February 2024 Newsletter, Now on Buttondown
I hope this newsletter finds you as well as possible. I have changed newsletter platforms. All prior subscribers were moved to the new platform, Buttondown. You are of course free to unsubscribe at any time.
February was a busy month of teachings and travel. I was honored to serve as scholar in residence at four congregations in early February. Three of the congregations—Bnai Sholom, Ohav Shalom and Agudas Achim are in the Albany, NY. Area and the fourth, Temple Tikvah is on Long Island. It was a privilege to join all of these communities for deep teaching, learning and connection.
This coming weekend, March 1-2, 2024, I am serving as scholar in residence at Temple Israel Center in White Plains, NY.
I am so grateful to all of these communities for welcoming me with such warmth and enthusiasm. If you are interested in bringing me to your community, please reach out through my website. I offer in person Shabbatonim and virtual and in person workshops during the week. I am available throughout the year.
February was also an incredible month of teaching. I continue to regularly lead meditation and mindfulness practice for the NeySHEV community. You are welcome to join us on Monday evenings and Friday mornings (EDT). Please visit their website to subscribe to their newsletter and receive the Zoom link. I am leading next on March 25.
I am also a frequent teacher for the Or haLev daily meditation sit that happens Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 1:15-1:45PM EDT. I lead next on March 12 and again on March 19. Please visit their website to subscribe to receive daily reminders of upcoming sits.
On February 8, I lead the daily meditation sit for the Institute for Jewish Spirituality and it was wonderful to be in this community again. The recording of the sit is available on their YouTube channel.
I published a few pieces for Exploring Judaism: The Digital Home For Conservative Judaism. Those pieces included What Are Zmanim and Why Are They Important? And Why I Love Tefillin.
I also published a piece for SVARA: A Traditional Radical Yeshiva in which I explore my love of Mussar—Jewish spiritual and character development—and how that connects to my passion for teaching. The article, Teaching At A Time Such As This can be accessed here.
Speaking of Mussar, I am positively delighted to announce that I am working on a project with Kirva, formerly the IOWA Project called Disability Wisdom As Soul Care (DWASC). This program will weave together rich Mussar practice and teachings with disability wisdom in a group or vaad-based format, as Mussar practice is classically done. The program begins in mid-May, 2024. More information and an interest form can be found here: Kirva Disability Wisdom As Soul Care Application Form
Finally, I am thrilled to be re-launching my Patreon Community. Members of the community will have access to members-only teachings and opportunities for gathering and connection. Most importantly, your support makes my teachings possible. I am so profoundly grateful for aall the support I receive, whether that’s sharing my teachings with others, sharing this newsletter or joining the Patreon community.
I hope you have a wonderful Shabbat and week to come.
Please share this newsletter with others and invite them to.
Be well and thanks for reading.
Rabbi Tuchman
Want to know more about Rabbi Tuchman? Visit her website.