish meditation center in the world. All meditation techniques used are derived from traditional Jewish practices. The center does not incorporate non-Jewish methodologies or Buddhist, Sufi, or Hindu forms modified for a Jewish audience. At its Berkeley headquarters, Chochmat HaLev offers weekly sitting groups, classes in Jewish meditation and spiritual practices and Jewish mystical texts, and Shabbat and Holy Day services. On the national level, programming includes the Jewish Meditation Teachers’ Certification Program, the Network of Jewish Meditation Teachers, the Jewish Meditation Resource Center, intensives and distance learning programs and conferences, and a speakers bureau.

Naropa University

Naropa University is grounded in the three Buddhist educational principles of meditation, discipline, and knowledge. Its educational programs employ intellectual, artistic, and meditative disciplines. The university is nonsectarian and open to all.

The Aleph Kallah, sponsored by Aleph: Alliance for Jewish Renewal (see Renewal Judaism) is a biennial (odd-numbered years) week-long international gathering bringing together Jewish renewal artists, leaders, performers, and teachers. Aleph also partners with renewal communities in local and regional events. Contact Cindy Gabriel.

Neve Shalom

Throughout the year, Rabbi James Stone Goodman runs retreats focusing on different subgroups of Jews at this intentional community.

Torah Trek Spiritual Wilderness Adventures

Torah Trek teaches skills and provides opportunities for those whose spiritual journey leads to the out-of-doors.

• THEOLOGY  (return to top)

Most of what is available on Jewish theology is academic in nature. Nevertheless, there is a place for more popular treatments, such as those below.

Green, Arthur. These Are the Words: A Vocabulary of Jewish Spiritual Life. Woodstock, VT: Jewish Lights Publishing, 2001.

In this book, Jews and non-Jews alike can learn more about the meaning, history, and origin of 149 core Hebrew words that are shared and understood throughout the Jewish world. From Adonai (“my Lord”) to zekhut (“merit”), these words constitute the basic vocabulary of Jewish communal and religious identity.

Green, Arthur and Barry W. Holtz, eds. Your Word is Fire: The Hasidic Masters on Contemplative Prayer. Woodstock, VT: Jewish Lights Publishing, 1988.

The power of prayer for spiritual renewal and personal transformation is at the core of all religious traditions. From the teachings of the Hasidic Masters, the editors have gleaned “hints as to the various rungs of inner prayer and how they are attained.” These parables and aphorisms of the Hasidic masters pierce to the heart of the modern reader’s search for God.