A Shomer Collective Virtual Meetup on Zoom for Jewish End-of-Life Doulas Many Jews are concerned about whether they are doing Shiva "right." The real question is, "How can Shiva better serve us in our time of grief?" Join Rabbi Dan Goldblatt of AriYael as we explore new ways of thinking about this deep practice of grief support. Register here.
What: An in-person panel discussion event hosted by JADE (Jewish Association for Death Education)Who: Liz Orlin, Zoë Goldblatt, Alissa Hirshfeld, and Rabbi Zac KamenetzWhen: May 12, 2026 6-7pmWhere: Manny’s Community Space, 3092 16th St, San Francisco, CA Join Sinai Memorial Chapel and JADE for an evening conversation about the emerging role of psychedelics in end-of-life care and grief. Join Sinai Memorial Chapel and the Jewish Association for Death Education (JADE) for an evening conversation exploring the emerging role of psychedelics in end-of-life care and the grief that follows. This thoughtful panel will bring together experts in spiritual care, psychotherapy, and end-of-life [...]
A 2.5-hour workshop for a cohort of elders traveling together on an Ashkenazi Ancestral Pilgrimage to Poland in Summer of 2026 With: Rabbi Dan Goldblatt and Zoë Goldblatt, End of Life Doula Where: Zoom When: May 18, 2026 Registration Info: Must be a member of the Ashkenazi Ancestral Pilgrimage to Poland in 2026 to participate. One spot left! Contact: Ellie Schindelman at <elliesch@gmail.com> This workshop will address issues around Jewish ancestral connections in Poland in the mid-13th through mid-20th centuries. We will look at connecting with ancestors who thrived in communities where Jewish culture flourished to seek their wisdom, blessings and [...]
A learning session at "Shabbat and Shavuot - Tikkun and Revelation Ritual" with Rabbi Dan Goldblatt at Makom Shalom West Sonoma County Forest Synagogue, Occidental, CA How do peak experiences impact the course of our lives? How do they inform our relationship to the Mystery? Reb Zalman taught that revelation is an ongoing process. The recounting of the Jewish people receiving the Torah teaches us to pay attention to the peak experiences of our lives.
A learning session at Sinai Memorial’s "Annual Day of Learning" with Rabbi Dan Goldblatt at Sinai Memorial Chapel, San Francisco, CA Shiva is a powerful Jewish ritual meant to gently and compassionately guide mourners into their grief experience. We will explore renewed and innovative approaches that deepen our relationship to, and appreciation of, this profound spiritual practice.
Led by Ellie Schindelman of Wilderness Torah, with Rabbi Dan Goldblatt and Zoë Francesca Goldblatt A 9-month learning journey to reconnect with your Ashkenazi roots on a two-week pilgrimage in Poland, which includes both pre-trip preparation and post-trip integration. A unique opportunity to reclaim ancestral connection through culture, history, spiritual exploration, and nature-connection. Rabbi Dan Goldblatt will be providing spiritual care and Zoë Francesca Goldblatt will be providing Doula support and grief support. Registration Info: Main registration is now closed, but special inquiries can be made to Ellie Schindelman at <elliesch@gmail.com>.
Pre-Yom Kippur study session An intimate evening circle at a private home in the Berkeley Hills. Participants will learn about Jewish rituals around illness, grief and loss, led by Zoë Goldblatt, Death Doula and Jewish educator. The time between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is an ideal time for reflection and preparation for Yom Kippur services or rituals that include Yizkor, a tender memorial for loved ones who have died, communal and individual prayers of atonement, forgiveness, and compassion; and the wearing of white garments which mirror white linen Jewish burial shrouds: a “rehearsal” for one’s own death. This is a [...]
Death Cafe is an international movement started in England in 2011 where people gather in community to discuss topics on their minds and hearts related to death and dying. With Zoë Goldblatt, Death Doula at AriYael Jewish Healing Center and Nancy Finkle, Death Doula at East Bay End Of Life Doula Network Death Cafes have designated facilitators to make sure the conversation remains free of any agendas or goals. Each person who attends gets a chance to share what brings them there. Death Cafe is NOT a therapy group or grief support group, although attendees living with an illness, and/or a recent loss, [...]
A peer-led group of Jewish spiritual leaders exploring the integration of sacred medicine into Jewish spiritual practice This is a monthly virtual peer supervision and consultation group for Jewish clergy and spiritual leaders from across the country who are studying psychedelic-assisted or entheogenic practice within a Jewish framework. Members bring ideas, questions, and case studies for open discussion with colleagues in a confidential setting. The group functions in a space for peer support, halachik and ethical reflection, and shared learning as this emerging field intersects with traditional Jewish leadership. When: The 3rd Wednesday of each month from 3 pm Eastern (noon Pacific) until [...]
An Elders Shabbaton with Rabbi Dan and Zoe Goldblatt, along with: Ellie Schindelman, Kohenet Amanda Nube, Rabbi Elizheva Hurvitch, the Chochmat HaLev Kabbalat Shabbat Team. This Immersive Shabbat Experience will explore the elder journey through Jewish spirituality and nature connection. Registration is open to Bay Area residents over the age of 55. From Friday afternoon through Havdalah on Saturday evening participants will engage in Jewish learning, contemplative practices, nature connection, music, prayer, shared meals, and deep conversation. Together, we will explore how Jewish tradition and life experience can support the journey into elderhood. This event does not include overnight residential accommodations. When: [...]
A Contemplative Community Exploring Death, Consciousness, and Expanded States of Awareness; Deepening presence, connection, and our capacity to live with greater intention and care With Christine Caldwell, Rev. Norma Burton, Rabbi Dan Goldblatt, Rohini Kanniganti, MD, and David Dansky, MD The Death Sangha is a contemplative community. We’ll be talking openly about death, dying, and consciousness, and diving into some of the deeper questions of the soul. This kind of reflection can be profound, but it can also bring to the surface material that feels difficult or uncomfortable. Come with self-compassion, go at your own pace, and lean on your support [...]
A weekly poetry study and writing group for elders With: Zoë Goldblatt, MFA Where: The Reutlinger in Danville, CA When: Every Monday, starting January 5th, 2026 Registration Info: Must be a resident of The Reutlinger to participate This poetry group is for elders who are wanting to engage seriously with poetic texts both traditional and contemporary to do literary analysis, in-depth discussion and creative writing exercises of their own. The group members will have opportunities in each weekly meeting to read aloud, interpret and respond to a variety of literary poems chosen by the facilitator and by the group. In the [...]
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