Programs: The aleph kallah is a biennial week-long international gathering of the jewish renewal movement. Since 1985, the kallah has brought together thousands of jewish renewal seekers, artists, activists and teachers for a biennial week-long international gathering. The 2013 kallah took place in rindge nh was attended by 615 people from all over the world, many of these first-timers.
ruach haaretzruach haaretz, the aleph spiritual retreat program served over 300 people including students taking certification programs through other aleph programs such as c-deep's kol zimra l training for chant leaders, the aleph sage-ing program for elders, caretakers and professionals, a jewish meditation retreat and advanced studies for ordination students. It also ran spiritual retreats open to the general public.
aleph ordination programaleph ordination programs offer professional, post-graduate training leading to ordination for rabbis, cantors, chaplains. The program currently has an enrollment of 50 rabbinic students, 15 cantorial students, and 10 rabbinic students. Since 1996, over 100 musmachim (rabbis, hazzanut, and rabbinic pastors) have graduated from the program.
Aleph and the entire Jewish Renewal world has changed by life in so many ways. Our community, P'nai Or (Faces of Life) of Portland was created around our beloved Reb Aryeh Hirschfield of blessed memory. Since his unexpected and untimely death this past January, the community has come together in unbelievable ways and has shown that it did not exist merely because of the presence of one man. I have also experienced the teachings of many other Renewal leaders at Aleph sponsored events and independently and have always found that the experience deepened my understanding of myself and the Divine.
Aleph is a wonderful organization, that has truly advanced so many important issues in the Jewish world. From eco-kashrut and sacred foods to deep spirituality to interfaith work to ageing and so much more, Aleph has really pushed the boundaries of what it means to be Jewish in today's world. Aleph teachers are phenomenal, classes and workshops are inspiring and transformational - Aleph promotes a living, breathing, evolving Judaism for the heart, mind, body, and soul. Visit www.aleph.org for more info about this great organization!
