As the Autumn season approaches, and the High Holydays are drawing ever closer, we would again like to offer the precious opportunity to come together in the cradle of community, to be held in heart, and to allow ourselves to deepen in the support and stillness of regular practice together, more vital than ever during these consistently challenging times.

We are entering the period in the Jewish calendar where we are invited to explore with even greater poignancy the relationship between “Tikkun Atzmi” (Healing of the Self) and “Tikkun Olam” (Healing of the world) at a moment when these twin callings are needed more than ever. The power of regular sitting practice allows us to drop into a place of stability and sacred silence, supporting us to navigate through anything we may be experiencing with a heart more open, awake and available.

This can often be difficult to sustain on our own, which is where the value of a weekly sitting group becomes so precious. Through teachings, reflections and periods of silence together, we are supported to integrate our time “on the cushion” with our experience of day to day life. This can have countless beneficial effects.

Two weekly groups are on offer from the beginning of September to support us in this practice. One will take place on Monday mornings, the other on Thursday evenings. You are warmly welcome to sign up for one or both of these opportunites.

We ask each person who registers to commit to the full series of 8 weekly group meetings. If you are unable to attend any sessions in person, all sittings will be recorded and you are welcome to participate through watching or listening to the media instead.

The Monday morning (Shachar) group will be facilitated by Miri Cohen. The evening (Erev) group by Marc Frank.

Each week, our teachers will offer some teaching and reflection, setting our collective Kavannah (intention) prior to our time sitting together. This will be followed by an opportunity to share in the group. Some more information:

• We will meet on Zoom.
• We ask that, as much as is possible, everyone has their video on during the meeting, with a stable and quiet background. If you need to turn your video off temporarily for an unforeseen reason that is of course understood.
• The first 30 minutes will begin with welcoming, some teaching, reflection and the offering of an intention, followed by a period of meditation, which will generally include both guided and silent periods.
• The final 20 minutes will be a community space where each person will have a little time for sharing about their practice with the group. Everyone will be welcomed exactly as they are. If you don’t want to say much, you can just offer one word or phrase. It helps to build community when we give everyone the opportunity to be heard, and to listen. Our session then often ends with a recitation of the traditional “Kaddish” prayer, to support anyone who may be mourning.