Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.0.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Ayeka Because Jewish Wisdom is More than Information ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://ayeka.org.il/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Becoming A Soulful Parent: A Class for Parents of Teens](https://ayeka.org.il/2020/09/becoming-a-soulful-parent-a-class-for-parents-of-teens/) - Join us as we come together to support each other and learn more about ourselves as parents. The Boulder JCC is excited to start a new session of Becoming A Soulful Parent for parents of teens between the ages of 13-18. Susan Rona, Becoming a Soulful Parent Facilitator and Community Member, and Shari Blake Schnee, Community and - [Turning Towards Relationships](https://ayeka.org.il/2020/05/shavuot-relationships/) - Last week was hard. It was raw and messy, replete with mediocre parenting, a sense of working harder than ever before, and an awareness that we - and those we love - were treading water at best. This week was hard. Wants morphed into needs, the shiny potentialities presented by COVID-19 became tarnished, and respite - [In Light of Covid-19, Ayeka Reorganizes its North America Activities](https://ayeka.org.il/2020/05/in-light-of-covid-19-ayeka-reorganizes-its-north-america-activities/) - Jerusalem, Israel, May 20, 2020 - Ayeka: The Center for Soulful Education today announced that as a result of the impact on COVID 19 on the organization’s activities and funding, it has made adjustments to its programming and staff. As part of these changes, Ayeka’s Director of North America, Michal Fox Smart, will be leaving - [Parenting during a Pandemic](https://ayeka.org.il/2020/04/parenting-during-a-pandemic/) - Yesterday my son turned to me and said, “I want COVID-19 to end, and I don’t.” I was surprised by his comment. I also felt the same way. He wants COVID-19 to end so that suffering will end. We all do. We want an end to daily news reports of the death toll that continues - [Personalizing the Four Children](https://ayeka.org.il/2020/04/personalizing-the-four-children/) - Rabban Gamliel has a famous statement in the Passover Haggadah (taken from Mishna Pesachim) that "In every generation, a person must see him/herself as having gone out of Egypt." This has always seemed to me to be the essence of the Seder, but for years it remained in the realm of ideas for me. I - [FREE Ayeka Haggadah Download](https://ayeka.org.il/2020/04/free-ayeka-haggadah-download/) - We are now offering the Ayeka community a FREE download of The Ayeka Haggadah: Hearing Your Own Voice (Hebrew & English). Click here to receive your copy today. Wishing you a joyous and meaningful journey! - [Why I’m Not Inviting You to a Webinar](https://ayeka.org.il/2020/03/why-im-not-inviting-you-to-a-webinar/) - My kids are home. Even an adult child I thought would never live at home again is home. Yesterday, we spent 8 hours in the house, each of us in zoom meetings on 4 different devices, unable to say a word to each other let alone bake a cake—all in the name of staying connected. - [Thoughts on Corona](https://ayeka.org.il/2020/03/thoughts-on-corona/) - It’s a time for harmonic vibrations. We need to model optimism, hope, and love. We’ll leave the panic and fear to those who want to instill panic and fear. There are those who believe that people will listen to them better if they raise their voices and shriek. We are not shriekers. We embrace the - [Memories as Guides this Purim](https://ayeka.org.il/2020/03/memories-as-guides-this-purim/) - From my family’s memory: My great-great-grandfather Haron Karkukli was struck with wanderlust the morning after his wedding. As family lore goes, he set out that very day and disappeared without a trace -- and without even knowing that he and his wife had conceived on their wedding night. Haron wandered far from Amara, his Iraqi - [Ahava Yomit (Daily Love)](https://ayeka.org.il/2020/01/ahava-yomit/) - I want to teach two truths that we all know: What we need most in life is love. We feel best about ourselves when we are loving human beings. I’m not talking about crazy wild romantic love (though that is also important) ― I’m talking about everyday love. Loving behavior expressed in words and acts - [The Other Other Other Hand](https://ayeka.org.il/2019/12/the-other-other-other-hand/) - One of my favorite teachings on Hanukkah comes from Rabbi Levi Yitzhak of Barditshov, known as the Kedushas Levi. Here is a very abridged version. Unlike the Exodus from Egypt, which God in His great mercy performed without arousal from below, in the case of Hanukkah there was some help from below, in that the - [Book Review: A New Guide to Prayer](https://ayeka.org.il/2019/12/book-review-a-new-guide-to-prayer/) - In our library, we have many books about Jewish prayer. Some are about the history of prayers – who wrote them and when they became part of the Jewish prayer book. Some are meant to reveal the deeper meanings of Jewish prayers and what secrets are encoded in the Hebrew words. Some focus on what - [The Holy Guest List](https://ayeka.org.il/2019/10/the-holy-guest-list/) - The intense hours of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur are behind us; days are cooler, evenings come earlier. Sukkot arrives and leads us to the door -- to dwell outside, in a makeshift home, with a roof so flimsy it might easily blow away. Exposed to the elements, outside of our daily comfort zones, we - [Balancing Two Truths Requires Honoring Two Voices](https://ayeka.org.il/2019/10/balancing-two-truths-requires-honoring-two-voices/) - I have a new hero, and it’s a bit embarrassing. Embarrassing to admit that I’ve studied and taught this character for decades and always assumed he was the anti-hero, the person we shouldn’t become, the epitome of someone who was impelled by a mistaken zeal to lead a mistaken life. My anti-hero has become heroic. - [Ayeka Podcast](https://ayeka.org.il/2019/09/ayeka-podcast/) - [New Ayeka Video!](https://ayeka.org.il/2019/08/new-ayeka-video/) - [Rethinking Tisha B’Av](https://ayeka.org.il/2019/08/rethinking-tisha-bav/) - When I heard her compliment, I said to myself, incredulously: “Me?! If she really knew me, she wouldn’t have said that.” And just like that －I became a grasshopper. According to the midrash, the spies returned from checking out the Land of Israel on the 9th of Av. Standing in front of the nation, they argued against entering - [Lessons from the Field: Ayeka’s Professional Development of Educators](https://ayeka.org.il/2019/07/lessons-from-the-field-ayekas-professional-development-of-educators/) - At Ayeka, we believe that Jewish education must be broadened to engage the whole student in his or her uniqueness: mind, body, heart, and imagination. Only when students personally connect with the material will they find it truly meaningful. We partner with six day schools of different denominations across the country to train teachers in our - [Life Is In the Waiting](https://ayeka.org.il/2019/06/life-is-in-the-waiting/) - I’ve always loved the 49-day countdown (count-Up, really) to Shavuot. The building anticipation towards Matan Torah, eagerly breathing in the blooms adorning homes and synagogues, Yom Tov tastebuds rewarded with blintzes and cheesecake, staying up ‘til first light awaiting the arrival of the Torah. Up until this year, the CountUp has reminded me of the - [Personal Well-Being is not Enough](https://ayeka.org.il/2019/05/2900/) - Well-being has become the god of today. Everything we do is evaluated in terms of whether it promotes or diminishes our personal well-being. Does our daily routine offer us more health, happiness, and prosperity? Will it maximize our sense of personal satisfaction, diminish stress, and enhance our sense of meaning? Does it detract from or - [Bringing Kabbalah into Our Educational Syllabus](https://ayeka.org.il/2019/06/bringing-kabbalah-into-our-educational-syllabus/) - An educational consultant recently told me that teachers often teach what they feel most comfortable teaching, and not necessarily what their students need to learn. I know I was guilty of this for many years, though I always rationalized to myself that what I was doing was for the well-being of my students. I think - [A Judaism bereft of its center](https://ayeka.org.il/2019/05/a-judaism-bereft-of-its-center/) - I once asked a rabbi: “How is your personal relationship with God?” Speechless, his face went white. Then, before he answered, I asked him a second question: “When was the last time you were asked that question?” This time he could answer: “Never.” I have raised this question countless times with rabbis over the past - [Pesach 2019](https://ayeka.org.il/2019/04/pesach-2019/) - For almost 20 years, I've been taken by the idea that the Haggadah is constructed as the movement from silence to words to song - the enactment of freedom through the very modality through which we express it. Meaning, at the beginning of the Haggadah, there are no stories, no tales, no history lessons. There - [Inspired Parenting: Pesach Edition](https://ayeka.org.il/2019/04/inspired-parenting-pesach-edition/) - Becoming a Soulful Parent’s Director Dasee Berkowitz and Pardes Institute's long-time educator Tovah Leah Nachmani invite you to learn about some of their most meaningful ideas they have used at their seders in these new Pesach-themed episodes of their podcast, Inspired Parenting. We hope it can inspire your own! How often do we share our - [Our Butterfly Sky](https://ayeka.org.il/2019/04/our-butterfly-sky/) - In Southern California, over the course of a few days in March, anyone walking — or standing, or driving, or looking out the window — at almost any time of day was treated to a remarkable sight. Flying through the air were thousands upon thousands of butterflies. The creatures — orange and black Painted Lady - [Beyond The Maxwell House Haggadah](https://ayeka.org.il/2019/03/beyond-the-maxwell-house-haggadah/) - I didn’t grow up in a religiously observant home. As a result, I don’t have too many Passover memories from childhood. My strongest memory is of my mother telling me that if I wanted to eat bread during Passover, I had to go outside. There is a single family photograph, taken in my grandparents’ narrow - [From Behind the Mask](https://ayeka.org.il/2019/03/2813/) - Megillat Esther is about hiding in plain sight. Hadassah becomes Esther -- "I will hide" -- hiding her true self until the dramatic scene in chapter 7, in which she also unmasks the villain who has been hiding in plain sight all along, right under the king's nose. The masks we wear on Purim and - [Job Opportunity at Ayeka!](https://ayeka.org.il/2019/01/job-opportunity-at-ayeka/) - Ayeka: Center for Soulful Jewish Education is seeking part-time Senior Educators to join our North America and Israel staffs. The position entails working with multiple schools, including their faculties as well as the families of their student bodies, via retreats, online, and in-person check-ins. Professional development, including via webinars and semi-annual retreats, are an integral - [Jonathan Haidt is stirring my soul](https://ayeka.org.il/2018/12/jonathan-haidt-is-stirring-my-soul/) - Jonathan Haidt’s books have been stirring my soul, both his latest book, The Coddling of the American Mind. How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas are Setting Up a Generation for Failure, and his previous one, The Righteous Person. It is remarkable to me how on the one hand he can write such provocative and powerful - [What’s Stirring My Soul: Am I really blessed?](https://ayeka.org.il/2018/12/whats-stirring-my-soul-am-i-really-blessed/) - It’s