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.

Get in touch

And we also learn to access intuitive wisdom. For thousands of years, Jewish tradition has offered pathways to awareness, compassion, inner knowing, and connection to something larger than ourselves. From the emphasis on intentionality—kavannah—to the weekly practice of Shabbat as sanctuary in time, Judaism has always understood 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

  • "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

  • "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

  • "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:

  • Are Jewish and want mindfulness practices connected to your heritage

  • 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: (l-r) Rebecca Schisler, Kohenet Keshira HaLev Fife, Dr. Jes Golden.

All you need is curiosity and willingness to explore.

You don't need to read Hebrew, have grown up with Jewish practice, identify as religiously observant, or have prior meditation experience. 

We’ll integrate concepts, practices, texts, and discussion. 

In retreat contexts, we’ll create Shabbat-like containers for deep rest and reflection, weaving Jewish liturgy, song, textual exploration, and meditation practice.

And as with all Two Wings Mindfulness offerings, we’ll create space for both individual insight and communal support—because lasting transformation happens at the intersection of personal practice, skillful guidance, and authentic connection.

Offerings

  • Jewish Mindfulness Retreats

    Daylong and multi-day immersions weaving meditation, Jewish text study, contemplative prayer, and community practice.

  • Kehilah: Community Classes

    Thematic explorations of Jewish wisdom, mindfulness, mindful communication, self-compassion, and emotional well-being.

  • One-on-One Coaching

    Personalized accompaniment and guidance to support spiritual healing, growth, and deepening your Jewish spiritual practice and present-moment compassionate awareness.

  • 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

  • "Feeling so touched by this retreat experience. I so resonated with you, your way of being, your offerings”

    ~ M.K., multi-day retreat participant

  • 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

  • "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

  • 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.

  • No. While this work is grounded in Jewish wisdom, you're welcome regardless of background.

  • Beautiful! Jewish mindfulness can add layers of meaning, context, and community to your existing practice.

  • 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, and Am Kolel.

    You can read more about my journey as what some might call a BuJew :) here.

So glad the wedding photographer captured this moment: Getting ready to officiate a Jewish wedding (with lots of mindfulness!) for a couple who are part of the Two Wings community! Mazel tov, E & J!

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:

  • 1:1 "Your Life is Your Practice, Your Practice is Your Life" coaching that integrates Jewish mindfulness (schedule a free 20-minute exploratory call)

  • Bringing these teachings to your community

  • Learning more about an upcoming offering