UPCOMING JEWISH MINDFULNESS EVENTS
Sunday, December 21 (in person in Boston, Massachusetts) — The Eighth Light: A Chanukah & Winter Solstice Half-Day Meditation Retreat (tiered sliding scale) —Alison and Dr. Jes Golden are co-teaching this uplifting, reflective, in-person retreat in the Boston area. Learn more and register here.
Jewish Mindfulness—One Branch of Two Wings Mindfulness
Connecting with Judaism's Contemplative Heart
Jewish mindfulness sits at the intersection of mindfulness practice and Jewish tradition—sometimes a return to practices that have always lived within our tradition, sometimes a creative synthesis, always an invitation to deeper presence, love, and compassionately wise action.
We draw from teachings of Jewish contemplative teachers past and present—from Rebbe Nachman of Bratslav to Rabbi Shefa Gold, from ancient mystics to contemporary scholars. Their wisdom guides and enriches our learning and practice.
Over the past two decades, Jewish mindfulness spaces have called to my heart—first as a student and community member, then increasingly as a teacher. Several years ago, a casual conversation with a local rabbi ended with an unexpected invitation to lead contemplative Shabbat services for his congregation. Caught off-guard, I hesitated and questioned my worthiness—then took the plunge. Hineni, here I am. Hinenu, here we are.
For thousands of years, Jewish tradition has offered pathways to awareness, compassion, intuitive wisdom, and connection to something larger than ourselves. From the emphasis on intentionality—kavannah—to the weekly practice of Shabbat as sanctuary in time, Judaism understands what neuroscience now confirms: training our attention and cultivating compassion transforms how we experience life, live life, and heal.
The Shema and V'ahavta prayers, central to Jewish tradition, teach us the two wings of practice: Shema—listen, pay attention, be present—and V'ahavta—love with all your heart, soul, and strength. Awareness and compassion. Listening and loving.
Speaking of loving, in Song of Songs/Shir Hashirim we read: Ani L'Dodi V'dodi Li—I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine. But what is the Beloved? For some, it's the Divine Mystery, the Source of Life, the Great Love. For others, it's loving awareness itself, accessed through meditation or prayer. It might be the sacred power of human connection, or Hebrew words like Shekhinah or Havayah. Or simply Mystery, or Oneness, or God—whoever or whatever you take God to be. Or the very Jewish answer: "Who knows?"
What matters: when we practice with presence and care, we're held by something larger. Hinenu—here we are. And in showing up together, we become the Beloved's presence for one another. Sacred connection is at the heart of Jewish mindfulness practice.
Kind Words
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"Each IJS daily sit that you've led has touched and uplifted me in my practice. You inspired me when inspiration felt unlikely, connected with me (and, I'm sure, many others) and infused my day with both peace and joy. I thank you."
~ L.G., Institute for Jewish Spirituality Daily Sit participant
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"I gained more access to my connection with Judaism. I loved Alison's warmth, inclusion, and welcoming nature. She made space for our individual experiences while holding the space with structure and organization. Loved the hitbodedut, the chanting, the handouts, the ritual, meditations, quotes, poetry."
~ Shabbaton (Shabbat retreat) participant
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"Alison creates a beautiful kehillah/sacred space/community. It always feels safe, supportive, interesting, and like the participants have known each other much longer and more intimately than we have. Alison balances opportunities to share, be in practice individually as well as together, [along] with the teachings she offers."
~ class participant
Who Is This For?
You might resonate with this approach if you:
Want mindfulness practices rooted in Jewish wisdom and tradition
Have felt disconnected from Jewish practice and are curious about contemplative Judaism
Already have a mindfulness practice and want to deepen it with Jewish wisdom
Are in an interfaith family exploring the contemplative dimensions of Judaism
Are a rabbi, educator, or Jewish professional seeking personal renewal
Simply feel drawn to Jewish wisdom, regardless of background
So happy to be with my beloved co-teachers at an Institute for Jewish Spirituality (IJS) multi-day retreat in Aug. 2025, Being With What Is: A Silent Jewish Mindfulness Retreat for Young Adults: (l-r) Rebecca Schisler, Kohenet Keshira HaLev Fife, Dr. Jes Golden.
