The Spirituality Chavurah supports the personal and communal interests of our members when it involves spirituality. Whether it’s Shabbat and holiday rituals, workshops, or personal practices, we’re here for you. Feel free to reach out to co-facilitators Reb Moshe and/or Lissin Lev Chaya.
On Saturday, June 24, CJC’s Spirituality Chavurah sponsored a program called “Forest Bathing as a Shabbat Activity.” We met in the cypress forest in Moss Beach and made our way to the beach near the Fitzgerald Marine Preserve. We spent 2-1/2 hours walking, noticing our surroundings, meditating and sharing our observations, then had tea and some snacks together. It so happened that we had a minyan (ten people) present, plus the rabbi and our forest bathing guide, Gregg Berman of “In Connection with Nature.” It turned out to be a wonderful way to spend a rejuvenating Shabbat together on the Coastside.
Slow down. Breathe with intention. Move through the forest slowly so you can see and feel more. Notice what you observe through all of your senses. Try to avoid thinking about your to-do list or issues related to daily life. Stay as long as you can, starting with a comfortable time limit and extending it to two hours or so.
Many of us noticed the connections to similar earth-based Jewish practices and felt that this would be a worthwhile and unique way of observing Shabbat together here on the Coastside. We will begin a monthly observance like this on the second Saturday of each month beginning on October 14, 2023 – which happens to be the day when the Torah portion is Bereshit, the account of Creation. We’ll meet at a different outdoor location each month at 10am for a two hour walk, then conclude with a picnic lunch for those who would like to stay. Stay tuned for more details.
The Spirituality Chavurah met last month (on April 15th.) Here is what some of the participants had to say about it:
“Thank you for a lovely meeting last night!…. It was nice to meet so many nice, intelligent, and caring people who happen to be interested in spirituality….. I ran into Janet and Richard while on my walk along the bluffs this morning! See what you started!” – Jacque
“I really appreciate the work you are doing to create a positive community for us all, the open spirit it takes to create a think tank for spiritualism you are trying to create, and how welcoming you have been to me.” – Cynthia
“Thanks for hosting and leading the spirituality group. I thought it was very successful and I’m glad there will be on-going gatherings.” – Nancy (Below are her illustrated notes from the meeting.)
