Jewish Renewal Synagogue in the Twin Cities: Your Spiritual Path Begins!
Rosh Hashanah 5784 - Gratitude for Balance
Amidst personal, political, and planetary change
A shared gathering of chanting, movement, prayer, healing, altars, and shofar.
Sunday, September 17, 2023 at 10 AM
At Shir Tikvah, 1360 W Minnehaha Pkwy, Minneapolis
ALL ARE WELCOME!
You are invited to bring friends, a Shofar, & your own vegetarian nut free lunch!
Makeshift Mikvah at Bde Umna (Harriet) following lunch, weather permitting.
Service will be led by Kohenet Sharon, Ray, Or and Shira.
Musicians, altar makers from Kohenet, TCJRC, Shir Tikvah, J-Pride, Makom Shalom, Olam HaBa/The World to Come
Co-Sponsors Twin Cities Jewish Renewal Community, Shir Tikvah, J-Pride
Registration is helpful for the organizers at tcjewishrenewal@gmail.com
If you have questions about accessibility, content, or anything at all please contact Sherry at Twin Cities Jewish Renewal Community tcjewishrenewal@gmail.com.
TCJRC donations are much appreciated. Please indicate Rosh Hashanah in the comments.
April/May/June 2023
Earth Day Communal Sing with Sarina Partridge Thursday April 20, 6-7:30 PM
Westwood Hills Nature Center
8300 West Franklin Avenue St. Louis Park, MN 55426
Presented in partnership with TCJRC and MN JCC
Suggested donation $10, light snacks provided.
CLICK HERE to reserve your spot!
Communal singing on themes of Earth Day led by Sarina Partridge with Jewish nature-connection woven throughout by our own TCJRC members, Terry Gips (Alliance for Sustainability) and Riv Shapiro (MN JCC).
Join song leader Sarina Partridge (Minneapolis, MN) for an evening of joyful singing and deep connection. Sarina will teach original songs, speaking to the themes of Earth Day, for community singing – simple, satisfying harmony songs, taught by ear in a way that welcomes all singers. Come sing!
Sarina Partridge is a musician, song-leader and educator in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She feels most alive when learning, creating, and sharing songs. Sarina performs, teaches, and tours with a wide variety of music projects – place-based music inspired by time in wilderness, Eastern European and Yiddish song, community song-leading, old-time music… and everything in between. She has a passion for connecting people with their own creativity and with community, and for using song to help build the world we all deserve.
Becoming Elijah: Prophet of Transformation by Daniel Matt-Sunday, June 11th from 7- 8:30 PM
TCJRC Jewish Spirituality Book Group
Read the first two chapters through page 50.
Please join us as we start this new book. Contact Sherry at TCJewishRenewal@gmail.com for the Zoom link.
February 2023
End of Life Knowledge: Four Worlds Style Event on Tues., February 28th from 6:30 to 8 PM CT
Tuesday, February 28th from 6:30 – 8 PM CT
Led by Kohenet Sharon Shosh Jaffe
On Adar 7, Jews honor a community’s Chevra Kadisha, the people who take care of a person in between their death and burial. While our community doesn’t have its own Chevra to honor, it’s a great time to reflect Four Worlds Style about tending self and community after death.
We’ll learn Jewish rituals to prepare body, mind, heart, and soul. Indeed, we’ll use chant, guided meditation, prayer, and journaling.
Please have nearby a candle, a special rock, a Kiddish cup, and paper with favorite pens, colored pencils, etc.
Please RSVP by Sunday, February 26th to obtain the Zoom link from Sherry to TCJewishRenewal@gmail.com.
Kohenet Sharon Shosh Jaffe
Kohenet Shosh lives in in the George Floyd Memorial Zone, South Minneapolis. She is a hospice chaplain and offers ritual leadership for life cycle transitions and for personal/planetary transformations for loving kindness and justice. Also, she loves altar making for Torah journeys, or any other journey.
September 2022
Imagine: A Rosh Hashanah Day Two Community Gathering
Includes elemental altars, davenen/prayer, music, community, movement, meditation centered around the theme of IMAGINE: Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing. Arundhati Roy- Imagine!
Tuesday, September 27th from 10 AM - Noon
Led by Kohenet Sharon Jaffe. Musical Inspiration by Julie Dean and Kohenet Riv Shapiro.
A Kohenet is a ritual leader in the feminist traditions of our peoples. We embrace a myriad of Jewish practices to encounter and embody holiness and shalom. Musical inspiration by Julie Dean.
At Beards Plaisance, 4525 Upton Ave S, Minneapolis, 55410 - overlooks Lake Harriet)
Feel free to bring a chair and/or a picnic lunch for after services. Wine, beer, and alcohol are NOT permitted. Tashlich participation available.