been almost 3 years since I read Kate Bowler’s New York Times op-ed, Death, the Prosperity Gospel and Me and I haven’t stopped thinking about it. At the age of 35, professionally successful, in a loving marriage and the mother of a toddler, Kate was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer. She is the - [What’s stirring your soul? Books that move you](https://ayeka.org.il/2018/12/whats-stirring-your-soul-books-that-move-you/) - I direct Ayeka’s Becoming a Soulful Parent program. I have three kids. And I spend a lot of time with them. But I actually don’t really read many parenting books. What is drawing me in right now is reading about aging. I can’t get enough of it. I am halfway through Atul Gawande’s, Being Mortal: - [Hillel Adopts Ayeka’s Soulful Strategies for Educating Today’s Students](https://ayeka.org.il/2018/11/hillel-adopts-ayekas-soulful-strategies-for-educating-todays-students/) - A new “soulful” approach to Jewish text study is helping Hillel Day School students develop strategies for mindfulness at just the right time, as the world continues to move at a fast pace and mental health challenges are on the rise among youth nationwide. “We know that social-emotional health informs general health and that it relates to - [Getting Stuck in Jewish Spirituality](https://ayeka.org.il/2018/08/getting-stuck-in-jewish-spirituality/) - Jewish educational leaders and their communities have become very good at the first stage of Jewish spirituality – connection. The time has now come to move to the second stage – calling. The First Stage When I ask people for their first association with ‘spirituality’, the most common response is ‘connection’. They speak of connecting - [Supporting Teachers to Become Soulful Educators](https://ayeka.org.il/2018/08/supporting-teachers-to-become-soulful-educators/) - What will you be trying to do teshuvah for this year? Raise your hand if it is the same as last year. Raise the other hand if it was the same as the year before that. Raise the other hand if… I don’t know about you, but I’ve got all my hands up. But was - [Ayeka and Pardes Announce Collaboration to Create Soulful Parenting Podcast](https://ayeka.org.il/2018/08/ayeka-and-pardes-announce-collaboration-to-create-soulful-parenting-podcast/) - Jerusalem, Israel, August 22, 2018 - Ayeka: The Center for Soulful Jewish Education today announced the release of the podcast mini-series Inspired Parenting: Jewish Tools for Reflection and Growth, together with the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies’ online Jewish learning site, Elmad. The series delves into the soulful side of parenting, prompting parents to ask - [Creating a Classroom of Soulful Hospitality](https://ayeka.org.il/2018/08/creating-a-classroom-of-soulful-hospitality/) - What will we say to our alumni if they return and tell us: “You helped me think and relate. You cared about me. I’m extremely grateful. But I finished my youth as a stranger to my own soul. Why didn’t you help me with that?” Teachers work very hard to welcome their students. They decorate - [Creating Soulful Communities](https://ayeka.org.il/2018/07/creating-soulful-communities/) - When we at Ayeka began speaking about Soulful Education over a decade ago – and even dared to use the “G-word,” eyes rolled and conversations ended. Today, we see schools competing to bring their educators to our Soulful Education trainings where Ayeka helps teachers to focus on their inner lives, as a vital first step - [A Recurring Nightmare](https://ayeka.org.il/2014/07/a-recurring-nightmare/) - I have had a recurring nightmare for over 20 years. During reserve duty in the first intifada I was sent at night with two other soldiers into the city of Hebron. Our jeep got lost amidst the endless alleyways and twisting dead ends, and we couldn't find our way out. We got more and more - [Vacationing with Kids](https://ayeka.org.il/2011/08/vacationing-with-kids/) - A friend of mine once aptly said: “A family vacation is really just relocation, but without all of your stuff that makes your life easier.” And after our recent jaunt down to Orlando to introduce our daughter to her grandmother, I realized just how right she was. Seeing the family was a hit, seeing this as our vacation, however, - [Taking My Kids To Work](https://ayeka.org.il/2011/08/taking-my-kids-to-work/) - I know that many of us are struggling with how to be very present moms, and to do meaningful work outside of our homes at the same time. This delicate balance is thrown totally off kilter (for me at least) in the summertime. After sending my son to camp for a few weeks (who can afford that kind of - [Meditation on National Celebration and Personal Connection](https://ayeka.org.il/2018/04/meditation-on-national-celebration-and-personal-connection/) - "When you expect good you will get something good.” This is what my son’s teacher told me when I thanked her for encouraging him to do something hard at school a few months ago. She has an amazing ability to motivate students and to get the best from them. She sees within them what is - [The Jewish Prayer that Taught Me to Quiet Down and Listen](https://ayeka.org.il/2017/07/the-jewish-prayer-that-taught-me-to-quiet-down-and-listen/) - I’m not a very good listener. The problem is, I think I am. Because with total strangers, I am excellent. New people to me are like books. They have a whole story and a lifetime of experiences that I am interested in uncovering. But I can go into autopilot pretty easily when it comes to my children. - [Empowering – and engaging – parents through Jewish wisdom](https://ayeka.org.il/2017/07/empowering-and-engaging-parents-through-jewish-wisdom/) - There are few Jewish organizations today that don’t fret about changing demographics and lack of engagement among younger Jews. Data is gloomy as organizations leak members and struggle to find new ones. Busy families with small children are hard to get through the door, much less keep in the building for a program or service. - [Is there such a thing as ‘soulful’ parenting?](https://ayeka.org.il/2017/02/is-there-such-a-thing-as-soulful-parenting/) - On a chilly winter evening in Tel Aviv, a group of women sit in a circle pondering a poem by Lebanese-American poet Kahlil Gibran: “Your children are not your children They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself. They come through you but not from you, And though they are with you, - [How spiritual parenting can ground your child rearing](https://ayeka.org.il/2015/11/how-spiritual-parenting-can-ground-your-child-rearing/) - Dasee Berkowitz’s first Yom Kippur as a young mother got her thinking. To more easily take part in the lengthy synagogue service, her son, then only a few months old, was wrapped upon her body in a sling. But when it came time for the traditional symbolic chest beating during which Jews confess their sins, - [Hearing the voices of our kids](https://ayeka.org.il/2018/03/hearing-the-voices-of-our-kids/) - He said he wasn’t going to fast on Yom Kippur. She traded in her long-sleeved shirts and skirts for tank tops and shorts. He got a second earring, this one on the top of his ear. She was tired and annoyed by the rules. Shabbat meals became optional. And so their parents came to me. - [Amida in Learning](https://ayeka.org.il/2018/06/amida-in-learning/) - Something is seriously askew. We all know that the peak moment in Jewish prayer is the silent standing prayer. Not saying the Shema, not the singing, not Hallel, not any ecstatic group experience. Everything leads up to this one silent prayer. The silent prayer usually only takes 3 or 4 minutes. A morning service can - [Creativity and Paradoxical Thinking](https://ayeka.org.il/2017/01/creativity-and-paradoxical-thinking/) - Learning Torah as a training ground for developing habits of mind essential to thriving in the 21st century is a seed that needs nurturing. I will illustrate what I mean through two examples: First creative thinking and then paradoxical thinking. PaRDeS is the acronym for Torah interpretation: P’shat/plain meaninig is the straightforward, almost literal meaning - [The Missing Sweet Spot](https://ayeka.org.il/2017/01/the-missing-sweet-spot/) - Imagine a street. There are two synagogues on the street, directly across from each other. It’s 10 a.m. on a Sunday morning, and in both synagogues, the rabbi is beginning a class on the Book of Job. In the first synagogue, 15 people are gathered with their Bibles open. They read the first verse, and - [From Continuity, to Renewal and Renaissance, to… Jewish Thriving](https://ayeka.org.il/2017/01/from-continuity-to-renewal-and-renaissance-to-jewish-thriving/) - First there was “Jewish Continuity,” until we realized that we weren’t quite sure what it was that we wanted to continue and that merely “continuing’ was not a sufficient goal. Next came “Jewish Renaissance and Renewal” which spawned an ecosystem of innovation in the Jewish education and engagement worlds. But that catch cry also waned, - [Two Crowns](https://ayeka.org.il/2017/01/two-crowns-2/) - Angels, the Midrash teaches, attended our nation’s first educational experience at Sinai bearing gifts: two crowns. One was the crown of action, awarded to us for our commitment to do everything G-d asked of us. The second was the crown of understanding, bestowed in recognition of our promise to commit our minds to the comprehension - [Wages for Jewish Educators](https://ayeka.org.il/2017/01/wages-for-jewish-educators/) - The women’s marches across the country this past week made my soul sing and filled my heart with hope and possibility in the midst of my great anxiety for our children and their families. As an early childhood Jewish educator for much of my career, it rekindled my angst over a cause we spend a - [Planting Seeds](https://ayeka.org.il/2017/02/planting-seeds-2/) - In the yearbook from my 8th grade graduation from Jewish Day School, we were asked to cite a quote we found meaningful. While I no longer remember the quote I chose, one student’s quote remains present until today. “The greatest impacts in life are the ones you never know you make”. My peer quoted his - [Living Between Peak Moments](https://ayeka.org.il/2017/03/living-between-peak-moments/) - One of the more challenging aspects of living an inspired life is experiencing meaning during those inevitable stretches that appear to be spiritually vacant. Many of us live our lives eagerly waiting for the next peak moment to arrive. We cross the days off our calendar in anticipation of the next big milestone, event or - [Question Marks](https://ayeka.org.il/2017/03/question-marks/) - I can ask my kids the most uninspiring questions. “How was school today?” is the classic one, which usually elicits the most tepid of responses: “Good.” Or this morning’s, “Why did you take so much cereal when you never finish it!?” Then, there’s this one, when things were getting really dicey around 7:30 a.m. and we are - [Thoughts on Receiving the Torah](https://ayeka.org.il/2017/03/thoughts-on-receiving-the-torah/) - In our tefillot we emphasize that Shavuot is the “Festival of the Giving of the Torah.” The Slonimer Rebbe and author of Netivot Shalom wrote: “However, in addition to marking an essential event and defining moment in the history of the Jewish people, Shavuot is also a time in the year when we receive the - [Ayeka: Presence and Presents](https://ayeka.org.il/2017/06/ayeka-presence-and-presents/) - What does a year of Ayeka bring? For the student, countless gifts: focused learning, spiritual reflection, exploration of the soul. And for the teacher? After a school year of teaching Torah