Shalem was created in 2012 by Embodied Jewish Learning and the Peninsula JCC. The program ran from 2012 until 2021.

Read this article by Julie Emden about the practice of Yoga and Jewish Wisdom as a portal to Wellness, and this article by Rabbi Lavey Derby about Jewish Wellness as a path to wholeness and well-being and the impact of this work upon students of all faiths.

Faculty included Rabbi Lavey Derby, Julie Emden, Tracey Green, Scott Green, Rabbi Hugh Seid-Valencia, Rabbi Laurie Matzkin and Tova Birnbaum.

Past Events

Yoga for Renewal 2021 with Julie Emden

Friday, Sept. 10
9:30 - 10:45 am PST/ 12:30 - 1:45 pm EST

JOIN LIVE OR VIEW THE RECORDING AFTERWARDS

“The vital desire of the soul (nefesh / נפש) is to be free in her movement, in her physical and spiritual movement, with a desire for elevation and renewal.” - Rav Avraham Isaac Kook, Orot HaKodesh

Integrate mind, body, heart and spirit via a gentle Iyengar-based yoga and movement practice rooted in Jewish mystical teachings  as we prepare for the Shabbat of Return /שבת שובה.

The High Holy Days are a time of new beginnings and renewed commitment to living in physical and spiritual alignment with our deepest intentions. Join us for an embodied practice infused with beautiful teachings from the Jewish mystics during this significant time on the Hebrew Calendar.

No previous experience with yoga or knowledge about Jewish Holidays is required. Please wear comfortable loosely layered clothing in which you can easily move.

Join Rabbi Lavey Derby for ongoing Weekly Meditations:

Guided Meditation

Mondays • Weekly • 9:30-10:00 am
Free to all. All sessions are virtual.

Meditation is an invitation to cultivate awareness of the present moment without judgment. As we practice approaching each moment with courage, curiosity, and compassion we are able to ground ourselves and cultivate awareness and calm. Each sit includes teaching drawn from the Jewish spiritual tradition, chanting, silent meditation, and an opportunity for questions and sharing. These meditation sessions are appropriate for both beginners and experienced meditators. Everyone is welcome to join us. Please register here.

 Past Events

Harmony exists when many voices blend as one. We experience harmony of the heart when we bring loving attention to all our feelings, thoughts and experiences and we find beauty and wholeness. Join us as we engage in practices to cultivate harmony through meditation and movement infused with Jewish wisdom teachings, text study, and periods of silence and song.

No one turned away for lack of funds. Multiple payment levels are offered to make this workshop accessible. If payment is difficult or prohibitive at this time, please select "Free". And if you are able, please consider a $72 payment, which will help others to attend. Please select your ticket level at check-out.

Information regarding Zoom will be sent out before the event.

Offered by Shalem, the Jewish Wellness Initiative of the Peninsula JCC; Embodied Jewish Learning; the Addison-Penzak JCC; and Oshman Family JCC.

Shalem was created by the Peninsula JCC and Embodied Jewish Learning. The Addison-Penzak JCC and Oshman Family JCC are now partners in this initiative to promote wellness and well-being infused with Jewish wisdom to the SF Bay Area community and beyond.

Faculty includes Rabbi Lavey Derby, Julie Emden, Rabbi Hugh Seid-Valencia, Tova Birnbaum, Rabbi Laurie Matzkin, Tracey Green and Scott Green.

Hanukkah 2020

Hanukkah Yoga

with Rabbi Laurie of Makom Yoga

Friday • December 11th, 2020 • 4-5pm PST

Sponsored by APJCC Mindful Jewish Journeys (free to you!)

Enter this special Shabbat of Chanukah by connecting breath and movement with spiritual reflection. We will let our light shine and strengthen with the themes of the season. Get out your mat or just find a quiet spot in your home. Please arrive on Zoom before 4pm, and plan to participate with video on and audio muted. Led by Rabbi Laurie Matzkin, Founder of Makom Yoga.

Cultivating & Embodying the Light Within: Contemplative Practices for the Eighth Night of Hanukkah

Thursday • December 17th, 2020 • 5-7 pm PST

Join Rabbi Lavey Derby and Scott Shalom Green for mindful yoga, qi gong, and guided meditation.

