According to our Kabbalistic tradition, every Hebrew month has a particular set of characteristics that include archetypes, associated tribe, stone, herb, direction, Zodiac sign (mazal in Hebrew), and Hebrew letter. The word for month, Chodesh, relates to Chadash, meaning "new." This refers to the new moon of course, but also to the deep teaching that each month brings with it new possibilities and energies for us to attune to and learn from. When we are able to live in harmony with the cycles of the moon, we find that possibilities open up in our lives that were not previously there. There is a centering and a balance.

This class will draw on many of our ancient mystical sources, including Sefer Yetizrah, the Zohar, and Chassidic teachings. No prior learning is necessary and all source sheets will be transliterated and translated. Come as you are. The class will be a mix of study and practice. We'll open with a chant, then study the source sheets together. Some classes may include a brief guided meditation or reflective writing exercise if that will help us connect. This will be an ongoing, monthly series. Join for one, join for all!

Ariel Hendelman is a Senior Rabbinic student with the ALEPH Ordination Program and the Spiritual Leader of B'nai Or, Boston's Jewish Renewal community. Ariel frequently leads meditation and chant circles both online and in-person for organizations such as Or HaLev. Her written words appear in Ayin Press and most recently, on her Substack. Ariel’s debut album, Prayers for Fire & Water, is a blend of folk and niggunim and can be heard wherever you get your music. A former LGBTQ+ community organizer in Jerusalem, Ariel moved back to the States five years ago. She loves teaching at the intersection of mindfulness, mythology and mysticism. She especially loves teaching (and eating) at Lehrhaus.