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About Jewish Meditation
About Jewish Meditation
Why meditate?
Meditating helps us to connect to our deepest source of being. It helps us slow down and become attuned to ourselves, the world around us, and the divine. It is healing and, although not always easy, it can be deeply nourishing and relaxing.
Do I need to be Jewish?
No – you definitely do not need to be Jewish to attend BHA sits or any classes or events. We are a completely inclusive community. Our teachings will come from Jewish sources, and the majority of the teachers we invite will come from within the Jewish meditation world, but we will also have other spiritual disciplines represented and welcomed.
What if I tried meditating in the past, and it didn’t work?
This is a very common question, and it seems that there is a misconception about what meditation is and what it means for it to “work.” So, let’s start there. Meditation means to concentrate on one thing. Pretty simple, right? If you’ve ever done it, you’d answer “NO!” It’s actually difficult to settle your mind and bring your attention back again and again and again to your object of concentration. However, each time you bring your attention back (to your breath, a particular thought, prayer, etc), it’s working. The more you practice this, the easier it gets.
Sometimes simply “showing up” is enough. Cultivating a practice of awareness is exactly that- a practice. We practice being patient, understanding, and compassionate with ourselves and others. We keep practicing. We shine lights of awareness on patterns and relationships; over time, things shift. We evolve, patterns that we wished we could break somehow disappear. That’s how you can tell your meditation practice is working. It’s subtle, but it’s profound, and it requires effort and some amount of patience and stubbornness. Ultimately, though, it’s pretty much guaranteed to positively transform your life.
Do I need to know Hebrew?
Absolutely not. Whenever we incorporate Hebrew prayers or texts, we will always have clear translations and transliteration so that non-Hebrew speakers can follow along and fully understand what is being studied.
When are sits? Where are you located?
Sits are generally on Saturday afternoons and you can see our full contemplative practice calendar here. BHA is located at 331 Verplanck Avenue, Beacon, NY. Our driveway is next to a row of townhouses, and most people enter through our kitchen door. A map is available here.
How can I find out more?
The best way to find out more is to sign up for our newsletter, and be sure to click the box for interest in Jewish Meditation. If you have any questions, please be in touch with Rabbi Brent Spodek.
We are grateful to our friends at the Jewish Meditation Center of Brooklyn and the Institute for Jewish Spirituality for some of the resources on this page.
Wed, May 25 2022
24 Iyyar 5782
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Thursday ,
MayMay 26 , 2022Masa Ma’agal: Spring Trimester Mystics at the Movies with Education Director Rishe Groner (Grades 4*-7)
Thursday, May 26th 4:00p to 5:15p
Learn Jewish spiritual concepts from Hasidism and Kabbalah through exploring popular kids’ movies from Moana to Frozen 2. -
Thursday ,
MayMay 26 , 2022Masa Ma’agal: Rabbi Brent’s Backyard (Grades K-3)
Thursday, May 26th 4:00p to 4:45p
Gather in Rabbi Brent’s backyard for stories, songs and games around the campfire. -
Thursday ,
MayMay 26 , 2022Men's Fire Circle
Thursday, May 26th 8:00p to 10:00p
The Mens' Fires are opportunities for participants to go deeper into the work we do during our Moonlight Hikes. If you are interested in being involved, please come to the next moonlight hike. -
Friday ,
MayMay 27 , 2022Friday Kehillah at BHA
Friday, May 27th 4:00p to 5:30p
Kehillah means “community”, and this is our weekly chance to come together in a social environment at the BHA Outdoor Classroom, featuring Mitzvah Labs, a chance to explore Jewish ritual and holidays following the theme of each Hebrew month. Open to all, suggested donation $36 per family, included with Masa. -
Friday ,
MayMay 27 , 2022The Language of Truth/Sefat at BHA
Friday, May 27th 5:00p to 6:00p
The Sefat Emet (R. Yehudah Aryeh Leib Alter of Gur, 1847-1905) was a Hasidic Rebbe known for his keen insight, spiritual and emotional sensitivity, and accessible Torah. Join Rabbi Brent for a weekly exploration of his Torah commentary and the illumination it can provide us. We will be meeting in person at the BHA.