Registration and Donations: Register early so we can contact you should logistics change due to weather or Covid restrictions. Donation requested: $5 - $36 - set your own fee. Your donations are much appreciated. Please indicate Rosh Hashanah Service in the comments when registering and/or donating.
Co-Sponsored by TCJRC and J-Pride
ALL ARE WELCOME!
We strive to host LGBTQIA+ normative space for the whole community. Contact Sherry tcjewishrenewal@gmail.com for questions about accessibility, content, etc.
August 2022
Love at the Center- Reb Shefa Gold SUNDAY, AUGUST 14 - 6:30-8:30 PM CST
A powerful evening of contemplative chant with Rabbi Shefa Gold
It is time for us to “live” it, to place Love at the center of our religious/spiritual practice and let the force of that love radiate out to penetrate every other aspect of our lives. Shir HaShirim (Song of Songs) is a hidden treasure that longs to be known. The Love of Shir HaShirim goes beyond the sentimental or romantic. This love is a force that connects the finite with the infinite, the known with the unknown mystery that lures us beyond our small lives. This love reveals the beauty that is everywhere hidden in Nature, in relationships and in the depths of our hearts.
Cornel West said, “Never forget that justice is what love looks like in public.”
Finding and Cultivating Love- First we must find and cultivate that love, and then we can source every action, every expression from that infinite precious well. And through our loving expression and action, the Divine will flow through us, and the world will transform.
LOCATION: Adath Jeshurun Congregation
10500 Hillside Ln W, Minnetonka (Doors open 6:15 PM)
Outside, weather permitting (indoor option available)
COST: $5 - $36 set your own fee, pre-registration preferred, walk-ins welcome
This program is brought to you by:
Twin Cities Jewish Renewal Community in partnership with Hineni.
Co-sponsored by Adath Jeshurun, Mount Zion, Shir Tikvah, and Temple Israel.
For more info: Sherry Stern at tcjewishrenewal@gmail.com or sara.lynn@ttsp.org
There are no financial barriers to participation. We will be following Adath’s masking policy for this event: Everyone medically able should be vaccinated. Anyone not able to be vaccinated due to medical reasons should wear a mask indoors.
June/July 2022
TCJRC Spiritual Book Group
The Hebrew Priestess: Ancient and New Visions of Jewish Women’s Spiritual Leadership
We will begin our June book discussion of The Hebrew Priestess on Sundays, June 12th and July 10th from 7-8:30 PM.
We expand our understanding of the past as we discuss Priestesses who were Weavers, Prophetesses, Shrinekeepers, and Witches. Please read c
The Hebrew Priestess: Ancient and New Visions of Jewish Women’s Spiritual Leadership
We will begin our June book discussion of The Hebrew Priestess on Sundays, June 12th and July 10th from 7-8:30 PM.
We expand our understanding of the past as we discuss Priestesses who were Weavers, Prophetesses, Shrinekeepers, and Witches. Please read chapters 3 - 6 on pages 47 through 105 for the discussion this month.
Thanks go to Dr. Cia Sautter for her amazing overview of the history and political intertwining as to how the female aspects of Biblical involvement and leadership evolved. It was a wonderful intro to our study of the Hebrew Priestess.
Contact Sherry to receive the Zoom link at tcjewishrenewal@gmail.com.
Rosh Chodesh Tammuz Celebration!
Wednesday, June 29th from 7-8 PM
Please join us for our Rosh Chodesh New Moon Circle celebration as we welcome the month of Tammuz on Zoom.
According to Kabbalah, the act of Moses breaking The Ten Commandment Tablets upon seeing the Golden Calf during Tammuz can be interpreted as having us find the light when there is darkness. With God
Wednesday, June 29th from 7-8 PM
Please join us for our Rosh Chodesh New Moon Circle celebration as we welcome the month of Tammuz on Zoom.
According to Kabbalah, the act of Moses breaking The Ten Commandment Tablets upon seeing the Golden Calf during Tammuz can be interpreted as having us find the light when there is darkness. With God’s light, we renew ourselves to see who we are.
Let us come together to lift our hearts and ground our personal intentions for the month ahead. All people are invited to join this one-hour facilitated ritual to enter into the new month
with awareness, inspiration, and community togetherness.
Contact Sherry at tcjewishrenewal@gmail.com to receive the Zoom link.
March 2022
Rosh Chodesh Adar II Celebration
Thursday, March 3, 2022 From 7- 8 PM CT on Zoom
Join us as we buoy each other into this new month of Adar II. We will honor the paradox of increasing joy in the midst of great concerns both globally and locally. What opportunity awaits you in your life this month?