with the help of Ayeka, educators on our faculty found that the most significant gifts emerged directly from the greatest challenges. What started as - [Beginnings, and Endings, and Beginnings Again](https://ayeka.org.il/2017/09/beginnings-and-endings-and-beginnings-again/) - It’s that time of year; the new school year is coming, the time when educators are supposed to be thinking about beginnings. Instead, I find myself thinking about endings, which of course, always precede (and succeed) beginnings. I have always been this way, prone to nostalgia and melancholy about things coming to a close. I - [A Mysterious Gift](https://ayeka.org.il/2017/09/a-mysterious-gift/) - Many years ago I received a very unusual gift – a gift I did nothing to deserve. I never met the giver of this gift. It came anonymously. The unusual thing about this gift was that it continually changed. It kept changing and growing, transforming and unfolding. With the passing of time, I now know - [A Hard Truth for the 3 Weeks](https://ayeka.org.il/2017/07/a-hard-truth-for-the-3-weeks/) - The hard truth I need to face during these 3 weeks is that I have become someone that I don’t want to be. I have fallen into an unhealthy spiritual routine. I have become full of anger, judgment, and self-righteousness. I have endless knee-jerk judgments. These responses are shallow, unnecessary, and do not help me - [My Hard Truth for the 3 Weeks](https://ayeka.org.il/2017/07/my-hard-truth-for-the-3-weeks/) - The hard truth I need to face during these three weeks is that it’s time for me to get on with my life, to get back to being myself, as if I can. It’s been almost nine months since my father died and I’ve been coasting. It’s ironic that at a time of national mourning, - [Reflections on an Un-Soulful Election](https://ayeka.org.il/2016/12/reflections-on-an-un-soulful-election/) - Several weeks ago, while visiting the US, I attended a Shabbat dinner of 15 very intelligent and kind adults, including Jewish professionals and rabbis. The conversation quickly moved to politics. Everyone assumed we were all voting for Donald Trump. Opinions were strong and unequivocal. I felt very unwelcome. Recently I attended several conferences in the - [Soulful Staff Meetings](https://ayeka.org.il/2017/01/soulful-staff-meetings/) - The favorite part of my week is our staff meetings. I wonder how other organizations begin their staff meetings. Do they jump into business? There is always so much to do. Do they begin with a D’var Torah? Is it pro forma or does the D’var Torah impact the staff meeting? Do they offer a heartfelt prayer to - [Jewish Literacy – Unfortunately, it’s Not Enough](https://ayeka.org.il/2017/01/jewish-literacy-unfortunately-its-not-enough/) - I applaud the incredibly generous gifts supporting Jewish education today. Tens of million of dollars have been directed to many institutions to enhance Jewish literacy and the educational skills of dedicated professionals. It is a landmark time for Jewish education in North America. My concern, though, is that it is not enough. Jewish literacy and better educational - [Creating a Soulful Organization](https://ayeka.org.il/2017/08/1071/) - We all need personal attention. We need to be seen for who we are, not only for what we do. Here, Aryeh Ben David suggests that any moment in our organization’s life, from a board meeting to a major gifts dinner, can be an opportunity for human recognition, the celebration of relationships, and real intimacy. - [Ayeka announces first Director of North America](https://ayeka.org.il/2018/04/1899/) - Ayeka: The Center for Soulful Education today announced that Michal Fox Smart has been hired as its first Director of North America, effective August 2018. Michal Fox Smart is currently Associate Principal of Judaic Studies at Bi-Cultural Day School in Stamford, CT. A recognized leader in innovation and curriculum design, Michal is the recipient of the - [The Sickness of Judgementalism](https://ayeka.org.il/2018/04/the-sickness-of-judgementalism/) - There is a terrible sickness in the Jewish community. I also have it and can’t seem to get rid of it. I feel contaminated. And this is the time — from Pesach to Shavuot — to work on healing ourselves. What is the sickness? Judgementalism. We are constantly judging each other. The time has come - [Getting ready for Pesach Seder with Ayeka](https://ayeka.org.il/2016/04/getting-ready-for-pesach-seder-with-ayeka/) - The Seder is intended to be a personal experience. By now we know the story. We don’t need more historical information or sermons. What we need is a way to personally connect with the Passover story and to each other. We need quality conversations. That is really what a Seder is: an organized conversation around - [MILTON Selected for Ayeka Foundation Grant](https://ayeka.org.il/2017/12/milton-selected-for-ayeka-foundation-grant/) - Ayeka: The Center for Soulful Education announced that it has selected Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School of the Nation’s Capital along with Atlanta Jewish Academy, Hillel Day School of Metropolitan Detroit, and Netivot HaTorah Day School in Toronto to participate in a cohort funded jointly by The AVI CHAI, Kohelet, and Mayberg Foundations. Ayeka was awarded a two-year - [Ayeka to train North American Jewish Leaders at Upcoming Conferences](https://ayeka.org.il/2015/11/ayeka-to-train-north-american-jewish-leaders-at-upcoming-conferences/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jerusalem - November 1, 2015 Ayeka is set to train leaders in the Reform and Conservative movements at their upcoming North American conferences. Ayeka's founder, Aryeh Ben David, will be travelling to Orlando, Florida to lead a session at the URJ Biennial Conference, taking place from Nov. 4-8, on the topic of - [During the Omer, Be a Work in Progress](https://ayeka.org.il/2014/03/1893/) - We are right now in the midst of the journey from Passover to Shavuot. If Pesach is our moment of physical courage, Shavuot is our moment of spiritual courage. Shavuot is an encounter with God’s presence. How would you feel if you were told, “Next week you will have the most powerful life-changing spiritual experience of your life?” - [A Soulful Response to the Abusers of #MeToo](https://ayeka.org.il/2018/01/a-soulful-response-to-the-abusers-of-metoo/) - I hesitated many times before writing about #MeToo. My inner voice said: “Who are you to write about this? First of all, you’re a guy. There’s no way you can truly understand the pain of those hurt. Secondly, You’re just an educator, not an authority familiar with any research or studies about the effects of - [Tu B’Shevat: Celebrating Nature and Changing our Own](https://ayeka.org.il/2018/02/tu-bshevat-celebrating-nature-and-changing-our-own/) - Can a person ever really change their nature? Can I? There are moments as a parent — and as a person — when I feel I have had it. When patterns of behavior (mine or my children’s) make me feel like I am locked in an endless repetitive cycle. Why are they behaving this way? - [Bringing God into - A Broken Heart](https://ayeka.org.il/2014/06/bringing-god-into-a-broken-heart/) - There are different kinds of broken hearts. The kind that many of us experience occurs when someone we love dies, or a close relationship breaks down. We are left with the deep emotions - and no outlet to direct or release them. The sadness can be overwhelming. But there is another kind of broken heart. - [Ayeka Announces Michal Fox Smart as Director of Ayeka North America](https://ayeka.org.il/2018/04/ayeka-announces-michal-fox-smart-as-director-of-ayeka-north-america/) - Jerusalem, Israel, April 9, 2018 - Ayeka: The Center for Soulful Education today announced that Michal Fox Smart has been hired as its first Director of North America, effective August 2018. Michal Fox Smart is currently Associate Principal of Judaic Studies at Bi-Cultural Day School in Stamford, CT. A recognized leader in innovation and curriculum - [This is the night for love](https://ayeka.org.il/2015/03/this-is-the-night-for-love/) - If I invited you to do a Jewish program for Passover — and asked you to please bring a mattress, a bottle of wine, and some kind of aphrodisiac — you would probably look at me askance. Maybe even consider having me investigated. But what do we do on Passover Seder night? We drink 4 glasses - [A Vibrating Seder](https://ayeka.org.il/2016/04/a-vibrating-seder/) - We're going to try something new at seder this year. For the first time in years, we’ll be having an adult seder. Kids are older and the marrieds with the grandkids will be at the in-laws. What’s new? This year we are not buying new Haggadot. It seems that every year dozens of new commentaries - [Loving Our Students](https://ayeka.org.il/2015/04/loving-our-students/) - By Aryeh Ben David Recently, an Ayeka educator proudly described her successful teenage class dynamic to me. She said that usually a third of the kids actively participate, a third sometimes participate, and a third remains on the side throughout most of their activities. I paused, took a chance, and asked her: “When you - [Experiencing Freedom, Personally](https://ayeka.org.il/2017/04/experiencing-freedom-personally/) - By: Adam Mayer, Ayeka Educator and Jewish Studies teacher & Beit Midrash Fellow at Kohelet High School As I approach Passover this year, like most years, I am overwhelmed! How can I possibly prepare everything in time? The cleaning and the cooking will get done; But how can I prepare myself to experience the freedom - [Parenting - For God and Love](https://ayeka.org.il/2014/11/parenting-for-god-and-love/) - One of the most surprising things for me as a parent has been how different my kids are from me. I guess it was naïve - but I just thought it would have been natural for kids to be like their parents. Though one could point out that I have turned out very differently - [If Matzah Could Talk](https://ayeka.org.il/2015/03/if-matzah-could-talk/) - At the Seder we celebrate talking. The very name – Pesach – is referred to in the Kabbalah as “Peh-Sach”, “the mouth that talks”. Usually we understand this as the talking of the people sitting around the Seder table, reading and expanding on the words of the Haggadah. But what if the objects at the - [Toxic Stones](https://ayeka.org.il/2018/02/toxic-stones/) - Experiences of pain, confusion, and depression are inescapable. Just as God created a world with light and darkness and day and night, we have times when we are open to hearing and feeling gratitude for the voice of the soul. We have other times when life seems confusing and bleak and the voice of the - [Ayeka Announces Schools Selected for Soulful Education Professional Development Program](https://ayeka.org.il/2018/02/ayeka-announces-schools-selected-for-soulful-education-professional-development-program/) - Ayeka: The Center for Soulful Education has selected eight schools from a strong applicant pool to participate in a new cohort, funded by Jim Joseph Foundation. The schools chosen are Adelson Educational Campus, Beren Hebrew Academy, Carmel Academy, Katz Yeshiva High School, Luria Academy of Brooklyn, Maimonides School, Pressman Academy, and Solomon Schechter of Long Island. - [Ayeka Announces Eight Schools Selected for Soulful Education Professional Development program sponsored by the Jim Joseph Foundation](https://ayeka.org.il/2018/02/ayeka-announces-eight-schools-selected-for-soulful-education-professional-development-program-sponsored-by-the-jim-joseph-foundation/) - Ayeka: The Center for Soulful Education today announced that it has selected eight schools from a strong application pool of sixteen to