Orot Programs + Opportunities
Weekly and Online Classes
Weekly ONLINE Classes
In these weekly gatherings, students develop comfort and confidence delving into Jewish wisdom and Jewish texts, within the context of a warm classroom community, probing essential questions while drawing forth personally relevant meaning for their lived experiences.
“Orot has opened doors for me and for my husband. In just a few short months we’ve participated in two y’mei iyun, days of learning prior to Rosh HaShanah and Hanukkah, that gave us new insight into the holidays. Whereas I was looking for some spiritual nourishment, my husband was more interested in historical perspectives - and we both found what we were looking for. We’ve each taken an Orot evening class and have been inspired by the gifted teachers. Orot is a wonderful community resource and we feel lucky to be a part of the community.”
Jewish Mindfulness Meditation
At Orot, mindfulness in a Jewish framework is interwoven throughout many of our programs and offerings. The contemplative tradition, teachings, and practices offer us spiritual tools to slow down, cultivate deeper awareness, and live daily with greater skillfulness, compassion, and love. Orot offers weekly mindfulness meditation sessions which include weekly teaching, guided meditation, and time to sit in silent practice. Learn more about virtual sits meet weekly on Tuesday evenings from 7:30-8:30 pm central time on Zoom.
Open to all levels. Open to all ages.
“Coincidentally as I was beginning to look for a mindfulness and meditation class I was introduced to Orot. What an “aha moment” it was when I realized I could study and practice mindfulness meditation through a Jewish lens. Before Orot I had never considered melding my Judaism with meditation. They were separate aspects of my life. I really like the ability to take something I am passionate about and use it to explore my Judaism and vice versa rather than keeping them separate.”
Orot Retreats
DAY-LONG and Weekend Retreats
Several times throughout the year, we offer more immersive opportunities to deepen our learning and practice together. From day-long experiences to full weekend retreats, these opportunities integrate learning, reflection, mindfulness, embodied practice, and community building.
Musical Programs
Music speaks to our spirits and opens our hearts. At Orot, we see singing together as a spiritual practice, and while we integrate singing into many of our programs, we also offer specific community events that place sacred music as their heart center.
Community Conversations
New meaning is uncovered through honest and heart-opening conversations with the other. At Orot, we offer periodic curated community conversations with sage teachers and thought leaders.
Spiritual Cooking
When we cook together and for each other, we build vibrant and nourishing community. Through food, we honor memories and shape new traditions. We offer periodic classes in cooking as a spiritual practice where we delve into recipes and cooking techniques that can nourish our bodies and souls.
Outdoor Programming
The natural world is an enduring source of wonder and beauty and opens us to the gift of sacred space all around us. Each year, we offer several programs set outside in the natural world, integrating Jewish teachings and practice with the mysteries and gifts of nature.
Artist Beit-Midrash
Over six weeks, join other Jewish artists as we explore a chosen theme, and study-related texts, and create new artwork that results in an exhibit. The Artists' Beit Midrash offers an exploration through Jewish texts, poetry, and works of art.
Cohort Learning
The Peaceful Parent Project is a cohort experience for Jewish parents to support and nourish their lives as parents and as individuals. This online program will create a micro spiritual community of Jewish parents and will include study, discussion and practice opportunities with facilitation and guidance from an Orot educator and supplemental recorded meditations. The cohort work will support their efforts to rear their children in compassionate, spiritually-connected, and inspired Jewish families.
“This course could not have come at a more perfect time. I feel like I need it more than ever as I am challenged as a parent more than ever. Remembering to see my children and truly be with them has been an important reminder as we spend a great deal of time together during social distancing. I’m trying to meditate in the mornings and it is helping me start the day on the right foot”
Jewish Grandparents Network
Opening the Heart: Becoming a Jewish Grandparent is offered in partnership with the Jewish Grandparents Network and the Covenant Foundation. Join other grandparents to explore this remarkable experience: what it means to us, the importance of embodying and telling family stories, the role grandparents play in a child's development, your own personal development and how Jewish traditions and teachings can wrap around these experiences. Grandparents of all types of Jewish families are welcomed and encouraged.