Upcoming Events
*All times in MDT
Dismantling the Narrative: The White House, DEI, and the Future of Civil and Human Rights
Across the country, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are under attack. From government rollbacks to funding cuts for nonprofits, a growing movement seeks to erase decades of progress in racial and social justice. But is DEI really dead? What’s driving this backlash—and how do we push forward in the face of opposition?
Join Dr. Stuart Lord, renowned leadership expert, and Dr. Joe-Joe McManus, author of A Brother’s Insight: Guidance on Defeating Racism and Advancing Freedom, for a powerful and candid conversation about the assault on DEI, how it impacts us all, and what we can do to sustain and innovate in the ongoing movement to ensure equity, inclusion, and justice.
NOTE: all events are offered to you on a donation basis. Pay what you can.
Tea-Time: Your Soul in Images: A Gentle Start to SoulCollage®
Welcome to Our Summer Tea-Time Series!
-with Vatikah Rosemary Lohndorf
Join us this summer for a gentle yet stirring series of conversations and explorations designed especially for mid-life and older adults. Each Tea-Time gathering will offer a unique topic—engaging the questions, challenges, and joys that come with this season of life. Together, we’ll open creative channels, learn more about ourselves, and acquire fresh insights and skills to nourish our evolving paths.
Learn about the amazing Soul Collage® process and create your first of many Soul Collage cards.
SoulCollage® is a creative and transformative process in which you create a personal deck of collaged cards. Cards are created by cutting and pasting magazine or other copyright-free images together to represent one energy or concept per card. The deck has four suits made with cards symbolizing the multiple facets that make up all the parts of ourselves. The suits include:
your archetypes,
your spirit animals that align with your chakras,
your community and
your inner committee.
In this introduction you will leave class with your first card finished and an overview of what SoulCollage is, what the four suits are, and what power it can bring to your creative and spiritual side!
In Limbo and in Danger: Afghan Allies and the Politics of Abandonment
Our guest will speak about the journey of Afghan allies who supported U.S. and international missions, the fallout after the fall of Kabul, and the current plight of Afghan refugees stuck in limbo—particularly those in Pakistan awaiting resettlement. He will share personal experiences and challenges navigating displacement, bureaucracy, and the mental toll of prolonged uncertainty.
Our Sacred Texts: Protective Magic
In this course, we will explore both traditional sacred texts and those we create or envision ourselves, even those we haven’t yet put to paper or canvas.
Tea-Time: Sage-ing® Poetry Workshop
Welcome to Our Summer Tea-Time Series
-with Vatikah Rosemary Lohndorf
Join us this summer for a gentle yet stirring series of conversations and explorations designed especially for mid-life and older adults. Each Tea-Time gathering will offer a unique topic—engaging the questions, challenges, and joys that come with this season of life. Together, we’ll open creative channels, learn more about ourselves, and acquire fresh insights and skills to nourish our evolving paths.
In this teatime, we will start off with a simple poetry-writing pattern and expand from that into using sage-ing poetry as springboards for our creativity.
The techniques we use help everyone feel successful at writing poetry. Using our five senses, we'll add details to the writing. We’ll share our writings together and then complete the workshop with a shared writing experience.
Around the Campfire
Join us around the [virtual] campfire on Tuesday, July 22nd 5:30 pm, MT/ 7:30 pm, ET for an enchanting evening of tales and tunes. This month, on the heels of Shavuot and Pentescost, our three gifted storytellers will transport you with their personal stories inspired by our theme:
Divine Encounters: Stories of Revelation and Transformation
Between each captivating story, our guest musician will serenade your hearts with soul-stirring melodies. Come gather 'round, and let the light of the campfire uplift us all. This is an event you won't want to miss!