What you'll need: Just a willingness to show up and explore.
You don't need to read Hebrew.
You don't need to have grown up keeping Shabbat or davening/praying.
You don't need to identify as religiously observant, know anything about meditation, or feel sure about any of this.
What we will do together: integrate Jewish concepts, practices, and texts with meditation and discussion. In retreat contexts, we'll create Shabbat-like containers for deep rest and reflection, weaving Jewish liturgy, song, textual exploration, and practice.
And as with all Two Wings offerings, we'll make space for both individual insight and communal support—because meaningful, heart-centered change happens at the intersection of personal practice, skillful guidance, and authentic connection.
Offerings
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Jewish Mindfulness Retreats
Daylong and multi-day immersions weaving meditation, soulful ritual, song, contemplative prayer, exploration of Jewish texts, and community practice.
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Kehilah: Community Classes
Thematic explorations of Jewish wisdom, mindfulness, mindful communication, self-compassion, and emotional well-being.
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One-on-One Coaching
Personalized accompaniment and guidance to support spiritual healing, growth, and deepening your Jewish spiritual practice and present-moment compassionate awareness. You can learn more about Alison’s approach to coaching here.
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Organizational Partnerships
Two Wings collaborates with synagogues, Jewish organizations, schools, and retreat centers to bring Jewish mindfulness programs to communities. Some past and present partners include Sixth & I Synagogue (Washington, DC), the Institute for Jewish Spirituality, Am Kolel Sanctuary Community (Rockville, MD), Congregation Har Shalom (Durango, CO), and the Institute of Jewish Knowledge & Learning (IJKL).
Kind Words
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"Feeling so touched by this retreat experience. I so resonated with you, your way of being, your offerings”
~ M.K., multi-day retreat participant
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Chag Sameach! I just wanted to take a moment to thank you so much for another wonderful and positively impactful course. I enjoyed every minute of it and I got so much out of it.
~ class participant who also engages in 1:1 “Your Life is Your Practice, Your Practice is Your Life” coaching each month
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"In this Jewish mindfulness class, I gained the safety to explore tough emotions, and the knowledge that I have the ability to do so without it overwhelming me."
~ class participant
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. You are welcome exactly as you are. These spaces honor questioning, doubt, and complex relationships with Judaism. Many of us carry wounds from past Jewish experiences—whether related to theology, politics, gender, sexuality, family dynamics, or simply not feeling "Jewish enough." You're not alone in this. Jewish mindfulness invites us to encounter our tradition through contemplative practice rather than doctrine or obligation. We create space for silence, for multiple truths, and for the reality that each person's relationship with Judaism is their own. What matters here isn't how you identify or what you believe, but your willingness to show up with an open heart. Some participants are deeply connected to Jewish life; others are exploring for the first time or reconnecting after years away. All are welcome.
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No. While this work is grounded in Jewish wisdom, you're welcome regardless of background.
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Beautiful! Jewish mindfulness can add layers of meaning, context, and community to your existing practice.
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What's your background in Jewish mindfulness?
My heart and soul have been steeped in Judaism throughout my life. The rhythms of Jewish time, the texture of Hebrew prayers, the questions our tradition asks—these live in my bones in a way that feels both inherited and chosen.
Over the last 15 years, I've attended Jewish meditation retreats and studied with Or HaLev and the Institute for Jewish Spirituality, Rabbi Dr. David Moster's Institute of Biblical Studies, Taproot Community Ritualist Program, among others. I'm also in spiritual direction with Rabbi Diane Elliot and maintain a daily meditation practice rooted in both Jewish and Buddhist traditions. I've had the honor of teaching Jewish mindfulness retreats and classes in partnership with synagogues, retreat centers, and organizations, including the Institute for Jewish Spirituality, Sixth & I Synagogue, At the Well, and Am Kolel.
