This course is for anyone interested in how ancient texts inform modern day rhythms of Jewish life.
 
In this recorded online course with Sarah Chandler, aka Kohenet Shamirah, participants will explore how the Jewish calendar and our holiday cycle is built on the flow of water. Together, we will track the role of water throughout the Torah and how ancient Israelites’ relationship with water evolved to influence modern Jewish rituals. 
 
We will cover cycles of rain in the middle east, prayers for rain vs. dew, how water shows up in liturgy, embodied practices related to water, and more. In each session, we will explore: How can ritual-weaving support us in bridging the gap between our own lives and the ancient relationships with water of our spiritual ancestors? 
 
Map of the eight sessions:
 
Part 1: Primordial Flow: Upper and Lower Waters - We will dive into the waters of creation and swim in the rivers and seas that flow between heaven and earth. 
 
Part 2: Water is Life: Living Waters as Purity - a dip into mikveh and laundry: How did the ancients define the role of water in our daily lives? When was it spiritual and when was it practical? Can humans own water?
 
Part 3: Nile sediment: Ground waters of Egypt - Unlike the land of Israel, the fertile soil of Egypt stays hydrated by the nutrient rich Nile waters.
 
Part 4: Desert Survival: Dew, Moss, and Goats - Sun and rain, wind and clouds, flora and fauna. How do humans and animals survive in the desert, especially when nomadic? 
 
Part 5:  "He lays down snow like fleece, scatters frost like ashes." (Psalms 147:16) - How can snow and flow of sap enliven us, even when winter is a chilly and often uncomfortable season?
 
Part 6: Welcoming Dew - Praying for the tiny droplets of morning dew invites us to hold on to the "Dayenu" outlook of enough-ness.
 
Part 7: First fruits (Bikkurim) - what is our relationship with abundance? Where can we share the harvest? For those of us who aren't farmers, how can the ancient agricultural laws inform our modern values and ethics?
 
Part 8: Fall and the Water Drawing Ceremony (Simchat Beit HaShoeva) - what was this ritual of drawing and pouring out, and how can our modern re-enactments reconnect us with cycles of water around us? (Hint: This class will especially prepare us for Sukkot!)
 
All texts are provided in Hebrew and English translation. This course is open to novices and advanced learners of all backgrounds and orientations.
 
 
How does it work?
 
Each of the 8 sessions includes: 
 
1) A recorded 1.25 hours class, in which Sarah leads a study session. Sessions include a close reading of Jewish texts in their original, clearly translated and explained, together with relevant background information and discussion. ​ 
 
2) A printable handout of excerpts from the sources studied, provided in full English translation.
 
​3) A guided practice, informed by the study session and offered with clear instructions by Sarah, to ground the learning in embodied experience.
 
 
TESTIMONIAL
 
"Sarah is the rare teacher and trainer whose knowledge and wisdom is vast and deep but she somehow provides the space for your gifts to rise to the surface in each encounter. Her teachings have changed my life and my thinking. She is funny, wise and welcoming. Work with her and you will grow, you will be challenged, you will overcome your obstacles, and you will have a blast doing it."
- Yael Shy, Meditation Teacher, Author, and CEO of Mindfulness Consulting.