The Shofar Project

Posted on 08/06/2021 @ 08:00 AM


The High Holidays are approaching and, with them, a wonderful opportunity for spiritual growth. We’re therefore very happy to be partnering with The Institute for Jewish Spirituality on The Shofar Project 5781, a free program open to all who want to make this a year of continued awakening, responsiveness, renewal, and transformation.
 
Presented in partnership with an inspiring, multi-denominational coalition of organizations, The Shofar Project will take place during the Hebrew month of Elul, a traditional period for spiritual reflection, introspection, and moral accounting (August 8 - September 6). Because the upcoming year is a Shemitah, or sabbatical year, this year’s Shofar Project will focus in particular on release: of our control of our planet and other human beings, as well as habits of mind and behavior that create an unjust society.
 
Each week of The Shofar Project you will be introduced to a teaching by a member of the IJS faculty that frames the theme for the week’s practice. After you register, you will also receive access to over 25 free online events that explore the week’s themes of Shemitah described below:
 
  • A live 30-minute daily (Monday-Friday) Jewish mindfulness meditation practice that includes a teaching and guided meditation led by IJS staff and outstanding guest instructors from various Jewish denominations
 
  • A live 30-minute “Torah Study to Sustain The Soul” session focused on a classic Jewish text with Rabbi Jonathan Slater each Tuesday
 
  • A live 45-minute Jewish yoga session each Monday led by Cantor Elizabeth Shammash
 
 
 
You can also participate in four weekly, live, online practice groups for $99 led by outstanding IJS faculty. There will be one group on Thursdays at 8:00 PM ET and another group on Fridays at 11:00 AM ET. These groups will include additional teachings, meditation, reflection, and Q&A.
 
We are, collectively, in a process of reopening and renewal. This Elul is an extraordinary opportunity to reflect on what you aim to release, what you intend to renew, how you aspire to reconnect, and to whom and what you resolve to recommit. We hope you’ll join us in this spiritual journey as a participant in The Shofar Project 5781.