About the Institute for Jewish Spirituality
The Institute for Jewish Spirituality (IJS) is a sacred haven for nurturing the mind, body, soul, and spirit. Since 1999, we’ve helped countless people navigate our turbulent world by learning to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and find a greater sense of purpose—all grounded in the deep wisdom of Jewish tradition.
From guided meditation and contemplative text study to leadership training and retreats, IJS creates opportunities to become more mindful, compassionate, and resilient—and build a more just and peaceful world together.
IJS is a home for many paths to greater spiritual mindfulness:
Some people come to us because they want to start or strengthen a Jewish meditation practice to add a deeper sense of meaning to their lives. Others seek a renewed relationship to Judaism that goes beyond the synagogue or study hall and engages the heart, body, and soul. Clergy, educators, and lay leaders want to explore and strengthen their connection to the Divine, become more mindful leaders, and bring authentic Jewish spirituality and mindfulness home to their communities.
What they all have in common is the desire for greater awareness, connection, and purpose. We learn together that mindfulness is not a destination, but a journey — one that we make day by day, breath by breath, throughout our lives.
We welcome you to start your journey.
Our programs and free offerings invite you to experience a range of mindfulness practices including meditation, prayer, and contemplative Torah study, as well as yoga, movement, chanting, niggunim (wordless melodies), and tikkun middot, the practice of refining character traits to better align our actions with our core values.
Together, these practices help us find pause in our busy lives — to breathe, transform judgment into curiosity, and cultivate greater compassion, peace and meaning.
Find a course or free offering that’s right for you. IJS is here as a partner and guide.
Here’s What People Who’ve Established a Jewish Mindfulness Meditation Practice Tell Us About How It’s Transformed Their Lives
IJS has changed my life. I know it sounds dramatic. But I want everyone to know what I now know — our Jewish Hassidic wisdom has deepened my prayer, my meditation, and my mindset. Even more essentially, because of IJS I have changed the way I speak to myself, which has changed everything.
IJS introduced me to a form of Jewish spirituality that has enhanced my rabbinate and my life in such profound ways. I'm so grateful to pay it forward to my community."