participate in a new cohort beginning August 2018 funded by the Jim Joseph Foundation. The schools chosen are Adelson Educational Campus, Carmel Academy, Katz Yeshiva High School, Luria Academy of Brooklyn, Maimonides School, - [Faced with fusty texts, teachers learn to breathe new life into Jewish studies](https://ayeka.org.il/2017/12/faced-with-fusty-texts-teachers-learn-to-breathe-new-life-into-jewish-studies/) - NEW YORK — Eighteen months ago, students at the Bi-Cultural Day School in Stamford, Connecticut, received a relatively flat account of Moses and the 12 spies. They learned the who, what, where, when and possibly the why of the story: Moses sent out 12 spies to do a little reconnaissance in the land of Canaan. - [Learning to love my sons’ radical disobedience](https://ayeka.org.il/2017/12/learning-to-love-my-sons-radical-disobedience/) - We, religious Jews, are caught in a searing conundrum. On the one hand, we want to raise strong independent kids who make their own decisions; on the other hand, we are crushed when their choices are different from the ones we hoped for and wanted them to make. But the real crisis and tragedy is - [Ayeka Announces the Four Middle Schools for Foundation Grant](https://ayeka.org.il/2017/11/ayeka-announces-the-four-middle-schools-for-foundation-grant/) - Jerusalem, Israel: Ayeka: The Center for Soulful Education has announced that it has selected Atlanta Jewish Academy, Hillel Day School of Metropolitan Detroit, Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School of the Nation’s Capital, and Netivot HaTorah Day School in Toronto to participate in a cohort funded jointly by The AVI CHAI, Kohelet, and Mayberg Foundations. Ayeka has - [Request for Applications: Bringing Ayeka Soulful Education to Day Schools](https://ayeka.org.il/2017/11/request-for-applications-bringing-ayeka-soulful-education-to-day-schools/) - Ayeka: The Center for Soulful Education is the recipient of a four-year grant from the Jim Joseph Foundation to expand Ayeka’s groundbreaking Soulful Professional Development program in up to eight Day Schools in North America. The grant is one of several recently awarded by the Jim Joseph Foundation as part of its Jewish Educator Professional - [This Normal Life: Finding Your Place](https://ayeka.org.il/2017/04/this-normal-life-finding-your-place/) - I’m a Haggada hoarder. Over the years, our family has collected dozens of different Passover Haggadot, ranging from the highly traditional to the decidedly modern. We have classic Haggadot with commentaries by the Me’am Lo’ez (originally written in Ladino by Rabbi Ya’acov Culi in 1730), Rabbi Marcus Lehman of Mainz (late 1800s) and Efrat Chief - [Innovation in Jewish Education – “Investing in the Jewish Future”](https://ayeka.org.il/2016/06/innovation-in-jewish-education-investing-in-the-jewish-future/) - For years, Jewish education has been searching for a means to inspire, to innovate, and redefine the standard curriculum to engage the next generation of Jews. Schools across the Jewish spectrum have received constant pressure to re-package and teach classic content in a style that speaks to the students. The fast-pace of today’s technology is - [Educating with Soul](https://ayeka.org.il/2016/08/educating-with-soul/) - Published in The New York Jewish Week, August 23, 2016 by Sandee Brawarsky Aryeh Ben David founded Ayeka: Center for Soulful Jewish Education in 2008. Before that, the Scarsdale native who moved to Israel in 1987 taught at the Pardes Institute for 20 years, serving as director of spiritual education. He is the author of - [Where Are You? A New Way of Teaching Judaism](https://ayeka.org.il/2016/10/where-are-you-a-new-way-of-teaching-judaism/) - Republished in San Diego Jewish World, October 14, 2016 by Toby Klein Greenwald In Becoming a Soulful Educator, by Rabbi Aryeh Ben David, every chapter has “aha” moments and statements that you will want to frame and hang on your wall, and he is liberal in attributing ideas to those who have inspired him—Rav Avraham - [Ayeka Receives Major Grant from the Jim Joseph Foundation to Expand Soulful Education in Jewish Schools Across North America](https://ayeka.org.il/2017/10/1247/) - Jerusalem, Israel, November 7, 2017 - Ayeka: The Center for Soulful Education today announced that it has received a four-year grant from the Jim Joseph Foundation to expand Ayeka’s groundbreaking Soulful Professional Development program in Jewish Day Schools in North America. The grant is one of several recently awarded by the Jim Joseph Foundation as - [Jim Joseph Foundation Invests over $23m. in Jewish Educator Professional and Leadership Development](https://ayeka.org.il/2017/10/jim-joseph-foundation-invests-over-23m-in-jewish-educator-professional-and-leadership-development/) - The Jim Joseph Foundation has announced a $23.7 million cumulative investment in 21 organizations following a Request for Proposal (RFP) process to address two critical areas in Jewish education: Educator Professional Development and Leadership Development. The Foundation, which fosters compelling, effective Jewish learning experiences for young Jews in the United States, received 154 Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) following the - [Forget Continuity, Keep Teens ‘Happy’](https://ayeka.org.il/2017/01/forget-continuity-keep-teens-happy/) - Published in The Jewish Week, January 11, 2017 by Hannah Dreyfus How do you keep today’s Jewish teens engaged? Keep them happy, urges David Bryfman, chief innovation officer at the Jewish Education Project. While in the past, Jewish education has stressed the transmission of knowledge, skills and literacy, that approach “no longer works,” said Bryfman. - [Passover 2017: a personal Haggadah](https://ayeka.org.il/2017/04/passover-2017-a-personal-haggadah/) - Published in The Oklahoman, April 7, 2017 by Carla Hinton With Passover soon approaching, a group of men and women from the Oklahoma City metro Jewish faith community recently gathered to explore a new Haggadah whose author has Oklahoma ties. The Haggadah is a compilation of prayers, hymns and rabbinical literature that is read during - [A New Crop Of Haggadahs Make The Seder Ever More Personal](https://ayeka.org.il/2017/03/a-new-crop-of-haggadahs-make-the-seder-ever-more-personal/) - Published in The New York Jewish Week, March 28, 2017 by Steve Lipman The most published book in the Jewish world, the Haggadah has witnessed a decrease in the number of traditional, commentary-based guides to the holiday’s readings and rituals, but an increase in individualized — and sometimes humorous — interpretations of the Pesach customs. - [Request for Proposals – Bringing Ayeka Soulful Education to Jewish Day Schools](https://ayeka.org.il/2017/08/request-for-proposals-bringing-ayeka-soulful-education-to-jewish-day-schools/) - Request for Proposals – Bringing Ayeka Soulful Education to Jewish Day Schools Purpose of the Request for Proposals (RFP) The AVI CHAI, Kohelet, and Mayberg Foundations are excited to announce their sponsorship of a 2-year partnership with Ayeka and four select Jewish day schools, beginning January 2018. The purpose of this RFP is to solicit - [Subscribe to Ayeka's YouTube Channel](https://ayeka.org.il/2016/05/subscribe-to-ayekas-youtube-channel/) - Ayeka: Center for Soulful Education (YouTube) - [Aryeh Ben David Voice of Israel interview (radio)](https://ayeka.org.il/2015/10/aryeh-ben-david-voice-of-israel-interview-radio/) - [Hello world!](https://ayeka.org.il/2015/07/hello-world/) - Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging! ## Pages - [10 Conversations to Live a Soulful Life](https://ayeka.org.il/10-conversations-to-live-a-soulful-life/) - We are thrilled to announce the publication of Ayeka's newest book: 10 Conversations to Live a Soulful Life Many of you were instrumental in its development — we thank you for your input along the way. On the back cover: After my father passed away, I felt acute pain over our never discussing spiritual topics. - [10 Conversations to Live a Soulful Life](https://ayeka.org.il/publications/10-conversations-to-live-a-soulful-life/) - We are thrilled to announce the publication of Ayeka's newest book: 10 Conversations to Live a Soulful Life Many of you were instrumental in its development — we thank you for your input along the way. On the back cover: After my father passed away, I felt acute pain over our never discussing spiritual - [Becoming a Soulful Parent: A Path to the Wisdom Within](https://ayeka.org.il/publications/becoming-a-soulful-parent-a-path-to-the-wisdom-within/) - Combining insights from thousands of years of traditional Jewish wisdom with her own utterly relatable first-person storytelling, author Dasee Berkowitz helps readers embrace every moment with their families while leaning into the challenges of parenting with renewed perspective and enthusiasm. This is not a parenting how-to book. It does not offer the usual advice or add - ["מה אומרים על ספר "מסע ללב התלמיד](https://ayeka.org.il/מה-אומרים-על-ספר-מסע-ללב-התלמיד/) - [להיות מחנך על פי גישת החינוך המְחַבֵּר](https://ayeka.org.il/להיות-מחנך-על-פי-גישת-החינוך-המְחַבֵּר/) - [אודות אַיֶּכָּה](https://ayeka.org.il/אודות-אַיֶּכָּה/) - [המטרה שלנו](https://ayeka.org.il/המטרה-שלנו/) - [ייחודה של אַיֶּכָּה](https://ayeka.org.il/ייחודה-של-אַיֶּכָּה/) - [הצוות שלנו](https://ayeka.org.il/הצוות-שלנו/) - [Our Staff](https://ayeka.org.il/about/meet-our-team/our-staff/) - Aryeh Ben David, Founder and Director Aryeh Ben David founded Ayeka: Center for Soulful Education, in 2008. This initiative came after almost 20 years of work in formal and experiential Jewish educational settings. Aryeh taught at the Pardes Institute in Jerusalem since 1987, and was a member of the Senior Faculty and Director of Spiritual - [Becoming a Soulful Parent](https://ayeka.org.il/programs/becoming-a-soulful-parent/) - Ayeka’s Becoming a Soulful Parent (BSP) program trains parents and educators nationwide to lead a different kind parenting group. Our groups: Empower parents to listen to their inner wisdom and depend less on external experts Inspire parents with insights from Jewish wisdom Create deep connections for parents who are often ‘too busy’ for new - [Our Partners](https://ayeka.org.il/about/our-partners/) - [Our Educators](https://ayeka.org.il/about/meet-our-team/our-educators/) - Current Educators Rabbi Jeff Amshalem, Ayeka Senior Educator Jeff Amshalem has been in Jewish education for over fifteen years, and currently teaches Me'ah, a two-year, college-level course on Jewish texts, and a series on mindfulness and personal growth using the teachings of Rav Kook and Abraham Joshua Heschel. He has orthodox smichah (rabbinic ordination) from Rabbi Daniel Landes and - [Prayers of the Lost and Found: 10 Reflections on Becoming a Prayerful Human Being](https://ayeka.org.il/publications/prayers-of-the-lost-and-found-10-reflections-on-becoming-a-prayerful-human-being/) - What if our inhibitions are preventing us from having some of the most important conversations of our lives? Prayers of the Lost and Found is meant to spark those conversations, not about prayer but inside prayer, to become more connected to our inner lives. This is a very personal book, describing Aryeh's personal and vulnerable struggle with the challenge of prayer. Prayer - [Our Boards](https://ayeka.org.il/about/meet-our-team/our-boards/) - [Videos](https://ayeka.org.il/videos/) - [Becoming a Soulful Educator](https://ayeka.org.il/programs/becoming-a-soulful-educator/) - Who: Ayeka’s flagship program is Becoming a Soulful Educator. During a series of retreats, online mentorship/coaching and site visits, we train Jewish day school