Current Projects
Or HaLev is dedicated to our mission of bringing mindful Judaism to the world, one person at a time.
Mindfulness Teacher Training in Partnership with the Institute for Jewish Spirituality (IJS)
In our current culture fraught with mental health issues, racial inequities, health challenges and political disparities there is a growing recognition of the importance of the intersection of Judaism and mindfulness. At the same time, there is a lack of qualified teachers who are skilled both in Judaic and meditation practices. The need for teacher training has been recognized by the Institute for Jewish Spirituality and Or HaLev, the two leading organizations dedicated to both Jewish spirituality and mindfulness, and a partnership was born to launch an exciting two year teacher training program! The program will train 30 teachers in Israel and North America and will launch in the fall of 2022.
OHL is thrilled about this partnership, as it enables us to expand access to our programs in order to reach a critical mass of people and communities in a way that also responds to the varied needs of students. Currently, we are limited in our reach due to lack of trained teachers that will allow us to reach students on a much larger scale. We are thrilled to be partnering with IJS, a leader in the field, and their superb staff and teachers. This partnership not only expands our teacher and knowledge base, it allows both organizations to create an impactful program that will positively transform the growth of the field and the ability to reach our community on a far-reaching scale.
Faculty Development
Our teachers are the beating heart of Or HaLev, we see investing in them as paramount to our continued work. In this vein, our Faculty Development program enables our team of incredible teachers to connect to and learn from each other, on a monthly basis, where they can share in practice together, and an annual two day retreat (both in-person and online).
When we come together, we create sacred community, which is at the center of our practice. Yet too often we practice, teach and learn alone, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Our Faculty Development program engenders a sense of connection, as we support one another in our practice, to grow as teachers and practitioners, and to explore ourselves in a context of insight, challenge and love. Until recently, Or HaLev teachers have been a loose collection of individuals sharing a passion for this work and bringing it to others when the opportunity presented itself. Now, we want to bring ourselves together to support our growth, connection, and camaraderie through a faculty development program that will create a sense of shared language, development and connection between us.
Our Work in Israel
Or HaLev builds pluralistic practice through Jewish spirituality and meditation - engaging Israelis from widely different backgrounds. By providing precious resources for crafting a meaningful life through connection, joy and inspiration rooted in shared Jewish spiritual heritage, Or HaLev opens hearts while reducing fear and prejudice. Or HaLev’s transformative models of mindfulness practice directly impact Israelis, particularly young adults, enabling the growth of a movement to create accessible, relevant, pluralistic Judaism open to all Jews in Israel and throughout the world.
In a society constantly experiencing trauma and uncertainty, Or HaLev provides a unique opportunity for Israelis from vastly different places to come together in practice that leads to healing, resilience and compassion.
Recently, Or HaLev responded quickly to the crisis in Israel by developing new online courses to provide support and healing for a traumatized Israeli population.
"I live in Ashkelon. After 10 difficult days this was so very much needed. Thank you so much. I'm now better equipped.” - Tali M
“It amazes me how powerful this is, how accessible. I feel much calmer now. Thank you." - Idan M
Israeli Spiritual Leaders Program
This two year program of study and practice, which is still in development, will help create more mindful, present, resilient and effective Israeli Jewish leaders, who will infuse deep spirituality into their communities and promote pluralistic Jewish practice throughout Israel. This is based on the pilot program created by Jennie Litvack in 2017, which included training and micro-grants to participants.