In the Jewish mystical tradition, the eighth night of Hanukkah elevates us beyond the physical to see the spiritual light of The Mystery in all being and to become vessels of light.

Schedule: (join for the whole evening or for the practice that most calls to you)

5:00 pm – Yoga for Light (Led by Scott Green): With mindful yoga and qi gong practices, we will prepare ourselves to embody the radiant light of the present moment.

6:00 pm – Meditation for Light (Led by Rabbi Lavey Derby): Through guided meditation we will bring attention to the light within ourselves and in all being.

6:45 pm – Contemplative Candle Lighting and Gazing Meditation

Suitable for ages 18+. 

Yoga for Renewal

Six Week Series

Fridays: August 21, 28,
Sept 4, 18, 25, Oct 2*

9:30 - 10:30 am PST/ 12:30-1:30 pm EST

*skips Sept 11

Join us for this six week series of Iyengar-based yoga classes, a journey through the Hebrew month of Elul (beginning Aug 21) into the High Holiday season. Each class is infused with Jewish Wisdom teachings to cultivate balance and wholeness.

Class Dates and Themes:

Aug 21: Embodying Etzem (Essence)

Aug 28: Embodying Shevarim (Broken-ness)

Sept 4: Embodying Tshuva (Return)

*Skips Sept 11

Sept 18:  Embodying Renewal for Rosh Hashana (New Year)

Sept 25: Embodying Unity for Yom Kippur (Day of At-one-ment)

Oct 2: Embodying Inner Spaciousness for Sukkot (Festival of Temporary-ness)

Zoom link and password will be provided just before the event start time.

Multiple payment levels are offered to make this workshop accessible to those for whom payment is difficult or prohibitive at this time. Please select your ticket level at check-out. Please contact Julie if you’d like to attend but are unable to pay at this time.

Offered by Embodied JewishLearning, Shalem, the Jewish Wellness Initiative of the Peninsula JCC, the Addison-Penzak JCC, and the Oshman Family JCC.

Awake & Return:
A Virtual Jewish Meditation & Yoga Retreat
via Zoom

Saturday, August 29, 8:30 - 10:00 pm

Sunday, August 30, 9 am - 12 pm

The High Holiday season begins with the month of Elul: a call to wake up to our lives and return again to what is essential. We will be guided to experience awakened awareness and the wisdom that renews us through Meditation, Yoga and Qigong infused with Jewish wisdom, as well as text study, periods of silence, and chanting.

Sliding Scale: $18- $72.

No one turned away for lack of funds. Multiple payment levels are offered to make this workshop accessible. If payment is difficult or prohibitive at this time, please contact jewishlife@pjcc.org. Please select your ticket level at check-out. A zoom link will be provided upon registration.

Pre-registration is required by Friday, August 21.

MORE INFO + REGISTER HERE

Offered in partnership with Shalem, the Jewish Wellness Initiative of the Peninsula JCC, the Addison Penzak JCC, and  Oshman Family JCC.

QUESTIONS? Contact jewishlife@pjcc.org

All Programs are Co-sponsored by Shalem: the PJCC’s Jewish Wellness Initiative, Embodied Jewish Learning, Oshman Family JCC, and Addison-Penzak JCC.

Please consider a donation to the PJCC’s Jewish Life programs to support our Shalem programming.

Jewish tradition has a great deal to offer anyone who seeks wholeness of body, mind, and spirit. Judaism’s wisdom, teachings, and practices support us to live flourishing, resourced, integrated, resilient lives with a joyful sense of balance and well-being. From ancient teachings to modern-day practices, we are encouraged to cultivate qualities— such as gratitude, joy, and thoughtful reflection— to enhance our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. 

Embodied Jewish Learning partnered with the Peninsula Jewish Community Center in the conception and creation of Shalem: Jewish Wellness Initiative of the PJCC, which has received the Kol Ha Kavod JCC Association Biennial Excellence Award.

Subscribe to our podcasts on iTunes or listen here for monthly meditations and embodied practices related to Middot/Character Traits. 

Join us for our next retreat on April 23 - 25, 2021 offered in partnership with Oshman Family JCC, & Addison Penzak JCC.