The journey of life inevitably brings each of us face-to-face with loss, grief and suffering. The experience of pain is both profoundly personal and universal.
In this course, we will turn to the spiritual reservoirs of the Jewish tradition to help guide us through the territories of trauma and loss, and to light a path toward possibilities for healing.
Drawing from the teachings of Torah, the Rabbinic, Hassidic and Kabbalistic traditions, and informed by contemporary wisdom on psychological and emotional healing, this course contextualizes our own suffering within the larger body of our spiritual lineage.
Through these teachings and accompanying practices, we will seek to find spiritual anchoring amidst experiences of upheaval, and points of connection despite - or perhaps even through - feelings of disorientation and disconnect. This process will receive the additional support of a collective circle of fellow travelers.
The course will explore topics such as the experience of suffering within a spiritual framework; the (im)possibility of Divine relationship in the face of deep suffering; the necessity of giving space for grief and grievances; connecting with life in the aftermath of loss; practices for cultivating spiritual resilience; and the possibility of post-traumatic growth.
This course is open to novices and advanced learners of all backgrounds and levels. All texts will be provided with clear line-by-line translations, and no prior knowledge or experience with the subject matter is necessary.
It is important to note that while the content of this course may contain therapeutic value, it is not intended as therapy nor is it a replacement for actual mental health care.
How does it work?
The course consists of seven recorded sessions, of approximately 1.5 hours each.
Participants can watch the recordings of the classes at your own convenience.
Each session includes studying primary texts as well as a guided practice to ground the learning in embodied experience.
Registrants gain lifetime access to all the course materials.
Testimonials
"I have been learning from Rabbi Ami Silver for the past five years. He has a unique gift in teaching his students, with a special kindness and down to earth method of explaining to everyone who learns Torah with him, a deeper sense of its relevance in our lives, and that it is deeply rooted inside of us."
- Carter Wise
"I have been privileged to be a student of R. Ami... R. Ami’s insights into Tshuva resonated deeply with me and allowed me to come into this period of time in a new way. I was able to explore deeply who I was in the context of a loving God who wants me to live as fully as possible in this life. Being a part of R. Ami’s learning community during this time allowed me to come into one of the most profound relationships with myself, my community and Hashem during the High Holidays. I felt truly that I had come into a new beginning. I highly recommend learning with R. Ami."
- Anne Seham
"Rabbi Ami is the kind of teacher who can make you forget you're in a "class." Nothing feels formal or formulaic; rather Ami shares his incredible depth of knowledge with a care and gentleness that feels like you're engaged in an in-depth conversation, soul to soul. He creates a space that is built of acceptance, curiosity, and devotion to the Jewish spiritual path. After learning with him for over a year in various contexts, I can honestly say that if he's teaching it, no matter what it is, it's worthwhile to sign up because it is sure to fill you with inspiration and meaning."
- Ariel Hendelman