Courses, retreats, and offerings
Grounded in mindfulness. Guided by wisdom.
Jewish Mindfulness Meditation
Cultivating Innate Sacred Character Traits
Mindful Torah Study
Embodied Practices
Contemplative Prayer
Upcoming Programs
Applications Open July 15, 2026
We’re thrilled to announce the second cohort of Kol Dodi, a program that will prepare participants to serve as spiritual directors. Check out our recent info session to learn more ahead of applications opening.
August 19 – 23, 2026
This August, we’re heading to the woods of West Cornwall, CT, for our third annual silent retreat designed specifically for folks under 40. This isn’t just a getaway; it’s a dedicated space to slow down, put down your phone, silence your notifications, and return to yourself.
November 15 – 19, 2026
This mostly silent, Jewish mindfulness meditation retreat will be at the serene Garrison Institute in Garrison, NY. Our retreat will be led by IJS faculty and other experienced, beloved instructors. Over five days, we will focus on deepening our practice through silent meditation enhanced with Jewish teachings, meditation instructions, mindful prayer, and yoga/embodied practice.
Upcoming Events
Josh’s Friday Reflections
Daily Online Meditation Sit
Shevet: A Jewish Mindfulness Community for Young Adults
Shalem: A Monthly Mindfulness Affinity Space for People with Disabilities
Online Jewish Yoga Studio
Sharing Our Torah: Jews of Color Monthly Mindfulness Affinity Space
Segula: LGBTQ+ Monthly Mindfulness Sit
Welcome
For over 25 years, the Institute for Jewish Spirituality has helped thousands of people every year to slow down, reconnect with themselves and the world, and discover their sense of sacred purpose. We invite you to explore our website where you will find teachings, inspiration, guided meditations, and retreat opportunities to become more mindful, peaceful, compassionate, and resilient — all grounded in the rich wisdom of Jewish tradition. Wherever you are on your journey, whether you are just beginning or you have practiced mindfulness for years, we welcome you.
Reflections & Practice
Summertime Meditation: Suspending Disbelief
We invite you to unwind with a simple, powerful practice. Step outside for a summertime meditation led by Rabbi Jordan Bendat-Appell.
At the Crossroads, on Tisha B’Av: Mindfulness, Suffering, & Redemption
As we move in the Jewish year towards Tisha b’Av, the nadir of the Jewish year, how shall we confront the reality of pain and suffering spiritually? Given the cataclysms of our world, where is there any space to allow for the real possibility of redemption or repentance? Where is there room for empathic, mindful practice in a harsh world that seems so utterly distant from it all?
Okay (Pinchas 5786)
When my youngest child was four years old, our local movie theater had a special showing of the original Lion King movie (not to be confused with the star-studded remake from a few years ago). It started at 7 pm, so I knew we’d be pushing the limits of his bedtime,...
Check Out Our Podcasts
Weekly Meditation with Rabbi Angela Buchdahl
Soulful Jewish Living
A production of Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media, and the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.