Introducing an Or Shalom Learning Series
In Awakening to Mortality, we enter sacred conversation with one of life’s deepest teachers. Through text, reflection, and ritual, we’ll explore how Jewish tradition invites us to confront death not with fear, but with curiosity and awakening. This series is offered in celebration of OSACK — the Or Shalom Auxiliary Chevra Kadisha, Through these classes, we hope to open pathways to live more fully, love more generously, and meet each day as a gift.
See below for our initial offerings in this series.
Virtual Zusia: Return (Repent) One Day Before You Die
Tuesdays, 12-1pm | Jan 20, 27, Feb 3, 10
Teshuvah, returning and repenting, is a multi-layered Jewish practice. Most often, only one or two of those layers are recognized and sometimes discrepancies between different views are left unresolved. In this four part series, we will undertake a journey through the practice of teshuvah in all the four worlds of Kabbalah. In Assiyah, the world of doing, we will review the better known practices as expressed in Talmud and codes. In Y’tzirah, the world of feeling, we will look at the connection between teshuvah and messianic yearning, primarily through liturgy. In B’ri’ah, the world of thought and contemplation, we will discuss two essays on teshuvah, one Hassidic and one modern. In Atzilut, the world of infinite being, we will return to Talmud and a concluding discussion..
Registrants will receive all study materials and are encouraged to purchase “The Cycles of Teshuvah” from the ALEPH ReSources Catalogue.
Virtual Zusia: From Age-ism to Sage-ism
Tuesdays, 12-1pm | Feb 17, 24, Mar 3, 10
In a society that doesn’t often value wisdom we will explore the journey into the autumn of life. Through the teachings of Reb Zalman and the wisdom of many elders, we can share the experience of redefining purpose and meaning as the leaves begin to fall.
A monthly social gathering to creatively explore topics around death and mortality.
MortaliTea | Chevra Kadisha
Wed, Jan 28 | 7-8:30pm
What happens between the moment of death and the funeral? Join coordinators of the Or Shalom Auxiliary Chevrah Kadisha and members of the Schara Tzedeck Chevrah Kadisha, to learn about how our tradition cares for our bodies.
MortaliTea | The Last Chapter: Writing as Spiritual Preparation
Wed, Feb 18 | 7-8:30pm
Come to write into the mystery with us, opening again and again to the wellspring that writing reveals. Through Dael’s guided
MortaliTea | Jewish Ways of Supporting Mourners
Wednesday, Mar 11 | 7-8:30pm
Join us for a heartfelt learning session on the rich Jewish traditions that guide us in accompanying those who grieve. We’ll explore the meaning and purpose behind practices such as shiva, shloshim, funeral customs, nichum aveilim (comforting mourners), and the mitzvot that shape how we show up with presence and compassion. This session offers grounding in the spiritual, communal, and practical wisdom Judaism provides for supporting mourners with dignity, care, and love.
MortaliTea | Writing Your Heart Will as a Manifesto for Living
Wednesday, Apr 15 | 7-8:30pm
Begin crafting your Heart Will®, a message that can be shared at a goodbye ritual, after your death, or even while you’re still here. Through thoughtful reflection and creative expression, and choosing from more than 20 prompts in Willow’s free How to Write Your Heart Will® guide you’ll create a personal manifesto that deepens meaning in your life and becomes a lasting legacy for those you leave behind.
[Virtual] MortaliTea | The Covered Mirror: a virtual art studio for processing grief after loss
Wed, Apr 29, 7-9pm on Zoom | Limited Registration
Register here
Together, we’ll review some of the customs Judaism offers for our inward turn in the aftermath of loss, opening space for our private memories and expressions of grief.
We’ll look at some text together, share with one another from our own lived
experience, and then spend the bulk of our time engaging with art materials in the virtual studio we will create.
No art experience is necessary for this exploration.
MORE TO FOLLOW
