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.
A communal grief ritual for the holiday of Tisha b'Av in Occidental, CA. With Rabbi Zelig Golden, Rachel Ruach-Golden, Rabbi Dan Goldblatt and Zoë Goldblatt A reimagined observance of Tisha b’Av, the Jewish day of mourning. We will gather outdoors around a sacred fire to mourn through prayer, song and sharing of sacred memories. We give voice to the ancestors to bring them honor and offer them and us healing. The night will include a recitation of Eicha, the Book of Lamentations. Registration for this event is closed. If you are interested in hosting a similar event, send your query to admin@ariyael.org.
Rabbi Dan Goldblatt and End of Life Doula Zoë Goldblatt will engage residents of the Reutlinger Community and their families in exploring essential topics that are particularly poignant for elders. The topics include: grief, end of life planning, body disposition and Jewish traditions around death, dying and the afterlife. The community will be asked to respond with their interest in an ongoing series of programs including support groups, workshops and classes. Registration: Open to residents of Reutlinger community, their families, and the staff and volunteers of Reutlinger.
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 [...]
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 [...]
Welcome to The Journey Circle, an Online Discussion Group through EOLPC. The Discussion Group will be facilitated by AriYael's Zoe Francesca Goldblatt, MFA. Zoe works in the end-of-life field as a trained End of Life Doula, Activity Therapist and Spiritual Care Provider. Zoë facilitates a monthly Death Cafe and co-leads grief support groups and numerous workshops on spiritual aspects of grief and joy. As a Psychedelic Doula, she is particularly interested in the intersection of psychedelics and end-of-life spiritual inquiry. Journey Circle is a Safe Space for Exploration and Support to: Share Your Journey: Connect with others who understand your path. [...]
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 [...]
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: [...]
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