Wholly Present Offerings in 2026
Join Us for an In-Person or Virtual Gathering...
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Excavating the
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8 Wednesdays
January 7 & 21; February 4 & 18; March 11 & 25; April 8 & 22, 2026
5-6:30 PM Pacific / 8-9:30 Eastern
Have you ever wondered how the spiritual teachings of the Jewish Renewal movement are rooted in Jewish tradition? Have you acquired Rabbi Burt Jacobson’s book Living in the Presence, A Personal Quest for the Baal Shem Tov, but found its length and density daunting? Join Rabbi Diane Elliot for this series designed to unpack some of the essential teachings of the Baal Shem Tov (also known as the BeShT), the great 18th century shaman, kabbalist and mystic who sparked a revival of Jewish spirituality across Eastern Europe that echoes through the Renewal Judaism of today. Using Rabbi Burt’s book, along with primary source texts, we’ll explore the context in which the BeShT and his teachings arose, the kabbalistic roots of early Hasidism, and some of Hasidism’s most essential innovations.
Prepare for Shabbat through chant, movement, and healing prayers – designed to calm the body-mind and cultivate kindness, compassion, and healing energy in this challenging time. You’ll have an opportunity to share the names of specific people and places you’re holding in your heart for healing; we end by speaking the mourner’s Kaddish prayer, to support those who are mourning the loss of loved ones.
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ALEPH and Wholly Present
presents an Embodying Spirit Retreat:
Dancing with the Baal Shem Tov
led by Rabbi Diane Elliot
with Rabbi Rivkah Coburn and Zacha Belok
June 8-12, 2026 at Four Springs Retreat Center, Middletown, CA
Come refresh your spirit for five glorious spring days in the hill country of Northern California! Embody the roots of Jewish Renewal with the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov (the BeShT), the great 18thcentury shaman, mystic and healer! Through dance and chant, moving prayer and creative ritual, we’ll explore some of the BeShT’s core teachings on joy, sweetening suffering, and connecting with the Divinity inside ourselves and in the world. Enjoy delicious, fresh food in a rustic, country setting. Rabbi Diane Elliot along with Rabbi Rivkah Coburn and Zacha Belok will serve as your guides on this mystic mythic journey. Anyone ready to move and be moved by spirit is welcome! Limited to 18 participants.
Limited to 18 participants! Scholarships Available!
More information and Registration available soon at
https://aleph.org/embodying-spirit/
led by Rabbi Diane Elliot
with Rabbi Rivkah Coburn and Zacha Belok
June 8-12, 2026 at Four Springs Retreat Center, Middletown, CA
Come refresh your spirit for five glorious spring days in the hill country of Northern California! Embody the roots of Jewish Renewal with the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov (the BeShT), the great 18thcentury shaman, mystic and healer! Through dance and chant, moving prayer and creative ritual, we’ll explore some of the BeShT’s core teachings on joy, sweetening suffering, and connecting with the Divinity inside ourselves and in the world. Enjoy delicious, fresh food in a rustic, country setting. Rabbi Diane Elliot along with Rabbi Rivkah Coburn and Zacha Belok will serve as your guides on this mystic mythic journey. Anyone ready to move and be moved by spirit is welcome! Limited to 18 participants.
Limited to 18 participants! Scholarships Available!
More information and Registration available soon at
https://aleph.org/embodying-spirit/
Spiritual Direction with Rabbi Diane Elliot
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Spiritual Direction is an evolving discipline built on the art of holy listening. Together, the director and the directee listen deeply and with compassion for the currents of truth, of wisdom, and for the sacred, held in suspension in even the most challenging experiences. In the process of Spiritual Direction, Rabbi Diane will help you to focus your awareness on your inner space, listening for kol d'mamma, the soft, murmuring voice of Spirit within and around you. You will feel companioned, heard, and encouraged to open your heart to Loving Presence in the midst of the distractions, busyness, and yearnings of your own life. Spiritual Direction sessions with Rabbi Diane generally last one hour and can happen by phone or Zoom.
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