The tradition of Jewish meditation is rich, varied, and little known. Here at Chochmat, we are at the forefront of making meditation a part of mainstream Jewish spiritual practice. We invite you to participate in our sitting groups, classes, workshops, retreats, and contemplative services. Whether you’ve meditated before or not, there is a meditation activity here for you. In fact, unless otherwise specified, all our activities are suitable for both beginners and seasoned meditators. If you are new to Jewish meditation and would like to meet with one our teachers, contact Jeffrey Kessler to answer any questions.

"The spiritual realm is remarkably subtle. For this reason, in the story of Elijah (1 Kings 19: 11-12), God is not found in the whirlwind, fire or earthquake -- but in the subtle voice (or sound) that can only be heard in silence (qol d'mamah daqah). We can discern instructions for meditation here: the challenge in meditation is to persevere and to penetrate beyond the whirlwind of thought, the fire of emotion, and the quaking of sensation -- until we come to the very foundations of consciousness. Here, we may hear the still, subtle voice and find renewal in our encounter with the Divine."
--Rabbi Jonathan Omer-Man

We offer meditation services several times each week:

• Monday – 7:30pm Torah of Awakening Evening Practice
• Tuesday - 7:45am Torah of Awakening Morning Practice
• Wednesday - 8:15am Meditation of Presence
• Friday – 5:30pm Self-directed Meditation

Torah of Awakening
with Brian Schachter-Brooks
Meditation, Chanting and Talk
Evening Practice (Ma'ariv) Mondays at 7:30 pm
Morning Practice (Shakharit) Tuesdays at 7:45 am


"Awakening" is the experiential realization that you are infinitely more than the sum of your thoughts and feelings. Beneath the personality there is a radiant field of awareness, free from negativity and connected to the aliveness of the present moment. As this Living Presence is revealed within you, It meets Itself everywhere in Divine communion: devakut. "Torah of Awakening" is the teaching of Brian Yosef Schachter-Brooks. Its aim is to foster Jewish spiritual community and practice as a context for the awakening process in individuals. Silent meditation is at the heart of our practice, accompanied by musical chantin and traditional Jewish prayer. There is an emphasis on simplicity and direct experience, rather than dogmas, beliefs or ideology.

Self-Directed Shabbat Meditation
First and Third Friday
Come any time between 5:30pm and 6:20pm

Ease your way into the Shabbat holiday by slowing down, turning inward and meditating with a small group before Friday night services. Prepare yourself to welcome the Sabbath bride with an open, grounded heart.

Contemplative and Chanting Shabbat Morning Service
For upcoming dates, please visit the calendar
10:30 am some Saturday mornings

This meditative service, led by community leaders, is designed for adults and combines both chanting and silence in an alternating sequence to resonate with your soul and connect with the Divine.