You can read more about my journey as what some might call a BuJew :) here.
Getting ready to officiate a Jewish wedding (with lots of mindfulness!) for a couple who are part of the Two Wings community! Congrats, E & J! Looking forward to officiating the wedding of two more community members later this year.
Ways to Connect
Sign up for the Two Wings Mindfulness newsletter below to get updates on upcoming retreats, classes, and community gatherings—some will be Jewish mindfulness-specific, others will not.
Please contact Alison here if you’re interested in:
One-on-one "Your Life is Your Practice, Your Practice is Your Life" coaching that integrates Jewish mindfulness (contact Alison to schedule a free 20-minute exploratory call)
Bringing these teachings to your community
Learning more about an upcoming offering
The Eighth Light:
A Chanukah & Winter Solstice Half-Day Meditation Retreat
In person in the Boston area | guided by Alison Cohen & Dr. Jes Golden | co-sponsored by RUACH
Dec. 21st, 2025 | 1:30-6 pm ET
Cost & Registration:
This retreat is being offered on a tiered sliding scale. Please choose the rate that best fits your current circumstances. All rates provide full access to every aspect of the retreat.
Sustainer Rate: $72 (Register here.)
The standard cost of participating in this retreat
Supported Rate: $36 (Register here.)
Generously subsidized by RUACH for young adults ages 17-39, and available to anyone who needs a reduced rate
Giver Rate: $108 (Register here.)
The standard cost + a generous contribution of $36 to support those who need reduced rates
Frequently-asked questions
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We’ll be coming together at a Jewish communal space in the Boston area, specifically an easily accessible space in the Camberville (Cambridge & Somerville) area near a T Stop. You will receive the exact location by email after you register, in a pre-retreat email two weeks before the retreat.
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If you cancel your registration one week or more before the retreat begins, we will refund your full registration fee.
Less than one week prior to the retreat, we will not be able to provide a refund since we may not be able to fill your spot.
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Thanks for asking! Please send us a message and we will get back to you within two business days.
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This retreat will be held in social silence. What this means is that for most of the day, only the teachers will be speaking—offering teachings, leading chanting, guiding meditations, responding to questions—and we warmly encourage you to participate in the chanting to whatever extent you feel comfortable doing so, ask questions during the Q & R periods, and share during the opening and closing circles. During the break partway through the day, we will be in social silence. During the optional community time after candle lighting, please feel free to chat! Please see the retreat schedule below for more information about when social silence begins and ends.
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RUACH is a Boston-based collective of extraordinary teachers bringing embodied Jewish spirituality to local communities through breath, movement, meditation — and a dash of play. You can learn more at thisisruach.org.
Teaching Team
After Alison and Jes co-taught together on a multi-day Institute for Jewish Spirituality residential meditation retreat, a friendship was born! It’s a joy for them to offer this half-day retreat together.
Dr. Jes Golden
Jes Golden (they/she—formerly Jes Heppler) is a meditation teacher and researcher who focuses on embodied experience in Jewish and Buddhist meditation. Grounded in their Sephardi and Ashkenazi lineages, Jes’ teaching weaves Jewish and earth-based spirituality with philosophical and neuroscientific insights. Jes teaches regularly for the Institute for Jewish Spirituality (IJS): they host the IJS LGBTQ+ Monthly Sit, guide the IJS Daily Sit, and lead both online and in-person programming for the IJS young adult community, Shevet. Jes has also taught for Or HaLev’s Ground & Center series. They are also a graduate of Or HaLev and IJS’s Meditation Teacher Training Program. Jes holds a PhD in Philosophy from UC Berkeley and is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Center for Possible Minds at Indiana University, where they are researching bodily awareness in Buddhist and Jewish meditation.
