Who We Are
The Institute for Jewish Spirituality (IJS) was founded in response to the yearning of countless Jews—rabbis, cantors, educators and lay people alike—to find a deeper, more meaningful connection with the Spirit of the universe, with God. They seek to learn—experientially—the profound practices and exquisite texts of the Jewish spiritual tradition. They need guidance in bringing the sacred into the secular. They dream of praying from the heart and of creating communities of justice, compassion, and truthfulness. They long to support one another in cultivating the inner life as essential to their Judaism, and in working from their center to repair the world.
IJS continues a spirit of new-Hasidism which began to grow in Europe at the turn of the twentieth century and which now has substantial roots in America. In our study, we explore, renew and apply the riches of Jewish spiritual traditions, especially emphasizing the teachings of mysticism, classic Hasidic thought and meditation. Out of this study of traditional sources and ourselves, we hope to encourage a new creativity in practice and in language that is at the same time rooted in the tradition.
