This training is a virtual /on-line training. Each monthly master class meeting session will include time for group breaks, time away from the computer in personal practice, and a chance to connect with others in small break-out rooms. During sessions we will invite you to participate in the way that is best for your well-being, including taking breaks, sitting, standing, lying down, stretching, eating/drinking, or anything else that you need.

We aim to balance connection, co-practicing, listening/viewing, and reflection/sharing time in a way that keeps us fully attentive to our own bodily needs while also honoring the group container.

We greatly value seeing one another as a means to build connection and community, and to witness one another in our learning and teaching. However, for some of us, spending time with the camera on for any extended period of time can be a challenge, and some uses of the video can trigger vertigo, dizziness or migraines.

We will ask all participants to mindfully use the camera, including turning it off when needed, and to participate from a camera that is non-mobile, with a background that is non-mobile (i.e. not while walking around or in a moving vehicle). We will provide other detailed agreements about use of chat/video when we gather.

Each session will include the option for closed captioning in real time for full group experiences.

In addition, we will provide written transcriptions from our sessions, and/or study materials and slides with extra large font upon request.

Who is this for?

This training is for you if you are a leader, guide or facilitator of embodiment experiences in Jewish contexts and settings.

Whether you are a seasoned teacher of embodiment or a seasoned practitioner who wishes to deepen your own personal practice and begin to guide and lead others - the key to your fulfillment as a teacher is your own resonance with, integration & embodiment of the teachings you are bringing to your students. Authentic study and practice is the foundation for your teaching.

If you seek to deepen your knowledge of Hebrew, texts or other Jewish wisdom and desire colleagueship, spiritual community, mentorship and studying with seasoned teachers of Embodied Jewish Wisdom, this training is for you.

If you desire to grow and evolve your own skills as a teacher, and to be part of a learning and practice community, sharing, reflecting and receiving feedback in your teaching, this training is for you.

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Do I need to attend every session?

We will be creating community in a group container over time. Attendance at the larger group sessions and with your weekly study partner is strongly encouraged, but if you need to miss one or two sessions over the course of the training, of course we understand. Recordings and written transcripts of all sessions will be provided.

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How is this training different from other teacher trainings?

This training is based upon the premise that your personal practice & study are your best resource for living and for teaching.

This is not just another teacher training. The focus is on going within, connecting with your essential self and your unique life circumstances - where you are right now in your journey as a teacher. Some of you are seasoned teachers, others are just beginning to offer and guide others in embodied spiritual practice.

The focus will be study and practice as a way to cultivate inner qualities that are unique to your specific calling and role in this lifetime at this point in your journey. What inspires you will inspire others, as your students will be moved by your own passion and joy in what you are teaching.

This is a deep foundation for anything you do in life, not just as a teacher. You will identify and engage in the personal practices that are most meaningful and useful to you, enter into your own in depth studies and time spent studying with Julie and other EJW faculty exploring Jewish source texts and embodied wisdom.

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What is Embodied Pardes™?

When bringing forth Jewish wisdom teachings from primary text sources we employ a method we call Embodied Pardes™. We take one moment or line in Torah, liturgy or other source texts and apply the Pardes™ פרדס method, a traditional method of Torah Study where each letter of the word Pardes™ (Orchard) represents a layer of Torah. We employ this method through the lens of the body and kinesthetics. See more on this topic via Julie’s source sheet at Sefaria.org here.

Pey= Pshat =פשט Simple body parts or actions ( speak, see, walk, breath, bone, hand, arm, foot etc.)

Resh = Remez =רמז Hints at body elements or movements via language (expand, gather, approach, etc.)

Dalet = Drash = דרש Interpretations that can relate to the body's structure, functions, or movements

Samech = Sod =סוד Secret readings

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What is Embodied Presence

These years have been so challenging in so many ways - personally, politically, globally. How do we ride the waves and stay steady in the storms? How do we cultivate equanimity (Menuchat HaNefesh/ מנוחת הנפש) through the griefs and pains of life? Sometimes we need to know “You can face this, You will get through this”. And our ability to cultivate this skill within ourselves allows us to be more present for others.

Our invitation is to consider the term “Embodied Presence” as the ever-evolving ability to be lifted, inspired, and enlivened by the challenges we face by relying upon our inner resources, the wisdom of our tradition, and embodied spiritual practice in community. This is not a ‘spiritual by-pass’, it is the opposite. The premise is that when we contact the body and breath we open to emotional, spiritual selves. If we can stay with and meet ourselves exactly where we are, including our pain and suffering, grief and sorrow, we are able to be present for others in a completely different way as guides and leaders.

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Is my program fee refundable after I enroll?

No. Due to the size of our operation and the effort put into all aspects of creating this unique training, the program fee is not refundable. If for any non-emergency related reason you need to cancel your enrollment, you may have the option to receive credit for future EJL trainings and/or programs. For emergency-related reasons, please be in touch with Julie.

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Does the program fee cover additional classes, outside of Embodied Jewish learning?

No. Fees do not include weekly self-selected classes in embodied practice & text study, and optional individual Spiritual Direction sessions, outside of EJL.

Message Julie with any inquires here