Alison Cohen
Alison Cohen (she/her), also known as Ali, loves supporting people in strengthening their capacity to connect: with themselves, with others, and with ancient and contemporary wisdom traditions. Ali’s journey to practice began as a young adult when she was desperate for guidance on how to compassionately navigate her tumultuous internal landscape, not to mention the world. On a young adult retreat, she found what she was looking for. Ali has practiced extensively in Buddhist and Jewish meditation spaces ever since. A former public high school teacher and mindfulness program director, Ali guides Two Wings Mindfulness. In addition, she mentors in the global Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program and teaches in Tara Brach’s 2025 Year of Courageous Loving course. Ali has trained with the Jewish Mindfulness Center of Brooklyn, Mindful Schools, OrHaLev and IJS, the UMass Center for Mindfulness (MBSR), David Treleaven, Taproot’s Community Ritualist Training Program, and the International Institute for Restorative Practices, as well as under the guidance of several beloved teachers.
A note about social silence: This retreat will be held in social silence. What this means is that for most of our time together, only the teachers will be speaking—offering teachings, leading chanting, guiding meditations, responding to questions—and we warmly encourage you to participate in the chanting to whatever extent you feel comfortable doing so, ask questions during the Question & Response (Q & R—we definitely don’t have all the answers!) periods, and share during the opening and closing circles. During the break partway through the day, we will be in social silence. During the optional community time after candle lighting, please feel free to chat! Please see the retreat schedule below for more information about when social silence begins and ends.
If you have any questions about accessibility, please get in touch.
Retreat schedule (Subject to slight changes)
1:30-2:15 pm Arrival & Opening Circle
2:15-2:30 pm (Social silence begins) Guided Meditation Practice
2:30-2:50 pm Intro to Walking Meditation Practice (alternatives will be provided) + Walking Meditation Period
2:50-3:30 pm First Teaching & Guided Practice Period
3:30-3:45 pm Question & Response Period
3:45-4 pm Applied Mindfulness Period aka a break (light snacks provided)
4:00-4:45 pm Second Teaching & Guided Practice Period
4:45-5 pm Journaling Practice with prompts
5-5:15 pm Walking Meditation Period
5:15-5:30 pm Question & Response Period / Integration Practices
5-5:45 pm Closing Circle
5:45-6 pm Chanukah Candlelighting -> Social Silence ends
6 pm: Optional community hangout time with Chanukah treats!
Read on for registration information,teacher bios, & FAQs.
Why this half-day retreat?
Join us for a contemplative Jewish meditation retreat in the Boston area, held in social silence, marking a potent moment in the cycle of the year: the final night of Chanukah, Rosh Chodesh Tevet, and the winter solstice. As we kindle the eighth light while marking the longest night of the year, we gather to reflect, center, and integrate all we have learned since the High Holy Days.
We will honor this sacred threshold through guided and silent meditation, gentle movement, reflective practice, and wisdom from our tradition: how does the interplay of light and darkness invite us to return to ourselves, to community, and the Mystery? During this era of uncertainty and disruption, embodied practice and Jewish teachings will support us in nourishing and resourcing the heart.
Chanukah is a rich time to circle back to the intentions and insights from the High Holy Days. What has the journey from Rosh Hashanah to now revealed in us, in our lives? What are we ready to release as the light begins its return and we contemplate how our bodies, minds, and souls can be of service in the work of tikkun olam, repairing the world? What inner light are we cultivating to carry through Jewish time and through the Gregorian new year?
Together, we'll create space for looking back with compassion and looking forward with intention, grounded in mindful presence and the wisdom of the Jewish calendar's cycles.
All are warmly welcome to join us, regardless of your Jewish knowledge base and meditation practice experience. You will receive the address of the retreat location after you register.
This retreat is generously co-sponsored by RUACH, a Boston-based collective of extraordinary teachers bringing embodied Jewish spirituality to local communities through breath, movement, meditation — and a dash of play.