*HINT: come early to meet the presenters and other community members and help "light the fire"
This month, featuring storytellers:
Maryrita Wieners - Mom and Me – Dancing, Wise Women Circling, Climbing Trees, on the Way to …
Pastor Janet Kettering - You'll Never Walk Alone
Elizabeth Cohen - Intimations of The Mystery and Other Gods
Musician: Amitai YRK Gross
Master of Ceremonies: Rabbi Nadya Gross
Creative Sage-ing with Journaling and SoulCollage®
This three-part creative journey into eldering takes place Wednesday, July 23, 30 & August 6
-with Vatikah Rosemary Lohndorf
What is SoulCollage®?
SoulCollage® is an intuitive, accessible art form in which participants create personal collaged cards using images to represent different facets of the self. Cards are grouped into four suits—Archetypes, Spirit Animals, Community, and the Inner Committee—allowing for ongoing discovery and dialogue with your own soul's landscape.
This three-part series invites you to engage with your journey into elderhood—gently, playfully, and meaningfully.
Combining deep spiritual reflection with creative tools, this course guides participants through personal storytelling, image-making, and contemplative inquiry. Each session explores a core theme in the Sage-ing process and supports it with both writing and SoulCollage® practices that bring the wisdom of aging into full, embodied expression.
Creating Peace of Mind
A Two-Part Workshop on End-of-Life Planning Tuesdays, August 12 & 19
-with Vatikah Rosemary Lohndorf
This updated and revised two-part workshop offers practical tools and compassionate guidance for organizing your end-of-life planning. Whether you're just beginning the process or need support completing it, this course will help you think through, clarify, and document your wishes with clarity and confidence.
Drawing on years of experience and the wisdom gained from caring for five family elders, instructor Rosemary Lohndorf will guide you through the essential steps using the Creating Peace of Mind workbook, which is included free for all participants. The class is designed to be both informative and empowering—many leave feeling energized, relieved, and ready to take the next steps they've been postponing.
From Tension to Transformation: Evolution of Jewish-Christian Relations
Historically, Jewish-Christian relations have been marked by complexity and tension, yet recent decades have seen significant shifts towards mutual understanding and collaboration.
Never Forget You Were Strangers Yourself: Faith Responses to Immigrants and Refugees in Our Time
Join Rabbi Shawn Zevit and his guests, Cathryn Miller-Wilson, and Peter Pedemonti, as we discuss how we can respond in our own lives and communities to the current challenge to the Biblical imperative of welcoming the stranger in our midst. We will combine text study, shared wisdom from the field, small group discussion, and Q&A in this important program.
Wisdom of The Mothers: Celebrating Matriarchal and Matrilineal Spiritual Traditions
Join us in celebrating Matrilineal and Matriarchal Wisdom Traditions in this 2-day virtual Symposium! Co-presented with The Lilith Institute.
Wisdom of The Mothers: Celebrating Matriarchal and Matrilineal Spiritual Traditions
Join us in celebrating Matrilineal and Matriarchal Wisdom Traditions in this 2-day virtual Symposium! Co-presented with The Lilith Institute.
The Retirement Challenge: Cultivating Meaning and Balance
A Spiritual Companionship Group for those anticipating and making their way into a new phase of life.
From Breakdown to Breakthrough: Reimagining Jewish Education
Join Rabbi Victor Gross, PhD in a bold exploration of Jewish education’s failures and pathways to renewal, fostering creative solutions
Strengthening Our Bonds: Cultivating Friendships, Nurturing Community
Rediscover community values and enrich relationships in an interactive 2-PART workshop with Sage-ing Mentor Audrey Seidman.
