Registration for the 2026-2027 cohort is now open!
What is ADVOT@Ritualwell?
An online creative community of Jewish ritual innovators, poets and liturgists who meet regularly to share work; support and empower each other to create and innovate Jewish ritual, poetry and liturgy; and explore fiction, prose, song and memoir writing.
What does ADVOT mean?
ADVOT means “ripples” in Hebrew. RIPL (pronounced “ripple”) is the acronym of “Ritual Innovators, Poets, Liturgists,” the community we are serving and cultivating. ADVOT brings Jewish writers, poets and ritual creators together for creative support, learning and nourishment. Each member will gain the tools and confidence to share their creative gifts with their communities. This experience will have a ripple effect, inspiring Jewish creativity and leading to more vibrant, engaged Jewish communities where people feel empowered to make Judaism their own.
Why did we create ADVOT?
Writing can be a solitary experience. We have heard from writers who use Ritualwell that there is a need for connection, accountability and additional ways to develop and share work with others. After meeting with regular Ritualwell readers, learners and writers, we designed ADVOT to serve this need for creative development and connection.
Who is this for?
People of all backgrounds, levels of Jewish knowledge and writing experience looking to deepen their writing practice in a Jewish community.
ADVOT + Ritualwell Immersions
ADVOT membership packages (see below) include your choice of Ritualwell Immersions, our online learning experiences. Support your creative writing process, try new modalities, find inspiration, and learn from leading teachers in the Jewish writing world. Browse our Ritualwell Immersions schedule below.
Applications are now open for the 2026-27 Advot cohort! APPLY HERE
What our members are saying
I am so grateful to you for birthing this idea and creating this amazing space with these incredible neshamot.”
I'm just so impressed with the level of talent and willingness to share and support. It was really great, being seen and heard, a lot of mutual sharing and respect.”
I use the weekly writing time sometimes to just write, but also to ask for support and go into a breakout room with somebody. It’s always, somehow, exactly what I needed, and exactly what the piece needed.”
I was writing this ritual and feeling kind of stuck. I was able to hop into the writing studio in a breakout room and get feedback on the ritual. I felt so supported."
2026–27 Schedule
ADVOT Studio meetings
Orientation is September 18, 12-1:30 p.m. EST
Studio meetings start October 2, 2026: Every Friday, 12-1:30 p.m. EST
ADVOT Online Retreats
Fall retreat: November 15, 2026
Spring retreat: TBD
ADVOT End of Year Celebration
Thursday, June 17, 2027, 7-8:30 p.m. EDT
Ritualwell Immersions Schedule
Membership Packages
#1: Dive In
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Access to weekly online sacred space to write and share work in community
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Creative connection: get matched with rotating hevruta partners
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Two online retreats
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Publication in annual print anthology
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Participation in annual public event online
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20% off all Ritualwell Immersions
#2: Make Waves
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Access to weekly online sacred space to write and share work in community
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Creative connection: get matched with rotating hevruta partners
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Two online retreats
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Publication in annual print anthology
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Participation in annual public event online
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20% off all Ritualwell Immersions
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Two Ritualwell Immersions (valued at $250 each)
#3: Dive Deep
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Access to weekly online sacred space to write and share work in community
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Creative connection: get matched with rotating hevruta partners
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Two online retreats
-
Publication in annual print anthology
-
Participation in annual public event online
-
20% off all Ritualwell Immersions
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Four Ritualwell Immersions (valued at $250 each)
#1: Dive In
-
Access to weekly online sacred space to write and share work in community
-
Creative connection: get matched with rotating hevruta partners
-
Two online retreats
-
Publication in annual print anthology
-
Participation in annual public event online
-
20% off all Ritualwell Immersions
#2: Make Waves
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All the benefits of the “Dive in” package
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Plus two Ritualwell Immersions (valued at $250 each)
#3: Dive Deep
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All the benefits of the “Dive in” package
-
Plus four Ritualwell Immersions (valued at $250 each)
What to know when applying
The only requirements: a commitment to your creative practice (see our “brit” below), an interest in being part of a Jewish creative community, and an openness to sharing your work and giving/receiving respectful feedback. All applicants will be invited for a short Zoom interview for us to get to know you, answer your questions and ensure this program is right for you. Once accepted, your membership payment will be due to secure your spot. We can set up a monthly payment plan for you (Early-Bird discount does not apply to monthly plans). A limited number of scholarships are available. Reach out to us at ritualwell@reconstructingjudaism.org to learn more.
ADVOT Brit (Community Pact)
When you join ADVOT, you are making a commitment to being part of a dynamic Jewish creative community. You will get the most out of the experience as an active participant. While we are all juggling life obligations, please consider if you can make the commitment to be actively involved in the community. We ask our members to commit to:
- Attend two writing studios per month (minimum)
- Submit writing for the annual print anthology
- Attend at least one Rituawell special online writer event
- Participate in our annual public online event
Who are we?
Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer,
Director of Ritualwell
Gabrielle Ariella Kaplan-Mayer is an author, educator and spiritual director whose work focuses on spirituality, creativity and disability. Her personal essays have been featured in Tablet, Shondaland, NBCThink, Wisdom Daily, WHYY and many other publications and she has published several nonfiction books as well as plays for children. Gabrielle is currently working on a memoir about the power of intuition and ongoing conversations with her ancestors. She writes a Substack newsletter called “Journey With The Seasons,” a weekly practice of meditative reading with creative self-expression prompts. Gabrielle holds a BFA in theater and creative writing from Emerson College and an MA in Jewish Studies from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College. Her new journal Writing With The Seasons will be published by Smith Street Books in October 2026. Gabrielle’s family includes husband Fred, kids George (23) and Jeremy (20) and fur baby Odin (a Saluki rescued from Qatar). She lives in Elkins Park, Pa.
