I have immersed myself in the writings and traditions of other Sephardic Sages from all over the Arab and Muslim worlds. I love these sources because they represent the open and lenient nature of Sephardic communities. These texts provide tools for thinking about how to create community where all voices are heard, honored, and respected. ... Read More

Perhaps the Frankfurt Lehrhaus and its environment seem familiar to us today—an assimilated Jewish community of people searching for a Jewish identity, an adult school trying to meet that need based on non-denominational pluralism, a very broad spectrum of offerings, an inclusive faculty both of established scholars and knowledgeable, inspired laypeople, and above all, a pedagogy based on dialogue, the invaluable interchange between teacher and student and among the students themselves ... Read More

In the 1980s, Yemima Avital, a contemporary Moroccan Israeli healer and a female Hasidic Rebbe, developed a method for emotional and spiritual growth which is rooted deep in Jewish Kabbalistic traditions. Now known as the Yemima Method, this structure of cognitive thinking is used and studied by thousands, mainly in Hebrew. At HaMaqom, we are fortunate to learn from Jewish spiritual practice educator, Naama Sadan, a long-time Yemima Method student and leader, who has translated the method for English speakers ... Read More

“Al tifrosh min hatzibur, Do not separate yourself from the community” (Pirke Avot 2:5). Moreover, it is our responsibility to play an active role in our community and choosing its leaders ... Read More