March 2024 • Adar II 5784
Welcome back!
I hope this newsletter finds you as well as possible as we begin spring in the northern hemisphere and as Purim is right around the corner.
As a reminder, 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.
Recent Work
It continues to be a beautifully busy time of teaching and conversation. I was honored to serve as scholar in residence at Temple Israel Center in White Plains, New York the weekend of March 1-2.
I presented a three-part webinar series for Matan about human dignity, disability and Jewish values. These webinars took place February 15, 29 and March 7, 2024. Please visit the Matan website to join their list and be kept in the loop about future offerings.
On March 17, I joined the Ohavi Zedek Synagogue in Burlington, Vermont for a wonderful morning of storytelling, reflection and mindfulness practice. I am grateful to all those communities who have invited me in to learn, to grow and to teach.
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.
Up and Coming Opportunities
Announcing a new program: Disability Wisdom as Soul Care
I am positively delighted to announce that I am launching a program 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 the week of May 15, 2024 and is entirely online. More information and an interest form can be found here. Kirva Disability Wisdom As Soul Care Application Form
In addition to my deep and ongoing Mussar practice, I continue to practice and teach meditation in multiple communities. I next lead the Monday evening sit for the NeySHEV community on March 25 from 8:00-8:30PM EDT. You are welcome to join them on Monday evenings and Friday mornings (EDT). Please visit their website to subscribe to their newsletter and receive the Zoom link.
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.
Teachings and Torah
For many, Purim is a complicated time. I addressed how I navigate and practice with Purim’s multiple layers in a piece for SVARA entitled Joy On Purim.
This Shabbat, we begin the book of Vayikra or Leviticus. I taught the Weekly Torah Study for My Jewish Learning on March 22, 2024 and a recording of my class on parashat Vayikra is available on their YouTube channel.
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. Beginning with parashat Vayikra—the first Torah portion in Leviticus—I intend to post short weekly teachings on the parsha, exclusively available to Patreon members. Most importantly, your support makes my teachings possible. I am so profoundly grateful for all 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 Purim if you observe. If not, I wish you a beautiful beginning of the spring season to come.
Please share this newsletter with others and invite them to subscribe.
Be well and thanks for reading.
Rabbi Tuchman
Want to know more about Rabbi Tuchman? Visit her website.