The Jewish Wisdom of Jesus & The Roots of Modern Spiritual Practice
A 3-part interfaith course exploring Jesus as an innovative Jewish teacher, taught by Hazzan-Maggid Steve Klaper
Medicine Painting: “Turning Tragedies into Remedies”
Join renowned artist and teacher, Havi Mandell, in this 2-day Intentional Creativity Painting practice and be your own healer
Medicine Painting: “Turning Tragedies into Remedies”
Join renowned artist and teacher, Havi Mandell, in this 2-day Intentional Creativity Painting practice and be your own healer
Age - Sage - Thrive: Being an Elder in the 21st Century, Part 1
Part 1 of 3 in a series of programs introducing the groundbreaking work that empowers you to take hold of your eldering years with wisdom
Inspired: A Yerusha Book Club
Join the Yerusha Book Club and read The World That We Knew: A Novel by Alice Hoffman
Age - Sage - Thrive: Being an Elder in the 21st Century, Part 1
Part 1 of 3 in a series of programs introducing the groundbreaking work that empowers you to take hold of your eldering years with wisdom
Lights of Yerusha: A Celebration
You are invited to join us as we celebrate our community and the work of this past year!
Exploring Jewish Magic & Folklore
Join us for an engaging two-session course* on Jewish magic and folklore, created and taught by Yoreshet Ruach D’vorah Grenn, PhD.
*Tuesdays, Dec 10 and Dec 17 11:00am - 12:30pm MDT
Cultivating a Grateful Heart
Embrace the Power of Gratitude for Today and Tomorrow in this 2-hour workshop with Rosemary Lohndorf
Around The Campfire
Join us around the [virtual] campfire...
On Monday, August 19th, for an enchanting evening of tales and tunes woven around the theme:
“Behind every mask there is a face, and behind that a story" --Marty Rubin
At the cusp of Halloween , our three gifted storytellers will transport you with their personal stories of the masks we wear. Between each captivating story, our guest musician will serenade your hearts with soul-stirring melodies. Come gather 'round, and let the light of the campfire unmask us all. This is an event you won't want to miss!
HINT: come early to meet the presenters and other community members and help "light the fire"
This month, featuring:
Storytellers: Elizabeth Cohen, Jon Gottsegen, Elizheva Hurvich
Musician: Hazzan Shayndel Adler
Master of Ceremonies: Maggid Amitai YRK Gross
Mindfulness in The Sukkah Day 7
Join us for seven transformative days where each session builds upon the last, guiding you to cultivate a meaningful and sustainable meditation practice. Through these daily gatherings, you’ll learn to integrate mindfulness into your life, discovering conscious techniques to carry throughout your day.
As we explore the rich kabbalistic themes of Sukkot, each session will offer unique insights and practices designed to deepen your connection to self and community. Registrants will receive a comprehensive guide to establish a simple and successful meditation routine, empowering you to develop a lasting habit of mindfulness. Whether you are new to meditation or looking to deepen your practice, “Mindfulness in The Sukkah” invites you to celebrate this joyous festival with intention, reflection, and growth. Come and find your calm in the Sukkah!
Mindfulness in The Sukkah Day 6
Join us for seven transformative days where each session builds upon the last, guiding you to cultivate a meaningful and sustainable meditation practice. Through these daily gatherings, you’ll learn to integrate mindfulness into your life, discovering conscious techniques to carry throughout your day.
As we explore the rich kabbalistic themes of Sukkot, each session will offer unique insights and practices designed to deepen your connection to self and community. Registrants will receive a comprehensive guide to establish a simple and successful meditation routine, empowering you to develop a lasting habit of mindfulness. Whether you are new to meditation or looking to deepen your practice, “Mindfulness in The Sukkah” invites you to celebrate this joyous festival with intention, reflection, and growth. Come and find your calm in the Sukkah!
Encountering The Tree of Life Part 2: Embodying the Kabbalistic Tree
4 Part Course - Oct 21, 28, Nov 11, 18 [no class session on Nov 4]
This course, co-sponsored by Yerusha's signature wisdom school: Secrets My Grandmother Told Me and the Lilith Institute, is offered in two parts.
This course builds on the introduction in PART 1 which is a prerequisite
Both Part 1 and Part 2 are prerequisites for the Wisdom School.
