This session comes at the beginning of the annual Three Weeks of mourning, which commemorate the destruction of the First and Second Temples, and other tragedies which have befallen our people since then.
In Hebrew this period is called Bein Hametzarim, which means ‘between the straits’ or ‘in the narrow places’. This year, we need no reminder of the difficulty and pain. They are harrowingly present.
How can we find ways to be in the midst of such profound challenge and loss? How can we access the spaciousness and love which are primordial, the birthright of every human being, and yet so easy for us to forget?
We will explore specific meditative practices, rooted in ancient wisdom, which we can turn to anytime for refuge and support. Everyone is welcome. No previous experience - of meditation or Judaism or anything else - is assumed or required. We’d love to share this with you.
This event will include:
- Guided meditations
- Concrete practices to take away with you
- Q&A
- Opportunity to talk with others
Zac Newman is the Community Director of HaMakom, the centre for Jewish meditation and wisdom teachings in the UK. He has been teaching meditation for over a decade, including in workplaces, retreats, conferences, schools and a wide variety of other venues. In addition to his teaching for HaMakom, Zac also teaches for Or HaLev and the Institute for Jewish Spirituality. He is a long-time teacher of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction programme. Zac trained to teach through the Centre for Mindfulness Research and Practice at Bangor University. He has spent extensive time on retreat.