educators and administrators to teach Jewish studies using Ayeka’s methodology. These educators are taught how to then bring the approach to other members of the faculty, thus gradually bringing about a - [Hearing Your Own Voice: The Ayeka Haggadah](https://ayeka.org.il/publications/hearing-your-own-voice-the-ayeka-haggadah/) - “The Ayeka Haggadah revives the ancient call of ritual, giving us a way to understand the containments we face today, as well as beginning a path to discover where freedom lives within us.” - Mark Nepo, author of The Book of Awakening Have you ever experienced a Passover Seder where you felt lost, disconnected, - [הגדת אייכה -האשמע קולי](https://ayeka.org.il/publications/hebrew-haggadah/) - איפה אני בפסח? איפה אנחנו? מטרת ההגדה היא לעזור לשנות את הטון והכיוון סביב שולחן הסדר - להפוך את "הסיפור ההוא" ל"סיפור שלי". ההגדה שלנו מעודדת את כל אחד מהמסובים לשאול: איך מתקדם המסע שלי? איך אני "נוסע" בו כאדם, כחלק ממשפחה, כחלק מקהילה, כחלק מהעם היהודי? שינוי דגש זה הוא למעשה קל להשגה, כי - [Past Cohorts](https://ayeka.org.il/programs/becoming-a-soulful-educator/past-cohorts/) - Ayeka trains educators, rabbis, clergy, and parents from across the age and denomination spectrum in North America and Israel. We have partnered with, and trained individuals affiliated with, the following institutions of Jewish education. - [Testimonial](https://ayeka.org.il/programs/becoming-a-soulful-educator/testimonial/) - [Campus Educators](https://ayeka.org.il/programs/becoming-a-soulful-educator/jewish-campus-educators/) - Ayeka's campus educator program, originally developed with Hillel International, prepares Hillel campus educators to learn and present traditional Jewish texts in a very accessible way. Participants undergo an initial 2-3 day training and receive a customized set of study sessions relating to the Jewish calendar. The sessions are designed for low-pressure, social college learning environments. The goal of the curriculum is two-fold: For campus - [Educator's Toolbox](https://ayeka.org.il/programs/becoming-a-soulful-educator/edu-toolbox/) - [Rabbis](https://ayeka.org.il/programs/becoming-a-soulful-educator/rabbis/) - Ayeka’s Soulful Education approach enables rabbis to bring whatever subject they are teaching to the hearts, souls, and lives of their congregants. Program Learning: Ayeka staff teaches the principles of Soulful Education Experiencing: Ayeka staff demonstrates how these principles can be applied to any sermon or adult study group Doing: the rabbis/clergy present subjects they are teaching through the Ayeka - [Home](https://ayeka.org.il/home/) - About Ayeka Ayeka affirms that the goal of learning Jewish wisdom is not solely to become a more knowledgeable or smarter person. The larger goal of learning Jewish wisdom is to affect and change us, to enable us to become better people, living in the image of God. To do this, we need opportunities to - [Why Is Ayeka Unique?](https://ayeka.org.il/about/why-is-ayeka-unique/) - Ayeka’s system of Soulful Education begins with one question: “What is the most important moment of teaching? ” Our answer is: “After the class is over”. The goal of Jewish learning is not only to know the material intellectually. Jewish wisdom, as stressed both in the Talmud and Jewish thought, is the vehicle for personal - [Our Mission](https://ayeka.org.il/about/what-we-do/) - Ayeka provides the opportunity for Jews of all backgrounds and affiliations to engage in reflective study of Torah and Jewish wisdom, to discover their daily purpose and life calling, and to take measured steps to become their more authentic aspirational selves through this process. We believe that the Jewish People are called to envision, yearn, - [Our Story](https://ayeka.org.il/about/our-story/) - Ayeka’s Unique Approach to Jewish Education Our founder and Director, Aryeh Ben David, spent many years as a senior educator at an advanced institution of Jewish learning. After 20 years of teaching Jewish texts, he was struggling to engage students with traditional Jewish wisdom in a way that would also foster a personal connection, meaning, - [Becoming a Soulful Individual](https://ayeka.org.il/programs/becoming-a-soulful-individual/) - Soulful Jewish learning on your own terms. All you need is a friend, a pen, and an hour. Becoming a Soulful Individual is a ready-made toolbox to enable deeper Jewish conversations. The sessions offer Ayeka’s tested, revolutionary methodology to private/individual learners. For free! The program provides the structure and triggers to enable meaningful, Jewish-text-based learning - [Meet Our Team](https://ayeka.org.il/about/meet-our-team/) - [Programs](https://ayeka.org.il/programs/) - [Publications](https://ayeka.org.il/publications/) - [Becoming a Soulful Educator](https://ayeka.org.il/publications/becoming-a-soulful-educator/) - Purchase the book on Amazon Reviews for Becoming a Soulful Educator: How to Bring Jewish Learning from Our Minds, to Our Hearts, to Our Souls -- and Into Our Lives (Jewish Lights Publishing, 2016): “Gives teachers the keys to opening their students’ inner lives in ways that can animate their active lives, fostering a Jewish - [Our Impact](https://ayeka.org.il/programs/becoming-a-soulful-parent/our-impact/) - Becoming a Soulful Parent has been privileged to train facilitators who have led groups in Ashville, Boston, Bridgeport, Central NJ, Chicago, Miami, Palm Beaches, Pittsburgh, Poughkeepsie, San Diego, and Raleigh. Interested in bringing Becoming a Soulful Parent to your community? Contact dasee@ayeka.org.il for more information. - [Error Message](https://ayeka.org.il/error-message/) - Error - This page cannot be found We're sorry - the page you're looking for cannot be found. Most likely causes: There may be a typing error in the address. If you clicked on a link, it maybe out of date. What you can try: Retype the address Go back to the previous page Use - [Report Card 2016](https://ayeka.org.il/our-impact/annual-report-2015/) - [פרסומים](https://ayeka.org.il/publications/) - [חינוך עם נשמה – אייכה לבתי-ספר ולתיכונים](https://ayeka.org.il/programs/becoming-a-soulful-educator/) - פעמים רבות במהלך הלימוד, הלומד נשאר מנותק רגשית. הידע עובר, אך הלב לא מתחבר, וממילא, הידע אינו מוטמע באופן עמוק בלומד. הגישה הייחודית של אייכה לחינוך עם נשמה מאפשרת למורה ללמד את הנושא אותו הוא מלמד דרך חיבור ללב, לחיים ולנשמה של התלמידים. מסלול הכשרת המורים שלנו מורכב משלושה חלקים: ללמוד - צוות אייכה מלמד - [להיות הורה עם נשמה – אייכה למשפחות](https://ayeka.org.il/?page_id=90) - ׳להיות הורה עם נשמה׳ - היא סדנא שמזמינה הורה להיות - להכיר בהיותו בתהליך, במסע. הורה - להתמקד בצד של ההורה ובמכלול אישיותו, ופחות בהתנהגותו של הילד. עם נשמה - להקשיב לקולו הפנימי. מה מיוחד בסדאות ההורים של אייכה? הסדנא יונקת ממקורות יהודיים, המהווים בסיס ללימוד ולמסע. יצירת קהילה בה יש מרחב בטוח, ללא שיפוטיות או ציניות, - [Energize Your Seder with Ayeka's New Haggadah](https://ayeka.org.il/our-impact/energize-your-passover-seder-with-ayekas-new-haggadah/) - “The Ayeka Haggadah revives the ancient call of ritual, giving us a way to understand the containments we face today, as well as beginning a path to discover where freedom lives within us.” - Mark Nepo, author of The Book of Awakening Have you ever experienced a Passover Seder where you felt lost, disconnected, - [Contact Us](https://ayeka.org.il/support-us/contact-us/) - Are you interested in bringing Ayeka to your local high school, to a parent group, to your synagogue, or to your campus? We welcome you to contact us with the form below or at israel@ayeka.org.il. Please include details about your community, school, campus or learning group, and we will be happy to get back to you to discuss tailoring - [אייכה - מה אנחנו עושים](https://ayeka.org.il/about/what-we-do/) - המטרה שלנו היא להעניק למורים ולאנשים המעוניינים ללמוד כלים להפחת חיים בנלמד, ולאפשר משמעות, חיבור אישי, ויצירת תהליך צמיחה אישי באמצעות הלימוד. - [מה מיוחד באייכה](https://ayeka.org.il/about/why-is-ayeka-unique/) - עולם החינוך מציע אפשרויות רבות להשתלמויות והכשרת מורים. השתלמויות רבות מתמקדות בכיצד להקנות ידע באופן יעיל, כיצד להעביר את חומר הלימודים באופן המיטבי על מנת שהלומד יבין, יחשוב, יוכל להמשיך ללמוד באופן עצמאי ואולי אף יאהב את הלימוד. אייכה מכוונת מעבר ללימוד האינטלקטואלי והחווייתי, ומסייעת למורים לכלול בלימוד תהליך צמיחה אישי והתפתחות נפשית שלהם ושל - [מי אנחנו](https://ayeka.org.il/about/our-story/) - הסיפור שלנו אריה בן דוד היה חבר סגל בכיר במוסדות חינוך מתקדמים בהם לימד במשך למעלה מ20 שנה, כשהגיע למסקנה שמשהו מהותי חסר. הוא חש קושי גדול בחיבור הלומדים למקורות, ובהוראה שתעביר לא רק ידע אלא גם תהווה מנוף לצמיחה והתקדמות ברמה האישית ורוחנית. תחושת זו, שיש צורך בשינוי עמוק ויסודי בהוראה המסורתית - הביאו - [Events](https://ayeka.org.il/events/) - [Testimonial](https://ayeka.org.il/testimonial/) - [Support Us](https://ayeka.org.il/support-us/) - [About](https://ayeka.org.il/about/) - [Press](https://ayeka.org.il/our-impact/newsroom/) - [Donate](https://ayeka.org.il/support-us/support-us/) - [Evaluation: Making a Difference](https://ayeka.org.il/our-impact/evaluation-making-a-difference/) - In 2014, Rosov Consulting Agency conducted a 6-month evaluation of 70% of Ayeka's alumni involved in formal teaching. Over 90% of those interviewed said that the training: Impacted their teaching; Made them better listeners; and Made them more attentive to the needs of their students. We continuously evaluate program satisfaction at two levels: Participants evaluate their Soulful Educator training after the - [Our Impact](https://ayeka.org.il/our-impact/) - [Join Our Team](https://ayeka.org.il/support-us/join-our-team/) - Ayeka is developing a cadre of part-time "master educators" who will be paired with high school staffs to run trainings and conduct followup. If you are a North America-based educator who connects with Soulful Education, looking for additional enriching professional development opportunities and part-time teaching roles, write to us to arrange a meeting. ## Events - [Parenting through the Pandemic - Summer Edition](https://ayeka.org.il/events/parenting-through-the-pandemic-summer-edition/) - The pandemic and world events have caused so much unrest in our personal and communal lives and we may feel like we are standing on very unsteady ground. A return to Jewish wisdom literature and reflective time, just for us parents, is what we may need most now, as we lead our families in the - [Moving Soulfully Through Difficult Times - Ayeka Webinars](https://ayeka.org.il/events/moving-soulfully-through-difficult-times-ayeka-webinars/) - Aryeh Ben David - Founder and Director, Ayeka Please note, each of these sessions are stand alone sessions. For Educators/Parents: Making Online Learning More Meaningful Thursday, May 7 at 10:00 AM IDT - Click here to register. Getting to Shavuot with Rav Kook Monday, May 4/May 11, 8:00 PM IDT - Click here to register. - [Soulful Passover Preparation](https://ayeka.org.il/events/soulful-passover-preparation/) - Soulful Passover Preparation Monday, April 6 - 11:00 AM PST, 2:00 PM EDT, 9:00 PM IST Facilitated by Dasee Berkowitz Click here to register - [Spiritual Check-In: Parenting During a Pandemic](https://ayeka.org.il/events/spiritual-check-in-parenting-during-a-pandemic/) - Spiritual Check-In: Parenting During a Pandemic Monday, March 30 - 11:00 AM PST, 2:00 PM EDT, 9:00 PM IST Facilitated by Dasee Berkowitz Click here to register - [Practical Pesach Seder Ideas and Suggestions in Response to Corona](https://ayeka.org.il/events/practical-pesach-seder-ideas-and-suggestions-in-response-to-corona/) - Practical Pesach Seder Ideas and Suggestions in Response to Corona Thursday, April 2 - 9:00 AM PST, 12:00 PM EDT, 7:00 PM IST Facilitated by Aryeh