During our one-hour ritual, led by Kohenet Sharon Jaffe and Educator/Musician, Julie Dean, each person will be invited to set an intention for the month to help guide us as we travel through Adar II.
Come together in creative, uplifting community as we usher in the new Hebrew month with joy, sincerity, and blessing.
Register with Sherry for the Zoom link at tcjewishrenewal@gmail.com
February 2022
Rosh Chodesh Adar I Celebration
Rosh Chodesh Adar I Celebration
Rosh Chodesh Adar I Celebration
Wednesday, February 2nd, 7-8 PM CST on Zoom
We will welcome the New Month of Adar I with our Rosh Chodesh New Moon Circle on Zoom. Led by Kohenet Sharon Jaffe, Julie Dean and Ariella Forstein we will lift our hearts and ground our personal intentions for the month ahead.
All people are invited to join this one-hour facilitated ritual to enter into the new month with awareness, inspiration, and community togetherness.
During this Shmita and Jewish Leap Year an extra month is added called Adar I (before Adar II) to align the lunar months with the solar year. It is said when Adar enters, joy increases, so we will have extra time to experience joy as we approach Purim.
Register with Sherry for the Zoom link at tcjewishrenewal@gmail.com
TCJRC Spiritual Book Group
Rosh Chodesh Adar I Celebration
Rosh Chodesh Adar I Celebration
Sunday, February 27th, 7-8:30 PM CT (on Zoom)
The Path of Blessing by Rabbi Marcia Prager
We begin this year’s book discussion with a group of new participants and hope you will join us.
Enrich your spiritual practice with a deeper understanding of Hebrew blessing.
A Hebrew blessing is a powerful thing―a short, deeply meditative exercise exploring the nature of God and the dynamic relationship between God, human consciousness, and the unfolding universe.
Written in clear, illuminating prose, this book guides us through the opening words of a Hebrew blessing―six words which embody the depth of Jewish spirituality―revealing how the letters and words combine to promote joy and appreciation, wonder and thankfulness, amazement and praise. Each word becomes an invitation to discover the Presence of God flowing through even the smallest actions of our lives.
Please contact Sherry for the zoom link at tcjewishrenewal@gmail.com
January 2022
Sensory Tu B’Shvat Seder on Zoom
Sunday, January 16, 4-5:30 PM CT
Join Kohenet Riv and other community leaders on Zoom for a Sensory Tu B’shvat Seder in honor of the New Year for Trees! Together we’ll traverse the Kabbalistic Four Worlds through song, story, and edible delights.
Kohenet Riv Shapiro (they/them/theirs) rivshapiro.com
Kohenet Riv Shapiro (they/them) is a queer Ashkenazi artist, outdoor educator and Rising Song Fellow with Joey Weisenberg and the Hadar Institute. After seven years working with Jewish Renewal organizations in the Bay Area, Riv is thrilled to be back home as the new Arts & Culture Producer at the Minnesota JCC.
Contact Sherry at tcjewishrenewal@gmail.com by January 13th to register for the Zoom Seder.
Rosh Chodesh Kislev New Moon Circle
Please join us Thursday evening, November 4th at 7 - 8 PM CDT on Zoom
Led by Kohenet Sharon Jaffe and Julie Dean, we will lift our hearts and ground our personal intentions for the month ahead.
As autumn leaves drift toward the ground and the temperatures begin to cool, we welcome the new Hebrew month of Kislev. What a poignant time of the year to connect with the changing seasons in our own life and the interplay of darkness and light. People often speak of the decreasing daylight during this season as we approach the shortest 'day' of the year. What happens when we play with this idea and think of this month as increasing night time and approaching the longest night of the year? What richness and opportunities can be found when we see darkness from a new perspective?
In Torah, we find that the root of the word Kislev means 'trust' and 'hope.' “Did I place my kili (my hope) in gold…?” (Job, 31:24) “…And they placed in G!d their kislam (their trust).” (Psalms, 78:7) Each of us has the opportunity to study these middot (soul traits) and consider how they are showing up in our lives at this present time. Where and how would you like to grow your trust and hope? Where and how are you perhaps trusting and hoping too much? As we move in Kislev toward the inspirational celebration of Hanukkah, "The Festival of Lights," how do you connect with this time of the year?
Register to receive the Zoom link by sending your name and email to Sherry at tcjewishrenewal@gmail.com.
Rosh Chodesh ChesVan New Moon Circle
ThursdaY, October 7 from 7-8 PM CDT on Zoom
Welcome the New Month of Cheshvan with our Rosh Chodesh New Moon Circle.
