Special addition at 3PM, prior to meditation:

Shema: The Tao of Listening

The command to listen was described by Adin Steinsaltz as the most important of the Jewish Commandments. Why and to what end?  What does it mean to listen? The answer comes from the Hebrew word that is translated as listen-Shema. Hebrew is unusual in that the sound, appearance and grouping patterns of the letters play a critical role in defining the meaning and significance of words. The Sefer Yitzera, a very ancient book of Jewish mysticism makes it clear that the Shhh sound and the Mmmm sound correspond exactly to the Eastern “energies” referred to as Yang (maleness, justice, light, the sum, sky) and Yin (femaleness, nurture, mercy, darkness, the moon, earth) respectively. The joining of the two sounds in words such in Shema and shalom coupled with the biblical narrative makes it clear that wholeness, wellness and true peace is derived from the balance of these energies. The objective of listening now becomes focused upon listening to the Shhh and MMmm (yang and yin) energies as means of achieving the desired balance. The listening can be applied to the flow of your internal energy, the energy being exchanged when communicating with others as well as with the physical and spiritual worlds. Tai chi practice provides the tools for this type of profound listening. 

Joel Friedman, MD, PhD, scientist (Professor, Albert Einstein College of Medicine), mystic, thirty year practitioner and teacher of tai chi and other Chinese internal martial arts will illustrate in an interactive fashion how Tai chi can be used to create a higher level of meditative “listening” both within the individual and with a partner. This form of listening can be incorporated into all aspects of life ranging from enhancing tefilla, interpersonal communication, sports, health, meditation and self-defense.

We are excited to let you know that the Jewish Meditation Center of Montclair (JMC) will be moving to B'nai Keshet beginning this Shabbat, April 5th. The JMC has been meeting weekly for several years at Yogadesha Studio, and we've formed an open and inviting community.

You will find in our community meditators with a wide variety of experiences, meditation practices and approaches. We come together seeking the collective support and good energy of sitting together. Some of you have taken an 8-week introduction to meditation class with Beth and Rex and have asked where you can continue to develop your meditation practice.

This is the place! We sit in silence. On Shabbat. from 4:00-5:00. On 2-3 weeks of each month, sits will be led by Rabbi Elliott Tepperman, Beth Sandweiss, or Rabbi Rex Perlmeter, students and teachers of Mindfulness Meditation in a Jewish Context.

Meditation will be guided, often with kavvanot (intentions) inspired by the weekly Torah portion, the calendar and our daily lives. Sometimes there will be chanting. Other weeks will be "community sits" - where a member of the community may share a thought or inspiration. There will always be plenty of silence. The sessions are free and there is no experience required.

Everyone is welcome. JOIN US THIS WEEK --Meditation will be led by Beth Sandweiss 4-5 Saturday in the main sanctuary of B'nai Keshet

Meditation through April:

April 26 -Community Sit