"I can't wait to go to temple!"

"I am overjoyed to have found a community of such warmth and joy and depth... Life feels magical to me... I'm still on a high." With love, Fran Davis

"TAO warms my heart. There is a oneness, deep spirituality a phenomenal Rabbi who makes me feel connected to religion, and great people I am proud to call my friends."  Lowell Gannon

"I'm a better person for being in this community."  Anne Goldberg

"TAO opens my heart, engulfs me in my Judaism and spirituality, and helps me relate to my godliness."  Penny Cheever

"I love being part of the warm TAO community. This is a real, loving family where I formed amazing friendships. The rabbis are phenomenal. They are always there for you. There is no prejudice. You are accepted for who you are."  Rhonda Hey

"I gave up on Judaism and studied Hinduism, Christianity, Buddhism and more. Finally I discovered that my beliefs exist in Judaism. Then I found the Rabbis and this community, and that sealed the deal! I have never, in my life, felt such love, warmth and belonging. I grow in every way by my connections to TAO. I'm so glad I found you."  Jenae Rubin

What is Jewish Renewal?

Jewish renewal is a worldwide, trans-denominational movement grounded in Judaism's prophetic and mystical traditions. Jewish renewal carries forward Judaism's perpetual process of renewal. Renewal honors the important and unique role of each denomination and does not seek to become a denomination.

Because of the emphasis on direct spiritual experience, mystical or Kabbalistic teachings, Jewish Renewal is sometimes referred to as Neo-Hasidic or Four Worlds Judaism (a reference to the "four worlds" of Jewish mysticism). While we seek to restore the spiritual vitality characteristics of the Hasidic movement of pre-war Europe, we believe that Judaism is an evolving religious civilization. This differentiates us from the Baal Tshuvah movement, which we refer to as Restorationist.

Jewish renewal seeks to bring creativity, relevance, joy, and an all embracing awareness to spiritual practice, as a path to healing our hearts and finding balance and wholeness - tikkun halev.

Jewish renewal acts to fully include all Jews and to respect all peoples.

Jewish renewal helps to heal the world by promoting justice, freedom, responsibility, caring for all life and the earth that sustains all life - tikkun olam.

Is this "New Age" Judaism?

Not really. Jewish Renewal is sometimes referred to as "New Age" by people who do not know that meditation, dance, chant, and mysticism have been present in Judaism throughout the ages and not, as some mistakenly believe, patched onto Judaism from other cultures. Sadly, some of authentic, time-honored Jewish beliefs and practices have been lost leaving many unaware of their existence in Judaism. This is a major reason why so many spiritually sensitive Jews seek spiritual expression in other faiths. Renewal revives the "hidden" treasures of Judaism and makes them accessible to seekers.

Where does Jewish Renewal come from?

Paradigm shifts in Judaism go back as far as the deconstruction of the Second Temple (70 CE) and the transition from the Priestly Judaism of the Temple Cult to the today's Rabbinic tradition. Other major shifts occurred in response to upheavals such as the Expulsion from Spain, the Enlightenment, the founding of the Hasidic movement, the emergence of Reform/post-halachic Judaism, and the trauma of the Holocaust.

The current movement of Jewish Renewal traces its roots to the Havurah, feminism, and other late 20th century phenomena, but primarily to the work of Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach (z'l) and Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi. Both Reb Shlomo and Reb Zalman were trained in the Lubavitch Hasidic movement and later left it founding their own institutions, ordaining students and planting the seeds of Jewish Renewal worldwide. ALEPH is the outgrowth of B'nai Or Religious Fellowship, founded by Reb Zalman in 1962.

Want more information about Jewish Renewal?

• Godwrestling, Round 2 by R. Arthur Waskow to learn about the chronicle of the history of Jewish Renewal.
• He also authored Seasons of Our Joy and
• Down to Earth Judaism: Food, Money, Sex, and the Rest of Life
• Jewish Renewal: A Path to Healing and Transformation by Michael Lerner
• Jewish With Feeling: A Guide to meaningful Jewish Practice by Rabbi Zalman Schachter, founder of Jewish Renewal
• Gate to the Heart: An Evolving Process by Rabbi Zalman Schachter
• Renewal Raises Its Sights While Resisting Any Labelby FORWARD: The Jewish Daily newspaper