Ben David Click here to register - [Soulful Parenting: Connecting Jewish Wisdom With Modern Life](https://ayeka.org.il/events/3058/) - Explore how Jewish wisdom guides and empowers us as parents with Rabbi Bethie Miller of Sanctuary, a UJA-supported program, who is working to bring Jewish life and traditions into our modern homes. Connect with other parents* — individually or as a couple — in the community as we open pathways for personal and spiritual growth. - [Becoming a Soulful Parent - Sibling Rivalry: A Soulful Reframe Webinar](https://ayeka.org.il/events/becoming-a-soulful-parent-sibling-rivalry-a-soulful-reframe-webinar/) - Does your children’s bickering drive you nuts?Are you constantly playing referee? In this course we will take a break from the wearing grind of family turmoil and offer a soulful re-frame to get to what’s really at the core of sibling rivalry. We will also learn to understand each child as an invaluable teacher, sharing - [Prayers of the Lost and Found Workshop @ The Berman Shul](https://ayeka.org.il/events/prayers-of-the-lost-and-found-workshop-the-berman-shul/) - Join Aryeh Ben David Sunday, December u at 8:00 pm at The Berman Shul for a discussion on losing and finding our own voice in prayer. Living a prayerful life goes beyond the words of the siddur and the walls of the synagogue. Aryeh's newest publication, “Prayers of the Lost and Found: Reflections on Becoming - [Aryeh Ben David at @ JTS's Rabbinic Training Institute Retreat](https://ayeka.org.il/events/aryeh-ben-david-at-jtss-rabbinic-training-institute-retreat/) - [Ayeka Jim Joseph Foundation Spiritual Professional Development Cohort Retreat](https://ayeka.org.il/events/ayeka-jim-joseph-foundation-spiritual-professional-development-cohort-retreat-2/) - [Ayeka Jim Joseph Foundation Spiritual Professional Development Cohort Retreat](https://ayeka.org.il/events/ayeka-jim-joseph-foundation-spiritual-professional-development-cohort-retreat/) - [Love & Tough Love: A Soulful Reframe](https://ayeka.org.il/events/love-tough-love-a-soulful-reframe/) - Boundary setting is one of the hottest topics of parenting. Do we do it enough? Too much? We are inclined towards nurturing our children but we also want to raise them to become responsible people. What's the right balance? In this course, we will explore how to become more loving people while also setting boundaries - [Aryeh Ben David @ Kehilat Yedidya](https://ayeka.org.il/events/aryeh-ben-david-in-jerusalem/) - Join Aryeh Ben David this Motzei Shabbat October 5 at 8:00 pm at Beit Kehilat Yedidya for a discussion on losing and finding our own voice in prayer. Living a prayerful life goes beyond the words of the siddur and the walls of the synagogue. Aryeh's newest publication, “Prayers of the Lost and Found: Reflections on Becoming - [Inspirations for Introspection](https://ayeka.org.il/events/inspirations-for-introspection/) - Join Aryeh Ben David on Sunday, October 6 at the Jewish Outreach Center of Ra'anana's 26th annual Teshuva Program. Aryeh will be leading lecture on “Yonah the Prophet: A Heel, or a Hero for our Times?”. Click here for more information and to RSVP. - [Aryeh Ben David at Yakar Tel Aviv](https://ayeka.org.il/events/2947/) - Living a prayerful life goes beyond the words of the siddur and the walls of the synagogue. Aryeh Ben David's newest publication, “Prayers of the Lost and Found: Reflections on Becoming a Prayerful Human Being”, is a personal and vulnerable exploration of the struggles to live a prayerful life. Join us for an evening to explore what - [BSP JCCA Training](https://ayeka.org.il/events/bsp-jcca-training/) - [Dasee Berkowitz at the Paradigm Project Fifth Annual Conference](https://ayeka.org.il/events/dasee-berkowitz-at-the-paradigm-project-fifth-annual-conference/) - Join Dasee Berkowitz for the fifth annual Paradigm Project conference, where she will be presenting BSP sessions throughout the conference. The Paradigm Project is a network of practitioner-activists from around North America and Israel that shares a common vision and commitment to forging excellence in Jewish early childhood education. For more information about the program, - [FREE Becoming a Soulful Parent Information Session](https://ayeka.org.il/events/free-becoming-a-soulful-parent-information-session/) - Ayeka’s Becoming a Soulful Parent (BSP) program trains parents and educators nationwide to lead a different kind parenting group. Our groups: Empower parents to listen to their inner wisdom and depend less on external experts Inspire parents with insights from Jewish wisdom Create deep connections for parents who are often ‘too busy’ for new friends - [Becoming A Soulful Parent: Spring Session Begins @ JCC Chicago](https://ayeka.org.il/events/becoming-a-soulful-parent-spring-session-begins-jcc-chicago/) - Join us for a six-week parenting series, grounded in Jewish wisdom and text, to help guide the kind of parent and partner we want to become. Rachel Schwartz, JCC Chicago’s Director of Social Services, will facilitate the group and help you connect with others on their parenting journey. This is a program supported by PJ - [Ayeka Haggadah Modi'in Workshop](https://ayeka.org.il/events/ayeka-haggadah-modiin-workshop/) - Join us on Thursday, April 4 at 8:00 pm in Modi'in for a Haggadah workshop, led by Ayeka's amazing director Aryeh Ben David. Please RSVP to ilana@ayeka.org.il in advance so we can plan accordingly. - [Ayeka Haggadah Workshop in Modi'in](https://ayeka.org.il/events/ayeka-haggadah-workshop-in-modiin/) - Join us next week in Modi'in for a haggadah workshop, led by Ayeka's amazing director Aryeh Ben David in Moddin. Please RSVP to ilana@ayeka.org.il in advance so we can plan accordingly. - [Ayeka Professional Development Retreat @ Isabella Freedman Retreat Center](https://ayeka.org.il/events/ayeka-professional-development-retreat-isabella-freedman-retreat-center/) - [Soulful Family Retreat](https://ayeka.org.il/events/soulful-family-retreat/) - Do you ever find yourself doing or saying things as a parent that you swore to yourself you’d never do? Join us for an amazing weekend that will reinvigorate your relationship with your children, your partner and yourself. While parents will participate in meaningful Soulful Parenting Workshops and connect with fellow families, children will enjoy - [Ayeka Soulful Education Professional Development Retreats](https://ayeka.org.il/events/ayeka-soulful-education-professional-development-retreats/) - This week, we are thrilled to host over 20 Ayeka Educators at the Pearlstone Center from Atlanta Jewish Academy, Hillel Day School of Metro Detroit, Luria Academy of Brooklyn, Maimonides School, Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School of the Nation's Capital, Netivot HaTorah ,Pressman Academy, Katz Yeshiva High School of South Florida ,Robert M. Beren Academy, - [The Three Partners in the Creation of Your Child @ Temple Beth Am](https://ayeka.org.il/events/the-three-partners-in-the-creation-of-your-child/) - How do our children become who they are? Join Rabbi Kempler for a text-based exploration of the different people and partners that make up our child's unique soul. Dinner is included. RSVP to Rabbi Kempler at jkempler@tbam.org so we can be sure to have enough food for everyone. Thursdays 7:00–8:30 pm January 10th, 17th and - [Becoming a Soulful Parent at Beth Meyer Synagogue](https://ayeka.org.il/events/becoming-a-soulful-parent-at-beth-meyer-synagogue/) - This class is designed to gather a small group of parents to embrace their daily parenting struggles and rewards through the context of Jewish wisdom and community. This course allows parents to take the time out of their hectic lives to reflect honestly about the challenges and joys of parenting. The course provides participants with: New insights - [Becoming a Soulful Parent at Temple Beth Am](https://ayeka.org.il/events/becoming-a-soulful-parent-at-temple-beth-am/) - [Becoming a Soulful Couple at Beth Meyer Synagogue](https://ayeka.org.il/events/becoming-a-soulful-couple-at-beth-meyer-synagogue/) - Everything important in our lives requires maintenance, attention, and fine tuning. Too often, the hectic pace of life makes it hard for us to create time and space to nurture the relationship that matters most. Through a soulful Jewish lens, this course is designed to give couples of any age or stage tools to understand - [Becoming a Soulful Parent Cohort at Hevrah](https://ayeka.org.il/events/becoming-a-soulful-parent-cohort-at-hevrah/) - Join Rabbi Jodie Cohen for a Sibling Rivalry- a Soulful Reframe cohort, starting Sunday, October 28. Click here for more information. - [Sibling Rivalry: A Soulful Reframe at Beth Meyer Synagogue](https://ayeka.org.il/events/sibling-rivalry-a-soulful-reframe-at-beth-meyer-synagogue/) - Does your children’s bickering drive you nuts? In this class we will take a break from the wearing grind of family turmoil and offer a soulful re-frame to get to what’s really at the core of sibling rivalry. The class is designed for both co-parents and single parents. Rabbi Jenny Solomon Sunday mornings, 10:45 a.m. - [Becoming A Soulful Parent at the JCC Chicago](https://ayeka.org.il/events/becoming-a-soulful-parent-at-the-jcc-chicago/) - Do you wish parenting came with a manual? If you would like to focus less on what you should be doing differently as a parent, and more on appreciating your child for who they are, then join us on a journey of Becoming A Soulful Parent. This parent group, grounded in Jewish wisdom and text, - [Becoming a Soulful Parent at Hillel Day School](https://ayeka.org.il/events/becoming-a-soulful-parent-at-hillel-day-school/) - Becoming a Soulful Parent shifts our understanding from what we do (or don’t do) to appreciating our unique qualities and abilities as parents. Through Jewish texts, journaling and spiritual chevruta, we will learn how to quiet the distractions and judgments of parenting and become more attune to our inner music. RSVP to Patricia Ruda at pruda@hillelday.org by November 7, 2018 - [Inspired Parenting: Jewish Tools for Reflection and Growth](https://ayeka.org.il/events/inspired-parenting-jewish-tools-for-reflection-and-growth/) - Ayeka: The Center for Soulful Jewish Education today announced the release of the podcast mini-series Inspired Parenting: Jewish Tools for Reflection and Growth, together with the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies’ online Jewish learning site, Elmad. The series delves into the soulful side of parenting, prompting parents to ask themselves deeper questions, such as “How can - [Becoming a Soulful Parent Summer School](https://ayeka.org.il/events/becoming-a-soulful-parent-summer-school/) - Becoming a Soulful Parent Summer School is Open, sign up for one of the following courses today. - [Becoming a Soulful Parent Webinar Series](https://ayeka.org.il/events/becoming-a-soulful-parent-webinar-series/) - 3 Partners in Creation - [Becoming a Soulful Parent Group @ Beth Meyer Synagogue](https://ayeka.org.il/events/becoming-a-soulful-parent-group-beth-meyer-synagogue/) - [Becoming a Soulful Parent Group @ JCC Central NJ](https://ayeka.org.il/events/becoming-a-soulful-parent-jcc-central-nj/) - [Becoming a Soulful Parent Group @ JCC Asheville](https://ayeka.org.il/events/bsp-chicago/) - [Becoming a Soulful Parent Group @ JCC Palm Beaches](https://ayeka.org.il/events/becoming-a-soulful-parent-group-jcc-palm-beaches/) - [Becoming a Soulful Parent Group @ JCC Pittsburgh](https://ayeka.org.il/events/becoming-a-soulful-parent-group-jcc-pittsburgh/) - [Becoming a Soulful Parent at Vassar Temple](https://ayeka.org.il/events/becoming-a-soulful-parent-at-vassar-temple/) - Join