Step into a transformative journey with the Kabbalistic Tree of Life—a profound map of Creation and the Divine essence within us all. This brand-new four-week course offers a unique perspective through the lens of a female kabbalistic tradition.
Throughout the course, you'll:
Discover the Tree’s Attributes: Explore how the Tree’s attributes manifest within yourself.
Achieve Balance and Wholeness: Learn practical techniques to cultivate balance and harmony in your life and relationships.
Embark on a Personal Journey: Engage in teachings, guided visualizations, embodied expressions, and reflective practices such as journaling and sketching.
Connect and Learn Together: Share insights and experiences with learning partners in lively discussions.
Each week delves into a different facet of the Tree, guiding you through its wisdom with minimal reading assignments. Join us and uncover the profound wisdom of the Tree of Life, empowering your personal growth and connection to the divine within.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
Mindfulness in The Sukkah Day 5
Join us for seven transformative days where each session builds upon the last, guiding you to cultivate a meaningful and sustainable meditation practice. Through these daily gatherings, you’ll learn to integrate mindfulness into your life, discovering conscious techniques to carry throughout your day.
As we explore the rich kabbalistic themes of Sukkot, each session will offer unique insights and practices designed to deepen your connection to self and community. Registrants will receive a comprehensive guide to establish a simple and successful meditation routine, empowering you to develop a lasting habit of mindfulness. Whether you are new to meditation or looking to deepen your practice, “Mindfulness in The Sukkah” invites you to celebrate this joyous festival with intention, reflection, and growth. Come and find your calm in the Sukkah!
Mindfulness in The Sukkah Day 4
Join us for seven transformative days where each session builds upon the last, guiding you to cultivate a meaningful and sustainable meditation practice. Through these daily gatherings, you’ll learn to integrate mindfulness into your life, discovering conscious techniques to carry throughout your day.
As we explore the rich kabbalistic themes of Sukkot, each session will offer unique insights and practices designed to deepen your connection to self and community. Registrants will receive a comprehensive guide to establish a simple and successful meditation routine, empowering you to develop a lasting habit of mindfulness. Whether you are new to meditation or looking to deepen your practice, “Mindfulness in The Sukkah” invites you to celebrate this joyous festival with intention, reflection, and growth. Come and find your calm in the Sukkah!
Mindfulness in The Sukkah Day 3
Join us for seven transformative days where each session builds upon the last, guiding you to cultivate a meaningful and sustainable meditation practice. Through these daily gatherings, you’ll learn to integrate mindfulness into your life, discovering conscious techniques to carry throughout your day.
As we explore the rich kabbalistic themes of Sukkot, each session will offer unique insights and practices designed to deepen your connection to self and community. Registrants will receive a comprehensive guide to establish a simple and successful meditation routine, empowering you to develop a lasting habit of mindfulness. Whether you are new to meditation or looking to deepen your practice, “Mindfulness in The Sukkah” invites you to celebrate this joyous festival with intention, reflection, and growth. Come and find your calm in the Sukkah!
Mindfulness in The Sukkah Day 2
Join us for seven transformative days where each session builds upon the last, guiding you to cultivate a meaningful and sustainable meditation practice. Through these daily gatherings, you’ll learn to integrate mindfulness into your life, discovering conscious techniques to carry throughout your day.
As we explore the rich kabbalistic themes of Sukkot, each session will offer unique insights and practices designed to deepen your connection to self and community. Registrants will receive a comprehensive guide to establish a simple and successful meditation routine, empowering you to develop a lasting habit of mindfulness. Whether you are new to meditation or looking to deepen your practice, “Mindfulness in The Sukkah” invites you to celebrate this joyous festival with intention, reflection, and growth. Come and find your calm in the Sukkah!
Mindfulness in The Sukkah Day 1
Join us for seven transformative days where each session builds upon the last, guiding you to cultivate a meaningful and sustainable meditation practice. Through these daily gatherings, you’ll learn to integrate mindfulness into your life, discovering conscious techniques to carry throughout your day.
