An event every week that begins at 12:00 pm on Wednesday, repeating until August 7, 2024
$225
Wednesdays, July 10, 17, 24, 31 and August 7, 2024
12- 1:15 p.m. EDT
$225
In a time of conflict and war, we need practices that connect us to our humanity, allowing us to tap into our inner strength and source of hope and peace. The writings of Etty Hillesum are a treasure trove of the human spirit; she wrote her diaries and letters from 1941 to 1943, before her life was tragically cut short in Auschwitz. Her writings reveal an astonishing spiritual resilience and a universal love for humanity and for God, even during the darkest times. While living through the dire historical circumstances encroaching on European Jewry, she developed a deep and unflinching faith in humanity that carried her through the most difficult of times.
In this series of online gatherings, we will read and discuss Hillesum’s writings as a springboard for creating our own spiritual and writing practices. We’ll explore major themes in her work: creativity, prayer, meditation, love, suffering, acceptance, death, and freedom. We’ll engage in journaling, meditation, and prayer practices inspired by her work. With the intention of connecting to our inner voices and crafting our own paths to resilience, we’ll support each other in imagining and creating a better world.
This course is open to people of all backgrounds.
All sessions will be recorded and sent to participants. We encourage live attendance for you to get the most out of the experience.
Photo by Paul Goyette
Hila Ratzabi is the author of the award-winning poetry collection There Are Still Woods (June Road Press, 2022). Her poetry has been published widely in literary journals and in The Bloomsbury Anthology of Contemporary Jewish American Poetry and Ghost Fishing: An Eco-Justice Poetry Anthology. Her articles have appeared in publications including The Wisdom Daily, MyJewishLearning.com, the Jewish Daily Forward, Kveller, Alma, and Zeek. From 2015–2023, she ran Ritualwell.org, publishing innovative Jewish rituals, poetry, and liturgy and curating online learning experiences. She is currently director of communications at North Shore Congregation Israel in Glencoe, Illinois, and lives in Oak Park outside Chicago.
What a delight! This immersion was stimulating, opened new avenues of thought, sparked creativity, and felt very safe." – Audrey C
I cannot convey how much I loved this class! This is one of the best classes I’ve had ever! But it ended much too quickly. If you have more and/or longer classes with Sivan, I’m ready to take them. Also, this was my first experience with Ritualwell and Reconstructing Judaism. I am so impressed and loved every minute of it!" – Arielle
Although it turns out I am not available for the live sessions of this program, I want to express my deep gratitude to you, Amy, and all the participants for the illuminating introduction to Midrash. Thank you and Amy, as well as the workshop members, for sharing your knowledge and inspiration." – Margaret
Please thank Alden for a wonderful class and giving me the tools and voice to get through a difficult time. And, the rest of my classmates for sharing so openly and also giving me insightful feedback." - Lisa
Rabbi Daniel is an amazing teacher, spiritual guide. He has a superpower of being able to connect all of us in the class with one another. The class was profoundly transformative." – Annie G
It was rich intellectually, emotionally and spiritually. I feel strengthened in applying God ideas and language to my life and to my work as a rabbi." – David G
Wonderful! Rabbi Sarah created such a great space for us to share with one another, get exposed to different ideas, and grow on our own individual journeys." – Jonathan C
What a delight! This immersion was stimulating, opened new avenues of thought, sparked creativity, and felt very safe." – Audrey C
I cannot convey how much I loved this class! This is one of the best classes I’ve had ever! But it ended much too quickly. If you have more and/or longer classes with Sivan, I’m ready to take them. Also, this was my first experience with Ritualwell and Reconstructing Judaism. I am so impressed and loved every minute of it!" – Arielle
