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Shema-nic Journeys: A glimpse into the mystical meanings and practice of Qeri'at Shema Of all the prayers in the Jewish tradition, perhaps none is sunk deeper into our consciousness than the Shema. Often the first prayer we learn as a child (or when we embrace Judaism), and the last offered on our deathbed, it is a reminder that beneath all the variation, all the distinctions and separations, there is a deeper Unity.

In this session we will explore three practices of the Shema: drawing from 13th-14th century contemplative Kabbalah, from the Zohar, and from a contemporary neo-Hasidic practice of Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi. We will use text study, breathing techniques, meditation and embodied chant to explore the practice. This is learning to grow with and to take home: to integrate into your daily practice.

Rabbi Elliot K Ginsburg wears many hats, not all of which are fedoras. He is a professor of Jewish Thought and Mysticism at the University of Michigan, the founding rabbi of the Pardes Hannah minyan in Ann Arbor, a member of the Aleph Smicha Program Va'ad (a term that will remain untranslated), and is the author of studies on Jewish mysticism, the kabbalistic Shabbat, and spiritual practice. Reb Elliot seeks to combine intellectual engagement with a devotional stance, and lives in Ann Arbor with his wife Linda Jo Doctor. They "have" three wonderful 20-something kids, and two mostly wonderful cats, one of whom is purr-portedly thinking of moving to Oakland.

*This special event is co-sponsored by Chochmat HaLev, Aquarian Minyan, Kehilla Community Synagogue and Urban Adamah.