Reb Zalman zt”l Legacy Shabbaton

For many years, Reb Zalman Schachter Shalomi zt”l, and Eve Ilsen came to Havurah Shir Hadash in Ashland for an annual weekend of ecstatic music, deep learning and prayer. Jewish Renewal folks from around the country would descend on the Havurah each year to be a part of the transformational magic that was created during those Shabbaton weekends. Reb Zalman and Eve were joined by many West Coast Jewish Renewal rabbis. This year these same teachers, many of the whom who were ordained by Reb Zalman, will contribute their wisdom teachings and music in order to bring forward his amazing, paradigm shifting teachings.

Rabbi David Zaslow of Havurah Shir Hadash says, “At the end of Reb Zalman’s last Shabbaton in Ashland he said to me, ‘Please gather again next year. I’m not sure I’ll make it, but this gathering is so special. I’ll try to be there.’ In the spirit of the Rebbe’s incredible legacy we’ll have a gathering of the tribes from all over to celebrate his teachings, music, and wisdom.”

The upcoming Reb Zalman Legacy Shabbaton will take place on April 24-26, 2015 at the Havurah Synagogue in Ashland. Eve Ilsen will be exploring both the subtleties of the weekly Torah reading, and the unique period of time after Passover when the weekend gathering will take place. In the weekly Omer counting we’ll be passing from the week of Netzach to the week of Hod, and Ms. Ilsen will explore these themes through story, song and imaginal exercises. Rabbi David Zaslow says, “Eve was trained in the use of imaginal exercise in the unique Sephardi tradition of her teacher Mme. Colette Aboulker-Muscat. Unlike simple visualizations, imaginal exercises are a wonderful way to touch the inner worlds. She is an extraordinary guide!” It promises to be an extraordinary fulfillment of Reb Zalman’s vision. Rabbi David writes, “At the Ohalah rabbinic retreat in January, Reb Zalman’s presence was palpable and profoundly accessible. I think the same will be true at our Shabbaton.”

The Shabbaton will be infused with the spirited music of Brian Yosef Schachter-Brooks, Rabbi Yitzhak Husbands-Hankin, Cyrise Beatty Schachter, Laura Berman Benelli, Bruce Morris and others. Teachings, storytelling and workshops will be offered by Reneé Brachfeld, Mark Novak, Sue Morningstar, David Zaslow, Devorah Zaslow, Lavey Derby, Cassandra Sagan, Ashira Katz, Joshua Boettiger, Jackie Brodsky, Hannah Dresner, Julie Danan, Benjamin Barnett & others.

Ayala Zonnenschein, Executive Director of the Havurah Synagogue says, “Our Shabbatons with Reb Zalman and Eve have been amazing, uplifting, inspiring and life-changing for so many people. This year, we will continue that tradition by invoking the tremendous legacy of Reb Zalman, zt”l and also by honoring Eve, a brilliant teacher and storyteller.”
The $225 feel for the entire weekend includes Friday night Kabbalat Shabbat and oneg, Shabbat morning Torah service, lunch, various workshops in the afternoon, Saturday evening storytelling concert, Sunday morning breakfast followed by davvening and closing circle. A women’s mikvah, led by Cyrise Beatty Schachter, and a men’s mikvah led by Rabbi David Zaslow will be offered on Friday afternoon prior to the start of the Shabbaton at Southern Oregon’s kosher mikvah at the Jackson Wellsprings. For more info about the mikvah and mineral spring spa visit www.jacksonwellsprings.com. Work trade discounts are available for anyone wishing to have a reduced fee. For more information and to register, please visit www.havurahshirhadash.org. You will find there the flyer for the event, FAQ’s and registration forms. Early Bird fee of just $150 is available to all who register before February 15. Visit the website to see information on hotel discounts.