Vassar Temple for a weekly Wednesday Becoming a Soulful Parent workshop with Emma Arnoff. Dates: January 31- March 7 from 6:30 -8:30 pm. Location: Vassar Temple 140 Hooker Avenue Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Click here to sign up. - [Ayeka's Jim Joseph Foundation Soulful Professional Development Program Retreat August 2018](https://ayeka.org.il/events/ayekas-jim-joseph-foundation-soulful-professional-development-program-retreat-august-2018/) - Ayeka’s Soulful Professional Development cohort sponsored by the Jim Joseph Foundation first retreat will take place in August 2018. Participating schools include Adelson Educational Campus, Carmel Academy, Katz Yeshiva High School, Luria Academy of Brooklyn, Maimonides School, Pressman Academy, Robert M. Beren Academy, and Solomon Schechter of Long Island. - [Ayeka's Soulful Professional Development Cohort Retreat August 2018](https://ayeka.org.il/events/ayekas-soulful-professional-development-cohort-retreat-august-2018/) - Ayeka's Soulful Professional Development cohort sponsored by the Avi Chai, Kohelet, and Mayberg Foundations second retreat will take place in August 2018. Participating schools include Atlanta Jewish Academy, Hillel Day School of Metropolitan Detroit, Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School of the Nation’s capital and Netivot HaTorah Day School. - [Becoming a Soulful Parent in JCC of Greater Boston](https://ayeka.org.il/events/becoming-a-soulful-parent-in-jcc-of-greater-boston/) - Do you ever find yourself doing things that you swore to yourself you never would? Or saying things to your children or your partner that you never thought you would? Join us for a 3-part workshop to learn how to become a soulful parent, the parent you want to be. Date: Tuesdays, 7:30-9pm, March 6 - [Becoming a Soulful Parent in Raleigh, NC](https://ayeka.org.il/events/becoming-a-soulful-parent-in-jcc-denver/) - This event is part of a series sponsored by Temple Beth Meyer, Raleigh NC. To sign up: https://bethmeyer.org/learning/adult-education/becoming-soulful-parent Becoming a Soulful Parent with Rabbi Jenny Solomon 6 sessions, Sunday mornings, 10:45AM- noon Cost per couple: $118 ($150 for non-members) Cost per single: $60 ($75 for non-members)* Designed for parents of children of ALL ages (birth - - [Bicultural Day School Ayeka Retreat](https://ayeka.org.il/events/bicultural-day-school-ayeka-retreat/) - Bicultural Day School Ayeka Retreat Location: Stamford, CT - [3 Foundations Ayeka Educators Retreat](https://ayeka.org.il/events/3-foundations-ayeka-educators-retreat/) - 3 Foundations Ayeka Educators Retreat Pearlstone Retreat Center January 21-24 Participating: Atlanta Jewish Academy, Hillel Day School of Metropolitan Detroit, Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School of the Nation’s Capital, Netivot HaTorah Day School - [Becoming a Soulful Parent: Introduction Webinar Series](https://ayeka.org.il/events/becoming-a-soulful-parent-introduction-webinar-series/) - Dates Sunday, January 21 at 2pm EDT Sunday, January 28 at 2pm EDT Sunday, February 4 at 2pm EDT Sunday, February 11 at 2pm EDT During the four sessions you will learn: How to integrate soulful parenting into your own life How to facilitate meaningful conversations in a group setting The content material for - [Becoming a Soulful Parent in Bridgeport, CT](https://ayeka.org.il/events/becoming-a-soulful-parent-in-bridgeport-ct/) - This event is part of a series sponsored by Congregation B’nai Israel, Bridgeport CT. Dates: January 6th - January 27th - [Becoming a Soulful Parent in JCC Denver](https://ayeka.org.il/events/becoming-a-soulful-parent-in-jcc-denver-2/) - This event is part of a series which will take place on the following dates: January 14th, 2018 February 11th, 2018 March 4th, 2018 - [Haggadah Launch Hashmonaim](https://ayeka.org.il/events/haggadah-launch-hashmonaim-2/) - Join Aryeh Ben David at a unique event where we will actively practice techniques for personalizing your seder and peek into Ayeka's groundbreaking new haggadah, Hearing Your Own Voice: A Guide for All Ages to Personalize Your Seder. There will be copies of the haggadah on sale at the event. To preorder and pick up at the event, - [Haggadah Launch Jerusalem](https://ayeka.org.il/events/haggadah-launch-jerusalem/) - Join Aryeh Ben David at a unique event hosted by Pomeranz Bookstore where we will actively practice techniques for personalizing your seder and peek into Ayeka's groundbreaking new haggadah, Hearing Your Own Voice: A Guide for All Ages to Personalize Your Seder. There will be copies of the haggadah on sale at the event. To preorder and - [Haggadah Launch Efrat](https://ayeka.org.il/events/haggadah-launch-efrat/) - Join Aryeh Ben David at a unique event sponsored by the Women's Beit Midrash in Efrat where we will actively practice techniques for personalizing your seder and peek into Ayeka's groundbreaking new haggadah, Hearing Your Own Voice: A Guide for All Ages to Personalize Your Seder. There will be copies of the haggadah on sale at the event. To - [Model Seder Webinar](https://ayeka.org.il/events/model-seder-webinar-2/) - Can't make it to one of the haggadah launch events, yet still want to learn about making your seder more engaging and interactive for everyone around your table? Sounds like you should be signing up for Ayeka's Model Seder Webinar! From the comfort of your own home, learn with Aryeh Ben David about tips and techniques that will - [Haggadah Launch, Pardes Jerusalem](https://ayeka.org.il/events/haggadah-launch-pardes-jerusalem/) - Join Aryeh Ben David at a unique event hosted by the Pardes Institute where we will actively practice techniques for personalizing your seder and peek into Ayeka's groundbreaking new haggadah, Hearing Your Own Voice: A Guide for All Ages to Personalize Your Seder. There will be copies of the haggadah on sale at the event. To preorder and - [Jerusalem Educator Cohort](https://ayeka.org.il/events/jerusalem-educator-cohort/) - Learn how to make your learning personal, relevant, and meaningful. - [Training Followup: Kohelet Yeshiva HS](https://ayeka.org.il/events/training-followup-kohelet-yeshiva-hs/) - 6 months of individualized and group followup with 15 faculty members at KYHS - [Model Seder Webinar](https://ayeka.org.il/events/model-seder-webinar/) - Can't make it to one of the haggadah launch events, yet still want to learn about making your seder more engaging and interactive for everyone around your table? Sounds like you should be signing up for Ayeka's Model Seder Webinar! From the comfort of your own home, learn with Aryeh Ben David about tips and techniques that will - [Bi-Cultural Day School Faculty Training](https://ayeka.org.il/events/bi-cultural-day-school-faculty-training/) - [Kohelet High School Faculty Training](https://ayeka.org.il/events/kohelet-high-school-faculty-training/) - [Shalhevet High School Faculty Training](https://ayeka.org.il/events/high-school-faculty-trainings/) - [Milken Community School Faculty Training](https://ayeka.org.il/events/milken-community-school-faculty-training/) - [Featured Speaker @ Mayberg Foundation Innovation in Jewish Education Conference](https://ayeka.org.il/events/featured-speaker-mayberg-foundation-innovation-in-jewish-education-conference/) - [Hillel Int'l Jewish Holiday Learning & Facilitation: Lag Ba'Omer & Shavuot](https://ayeka.org.il/events/hillel-intl-jewish-holiday-learning-facilitation-lag-baomer-shavuot/) - [Hillel Int'l Jewish Holiday Learning & Facilitation: Pesach](https://ayeka.org.il/events/hillel-intl-jewish-holiday-learning-facilitation-pesach/) - [Hillel Int'l Jewish Holiday Learning & Facilitation: Purim](https://ayeka.org.il/events/hillel-intl-jewish-holiday-learning-facilitation-purim/) - [Melton Faculty Seminar](https://ayeka.org.il/events/melton-faculty-seminar/) - [YTA Faculty Seminar](https://ayeka.org.il/events/yta-seminar/) - [Hillel Int'l Jewish Holiday Learning & Facilitation: Tu B'Shvat](https://ayeka.org.il/events/hillel-intl-jewish-holiday-learning-facilitation-tu-bshvat/) - [Ayeka Trainer Retreat](https://ayeka.org.il/events/ayeka-trainer-retreat/) - Ayeka trained 10 new educators at a retreat hosted in Glen Cove Mansion, NY. The training marked Ayeka's expansion as an educational entrepreneurial start-up. Now with 10 superstar educators, from a wide range of denominational affiliations and experience, Ayeka is poised to expand the reach of its Soulful Education approach to more institutions, teachers, and - [Miami RCA Professional Staff Soulful Education Training](https://ayeka.org.il/events/miami-rca-professional-staff-soulful-education-training/) - Transforming Congregations Through Soulful Education Training of Clergy and Professional Staff Miami One-Day Onsite Ayeka Soulful Education Training For Clergy, Professional Staff, and Community Leadership The one-day onsite Miami Soulful Education Training for clergy, professional staff, and community leadership will be a “stand alone” seminar providing an introduction to the Ayeka methodology in theory - [Houston JCC Melton Faculty Webinar](https://ayeka.org.il/events/houston-jcc-melton-faculty-webinar/) - Soulful Education Professional Development Webinar @ Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center of Houston - [JTS Rabbinic Training Institute](https://ayeka.org.il/events/jts-rabbinic-training-institute/) - [Limmud England](https://ayeka.org.il/events/limmud-england/) - [Hillel Int'l Jewish Holiday Learning & Facilitation 2: Hannukah](https://ayeka.org.il/events/hillel-intl-jewish-holiday-learning-facilitation-2-hannukah/) - [TannenbaumCHAT and Ayeka 'Taster' for Judaic Studies Faculty](https://ayeka.org.il/events/tannenbaumchat-and-ayeka-taster-for-judaic-studies-faculty/) - [SETP Cohort #13 Session 6](https://ayeka.org.il/events/setp-cohort-13-session-6/) ## Alumni - [BSE Testimonial](https://ayeka.org.il/alumni/bse-testimonial/) - Rabbi Ari Schwarzberg is a Judaic Studies teacher at Shalhevet High School in Los Angeles. Some of Ari's reflections from his school's Ayeka training: Educational Approach: “To ‘A​yeka­​ify’ our learning is a talking point among our faculty when we're discussing goals, strategies, and student growth.” School Programs: “Our shabbaton programming is now heavily, if not fully influenced - [BSP Testimonial](https://ayeka.org.il/alumni/parents-testimonial/) - Paul Gross participated in one of Ayeka's 'Becoming a Soulful Parent' (BSP) cohorts in Jerusalem. Below, he reflects on how the 'Becoming a Soulful Parent' course enabled him to grow as a parent and partner. Some of Paul's takeaways from his Becoming a Soulful Parent group: The Becoming a Soulful Parent course provided me and my wife with a unique opportunity ## Articles - [10 Conversations to Live a Soulful Life](https://ayeka.org.il/article/10-conversations-to-live-a-soulful-life/) - [Amida in Learning](https://ayeka.org.il/article/amida-in-learning/) - Because we recognize that while there may be community elements to prayer, everyone has his or her own uniquely private spiritual life. We may all be standing together, but at the peak moment of the silent prayer, everyone is in his or her uniquely private personal space. So here is the question that I would - [“Oxygen Mask Judaism”](https://ayeka.org.il/article/oxygen-mask-judaism/) - By Meredith Lewis, Director of Content and Engagement, PJ Library Last spring, my five-year-old turned to me, unprompted, and asked, “Mom, what’s the story of Passover again?” Easy, I thought. I have a master’s degree in Judaic Studies and have worked in Jewish education for years. Plus, I’ve seen The Prince of Egypt multiple times. - [Soulful Staff