Led by Kohenet Sharon Jaffe and Julie Dean, we will lift our hearts and ground our personal intentions for the month ahead.
All people are invited to join this one-hour facilitated ritual to enter into the new month with awareness, inspiration, and community togetherness.
Register to receive the Zoom link by sending your name and email to Sherry at tcjewishrenewal@gmail.com.
Generating Hope for the New Year
Rosh Hashanah Day Two Community Service
A shared gathering of chanting, davening, prayer, healing meditation,
shofar blowing & sacred story telling.
Wednesday, September 8, 2021 - 10:00 am 12:00 pm
Service will be led by Sharon Jaffe, Kohenet.
A Kohenet is a ritual leader in the feminist traditions of our peoples. We embrace a myriad of Jewish practices to encounter and embody holiness and shalom. Musical inspiration by Julie Dean.
ALL ARE WELCOME!
You are invited to bring a picnic lunch for after services.
Wine, beer and alcohol are NOT permitted.
Location: Beards Plaisance Pavilion 4525 Upton Ave S, Minneapolis, 55410 near Lake Harriet
This event will be outdoors, weather permitting. Areas for masked participants will be provided, as well as flexible seating for those needing social distancing.
Service is supported by J-Pride and the Twin Cities Jewish Renewal Community.
We strive to host LGBTQIA+ normative space for the whole community. If you have questions about accessibility, content, or anything at all please contact Sherry at Twin Cities Jewish Renewal Community at tcjewishrenewal@gmail.com.
Registration and Donations
Register early so we can contact you should logistics change due to weather or Covid restrictions. Donation requested: $5 - $36 - set your own fee. Your donations are much appreciated. Please indicate Rosh Hashanah Service in the comments when registering and/or donating.
TCJRC SPiritual Book Group
July, August & September Meetings will discuss: This is Real and You Are Completely Unprepared
The Days of Awe as a Journey of Transformation by Alan Lew (z"l)
Tuesdays: July 20, August 17, and September 14 at 7-8:30 PM
Brian Shapiro will lead our discussion.
Like a shofar blast, the book’s title seeks to awaken us, and it suggests that we should be at least partly prepared – but prepared for what? The book is a journey of self-discovery, spiritual discipline, self-forgiveness, and spiritual development.
Lew takes us on this journey, from birth to death and back to renewal again, starting with Tisha B’av, then moving through Selichot, Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur and into Sukkot. He weaves together Torah readings, Buddhist parables, Jewish fables, and stories from his own life to explore this period of contemplation and repentance. In doing so, he argues that the real purpose of this annual journey is for us to experience broken-heartedness and open ourselves up to God.
Registration
To obtain the zoom link and discussion overview please contact Sherry at tcjewishrenewal@gmail.com
Please read the following:
We will discuss these themes and explore their significance for our lives, in three monthly sessions.
For July: Chapters 1- 4 (Pages 3-92)
For August: Chapters 5-7 (Pages 93-175)
For September: Chapters 8-10, and Epilogue (Pages 176-272)
Past Events - July 2021
Celebrating the Birthday of Moshiach With Rabbi Shefa Gold - SUNDAY, JULY 18 6:30-8:30 PM CDT
“The Arizal (a mystical source) tells us that in the throes of Tisha B’Av
afternoon, as the raging fires were consuming the Temple, Moshiach is
born. Redemption is conceived from the ashes of destruction. In the deepest darkness lies the strongest light. However, from our limited perspective we can only see one dimension at a time: either we see dark or we see light. Someone with deep eyesight and strong focus can see the light within the dark.” (R. Simon Jacobson)
Join Rabbi Shefa Gold as we chant our way into this renewed consciousness.
Presented in partnership by Hineni and Twin Cities Jewish Renewal Community.
Cost: $5 - $36 set your own fee, pre-registration preferred, walk-ins
welcome. Registration and details www.ttsp.org.
All participants should be vaccinated.
• There will be distanced seating available for those who want it.
• Masks are welcome but not required.
• Rain or shine, outdoors weather permitting, indoor option if needed.
Rabbi Shefa Gold is an American rabbi, scholar, and director of C-DEEP, The Center for Devotional, Energy and Ecstatic Practice in Jemez Springs, New Mexico.
Chant is the bridge between the inner life and the outer expression; between the solitary practice and the shared
beauty of fellowship. When we chant, we are using the whole body as the instrument with which to feel the meaning of the sacred phrase.
— Rabbi Shefa Gold- More info about Rabbi Shefa available at www.rabbishefagold.com.
