The School of Jewish-Living Arts

Taught by Rabbi Me’irah Iliinsky

The School of Jewish Living Arts is Or Shalom’s immersive learning initiative led by Rabbi Me’irah Iliinsky. These courses invite participants to learn by doing—combining Jewish tradition, sacred text, creative practice, and deep personal reflection. SJLA is open to members and non-members of all ages.

Whether you're braiding a Havdallah candle, chanting Torah for the first time, or hand-sewing a tallit to wear at your child’s b' mitzvah, SJLA courses meet you where you are and guide you into the heart of Jewish living—warmly, joyfully, and with intention.

Past Courses Have Included:

Jewish Approaches to End of Life (2024–2025)

A six-session journey through Jewish teachings on death and dying, mourning, and spiritual preparation. Participants explored everything from the role of the soul at the time of death, to the Jewish rituals of taharah (preparing the body) and shmirah (watching over the dead), culminating in a visit to Sinai Memorial Chapel.
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Beginning Hebrew Calligraphy & the Mystical Meaning of the Aleph-Bet (2024)

In this meditative art course, students learned to draw the letters of the Hebrew alphabet with brushes and pens while uncovering their mystical significance. Each participant created a framed piece featuring their favorite Hebrew verse.
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Make Your Own Haggadah Cards (2024)

Blending tradition with creativity, this visual storytelling workshop invited participants to reflect on the Passover story and create a personalized card-based haggadah using collage, calligraphy, and mixed media. The course concluded with a seder where each participant read from their own set of cards.
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Sew Your Own Tallit (2023)

This beloved, hands-on course guided participants in designing and sewing their own prayer shawls. Students explored the origins of the tallit in Jewish text, learned how to tie tzitzit (fringes), and celebrated their creations in a final showcase.
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Biblical Therapy: The Psalms (2023)

Co-taught with Or Shalom member Daniel Najjar, this course offered a deep and personal encounter with selected psalms known for their healing power. Students studied poetic structure, emotional resonance, and theological themes using Robert Alter’s acclaimed translation.

Kiddush/Kaddish: What’s the Difference? (2023)

A rich textual dive into two sacred Jewish practices—one to sanctify wine, the other to honor the dead. Taught in partnership with Rabbi Chaya, the class explored liturgy, history, and spiritual function through a lens of curiosity and meaning-making.

Candle-ology: Make Your Own Havdallah Candle (2022)

Participants braided their own Havdallah candles, created spice bundles, and explored the symbolism of this weekly ritual marking the separation between Shabbat and the weekday. The session also delved into themes of light, fragrance, and transition.

Ongoing Offerings

• Wise Women Aging
  A private monthly study group that explores life transitions and spiritual growth through the book Wise Aging by Rabbi Rachel Cowan and Dr. Linda Thal.

• Torah Chanting Cohort
  A weekly Zoom-based group where learners gain skills and confidence in chanting Torah. A new cohort is planned following the High Holidays.