Meetings](https://ayeka.org.il/article/the-favorite-part-of-my-week/) - By Aryeh Ben David The favorite part of my week is our staff meetings. I wonder how other organizations begin their staff meetings. Do they jump into business? There is always so much to do. Do they begin with a D’var Torah? Is it pro forma or does the D’var Torah impact the staff meeting? - [A Few Thoughts on Chanuka](https://ayeka.org.il/article/thoughts-on-chanuka-5777/) - Isn't our custom on Chanuka a bit strange? We light a candle… and then we are prohibited from using or enjoying the light! It's actually kind of ridiculous. Do we cook food and then say that it is forbidden to eat the food? Do we sew clothes and then say that it is forbidden to - [Thought & Identity: A Challenge in the Classroom ](https://ayeka.org.il/article/thought-identity-a-challenge-in-the-classroom/) - By Jeff Amshalem, Ayeka Educator Last year, I struggled with a particular class, 11th grade Jewish Thought and Identity. Despite the great topics, driven by questions like “Why do bad things happen to good people?”, “Where does the Torah come from?”, and “Is Judaism a religion, a peoplehood, or a culture?”, we weren’t connecting on - [Questions to Personalize Your Rosh HaShana](https://ayeka.org.il/article/questions-for-rosh-hashana/) - In Hebrew, the word – “l’shoef ” – means both “to inhale” and “to yearn”. If I stop yearning – it’s as if I’ve stopped inhaling. Yearning gives me life; inhaling enables me to yearn. If I stop yearning – I stop living. What are you yearning for this year? In the words of Mary - [Beginnings](https://ayeka.org.il/article/beginnings/) - By Mali Brofsky, Ayeka Educator Here we are, at the beginning of a new year. For me, it feels so full of beginnings – the beginning of a new semester of teaching, the beginning of a new school year for my children. The upcoming holidays with their promise, and their challenge, of a fresh spiritual - [Holy Choreography](https://ayeka.org.il/article/holy-choreography/) - By Shawn Fields-Meyer, Ayeka Educator One of the most powerful moments of prayer comes not through words, or song, but rather in a moment of quiet. Our tradition guides us in holy choreography: just before the Amidah — before we enter into an intensive stream of dialogue with God — we do a little dance. - [Meeting the Worst Person in the World](https://ayeka.org.il/article/meeting-the-worst-person-in-the-world/) - I love the aisle seat on planes. I stretch out, get up and walk around. Don’t need to inconvenience anyone when I have to wander. Recently I flew back from the States after a long trip and was so happy and content to be going home in my aisle seat. I took off my sneakers, - [A Torah of Violence](https://ayeka.org.il/article/a-torah-of-violence/) - As published in Times of Israel & Medium, August 1, 2016 The word for mute in Hebrew – i’lem – shares the same root as the word for violence – alimut. A common interpretation of this linkage is that a person who cannot express his/her voice may become aggressive. An inability to voice one’s opinions - [Back to School](https://ayeka.org.il/article/back-to-school/) - By Zvi Hirschfield, Ayeka Educator A few weeks ago I had the privilege of accompanying Aryeh Ben David to two schools in Los Angeles, Shalhevet High School and Milken Community Schools, and support him in delivering the Ayeka vision to eight teachers at each school. While the sessions were terrific, that is not the only - [Ayeka at Milken Community Schools!  ](https://ayeka.org.il/article/ayeka-at-milken-community-schools/) - A word from Shawn Fields-Meyer, Ayeka Educator The Milken team was deeply grateful to Aryeh for the Ayeka training! It was a week of learning, spiritual wrestling, and exploration of our work as educators. By learning the Ayeka approach as a group, we also grew closer as a community of teachers. Our teachers say: "Milken's two-day Ayeka - [Ayeka at Shalhevet High School!](https://ayeka.org.il/article/ayeka-at-shalhevet-high-school/) - A word from Ari Schwarzberg, Ayeka Educator To close out our year, eight Judaic & General Studies faculty members of Shalhevet High School immersed themselves in two days of soulful education with the Ayeka staff. During these days we successfully abandoned the frenzy of finals, grading, and meetings to enter into a space of reflection and learning. - [Exciting News at Ayeka!](https://ayeka.org.il/article/exciting-news-at-ayeka/) - We are extremely gratified that the Jewish philanthropic world has taken notice of our activities, and we are pleased to announce that Ayeka has received grants from three prominent Jewish philanthropic institutions, The Avi Chai Foundation, Kohelet Foundation, and Lippman Kanfer Foundation for Living Torah, which will enable us to continue our important work in - [Ayeka's Ideas for the Pesach Seder](https://ayeka.org.il/article/ayekas-ideas-for-the-pesach-seder/) - The Seder is intended to be a personal experience. By now we know the story. We don’t need more historical information or sermons. What we need is a way to personally connect with the Passover story and to each other. We need quality conversations. That is really what a Seder is: an organized conversation around - [The Holy Wimp](https://ayeka.org.il/article/the-holy-wimp/) - By Aryeh Ben David For all the time and drama and words and prayers this month — it really is not so complicated. Let’s simplify it down to the most basic level: The month of Elul leads up to Rosh HaShana. Rosh HaShana leads up to Yom HaKippurim. Yom HaKippurim is called Yom HaSlicha - [On the New York City Subway](https://ayeka.org.il/article/on-the-new-york-city-subway/) - By Aryeh Ben David (Article reprinted on Times of Israel, OU.org, JFS Seattle, eJewish Philanthropy, and Aish.com) I am taking the Broadway #1 train from Penn Station to Van Cortlandt Park in the late afternoon. Van Cortlandt Park is the last stop on the line. About three stops from the end, everyone in my car exits. - [A Shabbat Disaster](https://ayeka.org.il/article/a-shabbat-disaster/) - By Aryeh Ben David Published in Ayeka's newsletter September 22, 2015 It’s a good thing we didn’t invite you to eat with us last Friday night. Things started off normal enough. I came home from shul with my wife Sandra and daughter Lilach. Lilach’s older sister, Raaya, was asleep on the couch. Pretty normal - [The Joy of Brokenness](https://ayeka.org.il/article/the-joy-of-building/) - By Aryeh Ben David Published in Ayeka's newsletter September 9, 2015 They just couldn’t help themselves. They had to cheer, clap, and shout out mazal tov. The sweet young rabbi had just urged them not to. He reminded everyone that breaking the glass at a wedding is a solemn moment; a time for us - [Shavuot... It's Not About the Learning.](https://ayeka.org.il/article/shavuot-its-not-about-the-learning/) - By Aryeh Ben David Published in Ayeka's newsletter May 21, 2015 I wonder if people are excited about Shavuot. I’m excited about cheesecake and the walk to the Kotel. I’m excited about being with friends and wandering the streets of Jerusalem late at night. But am I excited about sitting in shiurim – ehh. - [The Educator as the Tour Guide of the Soul](https://ayeka.org.il/article/the-educator-as-the-tour-guide-of-the-soul/) - By Aryeh Ben David Published in Ayeka's newsletter February 2, 2015 If there is one message of the Torah - if there is one idea the Torah is trying to convey to each of us - it is that we all have a calling. Abraham, the first Jew, was called. We are being called; - [A Small Victory](https://ayeka.org.il/article/a-small-victory/) - By Aryeh Ben David Published in Ayeka's newsletter December 4, 2014 A small victory - I didn't judge anyone yesterday. In fact, I think I'm doing pretty good today too. I have always struggled with judging other people. Not only on the big issues - religion, politics, lifestyle - but also on the really - [Talking About Myself](https://ayeka.org.il/article/talking-about-myself/) - By Aryeh Ben David People ask me why I write so much about myself in my articles. They ask: “Isn’t that narcissistic? Does it always have to be about you?” Educators ask me why I talk so much about myself in class. They ask: “Doesn’t that put the focus on yourself? Aren’t we supposed - [In Praise of Neediness](https://ayeka.org.il/article/in-praise-of-neediness/) - I am so needy. I always thought this was a bad thing. I never would have uttered that sentence aloud. So embarrassing. But now I can say – I am really a needy person. We all are. For much of my life I lived the myth, the illusion, that I could do it all on my - [Radical and Extreme Compassion](https://ayeka.org.il/article/radical-and-extreme-compassion/) - By Aryeh Ben David Rav Kook writes that “emuna and ahava” (belief and love) go together. Any deepening in belief brings a deepening of love. God, the Creator of the World, is the source of love and emanates oneness. Emuna and ahava are the forces of oneness in the world. Anger and violence are a ## Resources - [Holiday Sessions](https://ayeka.org.il/resource/holiday-sessions/) - [Pesach Seder](https://ayeka.org.il/resource/pesach-seder/) - The Seder is intended to be a personal experience. By now we know the story. We don’t need more historical information or sermons. What we need is a way to personally connect with the Passover story and to each other. We need quality conversations. That is really what a Seder is: an organized conversation around - [Getting Unstuck in Prayer Life](https://ayeka.org.il/resource/getting-unstuck-in-prayer-life/) - The "Getting Unstuck in My Prayer Life" module consists of 10 sessions: Intro Session Getting Ready Blessing Before Shema Shema Yisrael Loving Judging Asking Saying the Words Synagogue Closing Session We recommend setting the same time each week with your learning group and spending 45-60 minutes on each session, once a week, with email correspondence to - [Rosh Hashana](https://ayeka.org.il/resource/rosh-hashana/) - [The Teaching Blooper](https://ayeka.org.il/resource/the-teaching-blooper/) - [Safe Space Breaker](https://ayeka.org.il/resource/safe-space-breaker/) - [The Reluctant Writer](https://ayeka.org.il/resource/the-reluctant-writer/) - [Facilitator Mistakes](https://ayeka.org.il/resource/facilitator-mistakes/) ## Episode - [Aryeh Ben David on Prayer](https://ayeka.org.il/podcast/aryeh-ben-david-on-prayer/) ## Categories - [Uncategorized](https://ayeka.org.il/uncategorized/) - [Ayeka in the News](https://ayeka.org.il/ayeka-in-the-news/) - [Press Releases](https://ayeka.org.il/press-releases/) - [Education Blog](https://ayeka.org.il/education-blog/) - [Parents Blog](https://ayeka.org.il/ayeka-in-the-news/parents-blog/) - [Ayeka Musings](https://ayeka.org.il/musings/) ## Event Categories - [Education Events](https://ayeka.org.il/events/categories/education-events/) - [For Parents](https://ayeka.org.il/events/categories/for-parents/) - [For Individuals](https://ayeka.org.il/events/categories/for-individuals/) ## Groups - [Testimonials from Parents](https://ayeka.org.il/groups/testimonials-from-parents/) - [Education Testimonials](https://ayeka.org.il/groups/education-testimonials/) ## Topics - ["Bloopers in the Classroom" Video Series](https://ayeka.org.il/topics/bloopers/) - [Holiday Resources](https://ayeka.org.il/topics/holiday-resources/) ## Audiences - [Resources for Parents](https://ayeka.org.il/audiences/resources-for-parents/) - [Educator's Toolbox](https://ayeka.org.il/audiences/educators-toolbox/) ## Podcasts - [Find and Losing My Prayer](https://ayeka.org.il/podcasts/find-and-losing-my-prayer/) - [Ayeka: Prayers of the Lost & Found](https://ayeka.org.il/podcasts/ayeka-prayers-of-the-lost-found/)