June 2021
Earth-Aware and Jewish Renewal - Tuesday, June 8th from 7-8:30 PM CDT
Presenter for TCJRC: Terry Gips, President, Alliance for Sustainability (www.afors.org)
Register at tcjewishrenewal@gmail.com to obtain the Zoom link.
Please join our community, sustainability and Jewish Renewal leader, Terry Gips, for an inspiring, informative, and interactive discussion about caring for our world and all of Creation from a Jewish Renewal perspective. We'll explore a range of powerful teachings from Bal Taschit ("Do Not Destroy") to the vast concept of Eco-Kosher with everything we eat and use, with time for questions and discussion. You won't see the world or Judaism the same again.
Our Spiritual Discussion/Book Group will participate in this event as well. Instead of reading a book, the following articles will enhance your understanding of the topic.
What Does Judaism Teach about Tikkun Olam, the Environment & Sustainability? By Terry Gips, President, Alliance for Sustainability
Eco-Kosher as a Greenprint for a Holy, Sustainable Life: A Fresh Look at Lox, Bagels and Cream Cheese” by Terry Gips, Mayim Rabim Shabbat Limud Presentation
Terry Gips is a nationally recognized sustainability leader, consultant, agricultural economist, ecologist, Natural Step Framework Instructor, speaker and author with more than 40 years’ experience in global environmental leadership, policy, sustainable development, business and non-profit management. He is CEO of Sustainability Associates and volunteers as the President of the Alliance for Sustainability ( www.afors.org).
May 2021
Come Celebrate Rosh Chodesh Sivan!
Tuesday, May 11th – 7pm-8pm
Led by Kohenet Sharon Jaffe and Julie Dean
You are invited to participate in celebrating Rosh Chodesh, the monthly celebration of the New Moon. Join us for a one-hour spiritual ritual (via Zoom) to connect with the power, meaning and opportunities that await you within the month of Sivan!
Please register at tcjewishrenewal@gmail.com to obtain the Zoom link.
April 2021 Events
April 9, 5:30 PM Visiting Shabbat Jewish Renewal Services
April 9, 5:30 PM Visiting Shabbat Jewish Renewal Services
April 9, 5:30 PM Visiting Shabbat Jewish Renewal Services
Visiting Jewish Renewal Services
Temple Adath Or (TAO) of Southeast Florida
Friday, April 9, 5:30 – 7:30 PM CDT
Led by Rabbi Marc Labowitz & Family
TAO is the largest Jewish Renewal temple in the Southeast Florida.
TAO Guest Speaker: Taya Mâ Shere
Sermon: Immersing in the Deep Well of Chant
Sound is a potent path for connecting to the sacred. Through the portal of chant, we embrace practices of presence, connectivity and rooting in positive resource amidst our Kabbalat Shabbat flow.
April 13, 7- 8 PM Let’s Talk Jewish Renewal
April 9, 5:30 PM Visiting Shabbat Jewish Renewal Services
April 9, 5:30 PM Visiting Shabbat Jewish Renewal Services
Let’s talk about Jewish Renewal beliefs each month. New participants as well as TCJRC Members are welcome.
This month we will focus on Kabbalah basics. Joy Gordon will speak about counting the Omer and answer questions about Kabbalah.
If you are not yet a member, connect with Sherry at tcjewishrenewal@gmail.com .
April 18 , 7-8:30 PM Spiritual Book Club
Mira Frank will lead the discussion on Jewish with Feeling: A Guide to Meaningful Jewish Practice
For People of All Faiths, All Backgrounds by Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, (z”l) with Joel Segel (see attached flyer).
Part 2: Torah of Tomorrow (Pages 149-254).
If you are looking to learn about Jewish Renewal this foundational information is key. Feel free to join us even if you have not read the chapters.
on Sunday, April 18, 7-8:30 PM
Please contact Sherry at tcjewishrenewal@gmail.com to obtain the Zoom meeting information.
April 25, 1-5 PM- Healing the Earth and Ourselves
Please join us for a day of community building, learning, and inspiration as we welcome Spring and a new season of living with three powerful, uplifting voices in modern Judaism!
Sponsorship: Twin Cities Jewish Renewal Community (TCJRC) wishes to thank both
ALEPH and NCEJ for their sponsorship of this event.
Register now to receive the future Zoom Link.
Program Overview:
Planting Seeds with scholar & musician Shoshana Jedweb and Rabbi Jill Hammer, PhD
Sefer Yetzirah: Dwelling in the Temple of the Cosmos with Rabbi Jill Hammer, PhD
Weaving Spiritual Practice for a More Just World with Kohenet Keshira haLev Fife
Harvesting Seeds with Kohenet Keshira haLev Fife and Rabbi Jill Hammer, PhD