To register, please fill out this Google form.

Tal Orot 5787 Autumn and Winter Series

Series One: Into the Word and Beyond the Word

In this series we will examine strategies for using language in meditation. Torah tradition recognizes the power of words to guide our kavanah in tefillah and meditation, yet recognizes the limits of words when it comes to reaching for real awareness of God. We orient ourselves in the world and to each other through language, but does language give us access to reality or close us off from reality in a fictitious world limited to what can be expressed in words? We will study Jewish philosophic, kabbalistic and hassidic critiques of the use of language in spiritual awareness, and explore effective approaches to the contemplative use of language in our meditation practice. Six sessions, October 13- November 17, 2026

Series Two: HaMakom: God is the Place of the World

The guiding question of Science is “How did we get here?” The guiding question of Philosophy is “Why are we here?” The guiding question of Kabbalah is “Where are we?” We will explore Jewish philosophic, kabbalistic and hassidic insights into the mysterious rabbinic epithet for God – “HaMakom,” using this to attune us to the sense and meaning of holiness of place in our divine service. Applying this to our meditation practice, we will work on cultivating a sense of place in consciousness, opening us towards deeper awareness of God and our relationship with God as the Place of the World. Five sessions, December 1-29, 2026

Series Three: Paths of Inspiration

Torah tradition recognizes numerous modes of inspiration in spiritual life. The books of the Tana”kh were inspired through Nevuah (Prophecy) and Ruach haKodesh (Holy Spirit). The rabbinic tradition records instances of revelation by Heavenly Echo, and visits from Eliyahu haNavi. The kabbalistic tradition speaks of inspirational communication from angels and from righteous souls from the World of Truth. We will explore these various modes of inspiration, and how they can apply to our own meditation practice and spiritual growth. Six sessions, January 26-March 2, 2027

We have resumed our in-person Tal Orot meditation sessions on Wednesdays at 19:30 in our home in Efrat. We are following a curriculum that builds skills in authentic Jewish meditation practices from the kabbalistic and hassidic traditions. We look forward to seeing you in person!

There is no charge for this meeting. Contributions to Tal Orot are welcome (Tax-deductible only in the states).