At Home Out There:
Sukkot Practices for Centering, Opening and Joy
A Virtual Meditation Journey with Zac Newman and Michal Fox
September 25 - October 3, 2026
Seven 30-minute meditations in your inbox throughout Sukkot
& a 75-minute Live Session on Thursday, Oct 1, 2026
At 9:30am PT/ 12:30pm ET/ 5:30pm UK / 7:30pm Israel
*This session will also be recorded if you're unable to make it live
On Sukkot, we are instructed for seven days “leyshev b’Sukkah", to dwell in a Sukkah. “Ba-sukkot teshvu shivat yamim” - “You shall live in Sukkot for seven days” (Leviticus 23:42). As the culmination of our spiritual journey through the High Holidays, Sukkot brings us home. The temporary dwelling of the Sukkah is a different home than usual. It draws us out of our weary grooves and towards what is fresh and true: our eternal home in the present moment, a place of belonging which we often forget but always retain.
The word “leyshev” from “leyshev b’Sukkah” denotes not just dwelling but also sitting. Sitting together in meditation practice supports us to be more present. It allows disparate parts of ourselves to harmonize and gather. We dwell more fully in this place and in this moment. During these precious days of Sukkot, we will explore together how the great richness of Sukkot practices can teach us, amidst all our vulnerability and real challenges, to find shelter, peace, and joy, through connection to the Earth and the Divine.
This week-long journey will include daily meditations, intention, reflection and practice instructions. For each of the days of Sukkot you will receive a 30-minute guided meditation video from Michal or Zac, exploring and practicing with the daily theme and resource below.
On October 1, as we approach the end of the holiday and Simchat Torah, you will be invited to a 75 minute live session with the teachers, with meditation, teachings, and a time for Q&A.
This course is an invitation to:
Explore the richness of Sukkot as an embodied Jewish experience
Access profound resources of mind and heart
Play at your growing edges
Connect with ancient rituals
Meet sacredness and divinity right where you are
Share a Jewish meditative journey with others around the world
Who is this for?
This journey is open to all, from beginner to advanced meditators and whatever your relationship with Jewish life is like. You’ll receive structure and guidance for your Jewish meditative journey, and a welcoming and supportive space for shared exploration and growth.
Our journey will include a meditation for each day of Sukkot:
Day 1: Sitting in presence
Day 2: Of the Earth
Day 3: Meeting impermanence with an open heart
Day 4: Being the sky
Day 5: Divine embrace
Day 6: Live session!
Day 7: Deep joy
Day 8: The festival of gathering
Meet Your Teachers
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Zac Newman
Zac is Or HaLev’s Program Director. He has been practicing mindfulness since 2008 and teaching practice since 2013. He trained to teach mindfulness through the Centre for Mindfulness Research and Practice at Bangor University. Prior to his role at Or HaLev, Zac was the Community Director of HaMakom, the UK-based Jewish meditation organisation. Zac is a long-standing student of religious studies and psychotherapy. He is a rabbinical student in the ALEPH Ordination Program, and he is continually interested in how we can realize the wisdom of our tradition and the goodness of our lives.
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Michal Fox
Michal Fox has nurtured the field of Jewish education for more than thirty years, working at the nexus of personal, spiritual, and professional development. A Fulbright Scholar in Jewish Thought, Michal served as Chief Program Officer at IJS and is a graduate of Or HaLev's Keter program. She delights in teaching Torah and spiritual practice that open the heart and bring people together.
Choose your Rate
At Or HaLev, we believe in the spirit of generosity as an essential part of practice. We also acknowledge that financial abilities differ for everyone. We strive to make this journey accessible to those who wish to participate, regardless of ability to pay.
Please consider paying at the highest rate that you are able to. Your generosity enables this journey to happen and helps support Or HaLev's activities and grow our community.
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Any questions? Please email Or HaLev Program Director, Zac Newman, at zacn@orhalev.org