As we explore the rich kabbalistic themes of Sukkot, each session will offer unique insights and practices designed to deepen your connection to self and community. Registrants will receive a comprehensive guide to establish a simple and successful meditation routine, empowering you to develop a lasting habit of mindfulness. Whether you are new to meditation or looking to deepen your practice, “Mindfulness in The Sukkah” invites you to celebrate this joyous festival with intention, reflection, and growth. Come and find your calm in the Sukkah!
Mindful Forgiveness
Join us for a transformative hour of forgiveness meditation during the Days of Awe, led by Maggid Amitai Yizhar Rafiq Khadijah Gross, a seasoned mindfulness teacher with over a decade of experience. This virtual gathering will invite participants to embark on a deep journey of self-discovery and healing through conscious visualization. Together, we will create a sacred space to explore the powerful act of forgiveness—releasing past grievances towards loved ones, navigating complex emotions with those we struggle to connect with, and ultimately, embracing the vital practice of forgiving ourselves.
As we transition from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur, this meditation will provide a meaningful opportunity to reflect, reset, and renew our relationships, both with ourselves and others. Whether you are seeking closure, peace, or simply a deeper understanding of your own heart, this session promises to nurture your spirit and guide you toward a path of compassion and liberation. Don’t miss this chance to start anew in the spirit of the season!
Through The Gates: Selichot Chanting and Contemplative Practice
Join Rabbi Nadya Gross for a gentle hour of virtual chanting and contemplative practice to prepare our hearts and minds for the High Holy Days.
It is taught that at the New Year, the world is created anew. In anticipation of this new creation, we are called upon to bring the best expression of ourselves in co-creative partnership with all beings and with the divine. The practice of Selichot is intended to evoke t’shuvah/returning, to illuminate those parts of ourselves and our relationships that need repair. We call on our deepest compassion as we seek to acknowledge our mistakes and find forgiveness in our hearts for ourselves and others.
Rabbi Nadya Gross creates a safe and sacred container for reflection, introspection and spiritual attunement.
The Art of Spiritual Eldering: Celebrating Reb Zalman's Centennial
Join us in celebrating the 100th birthday of Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, honoring his pioneering work in Sage-ing®/Spiritual Eldering which transformed our understanding of aging. His influential book, From Age-ing to Sage-ing, published in the early 90s, challenged conventional fears of growing older (FOGO) and introduced a profound approach to embracing the later stages of life.
This special program will delve into the origins of the Spiritual Eldering work and the movement Reb Zalman inspired, highlighting his enduring legacy. In the true spirit of Ruach Ha’Aretz*, participants will also engage in a unique art integration process called ZenTangle®, creating intricate designs that symbolize the interconnectedness of life’s journey.
Celebrate Reb Zalman’s centennial by exploring the wisdom of aging and discovering the beauty and potential of growing older. Let’s tangle with the concept of age and uncover the art of living fully at every stage.
This Too Shall Pass: Confronting Your Mortality
This course takes you on a deep dive into the heart of your eldering journey. You will explore vital topics like advance directives, end-of-life planning, and will look deeper into facing your mortality. You will equip yourself with the necessary tools that help prepare us for this sacred journey. You will come away from this experience with a greater appreciation and deeper understanding of this one precious life.
Introduction to Deep Ecumenism
Deep Ecumenism, as the theologian Matt Fox explained, is where all religions are recognized as wells fed by the river of Divinity, and these wells in turn feed that Divine river. Reb Zalman (z"l) asserted that when we come to each religion’s dogmas, myths, and theologies, we are all on shaky ground. These ideologies create the divisions of triumphalism; that we are always right and you are always wrong. This course will delve deeply into the need and justification to change the historical reality-maps of division and competition, and come to understand how Deep Ecumenism is the path that is necessary for a spiritual and cultural paradigm shift.