The School of Jewish-Living Arts

Taught by Rabbi Me’irah Iliinsky

The School of Jewish Living Arts (SJLA) is Or Shalom’s hands-on learning program, founded and led by Rabbi Me’irah Iliinsky, a longtime textile artist and painter of sacred texts. Rooted in the idea that “one mitzvah draws another,” SJLA opens the door to Jewish life through creativity and craft.

In its first year, this donation-based program has offered classes in making your own prayer shawl, the particularities of Jewish candles, painting your own ritual object and more. Each course is an invitation to learn by doing, blending tradition, sacred text, creative expression, and personal reflection. All are welcome, members and non-members alike.

Whether you're chanting Torah for the first time or sewing a tallit for yourself or your child’s b’ mitzvah, SJLA meets you where you are and helps you create something meaningful. When you make your own ritual objects, you’re more likely to use them—and more likely to deepen your connection to Jewish life.

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 experience of the soul at 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 began learning to use a brush to paint the letters of the Hebrew alphabet while uncovering their mystical significance.
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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 individualize the neckpiece. Best of all, they now  wear them to Saturday morning services!
Read about it in J. The Jewish News ›

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: Learn the Fine Points of Shabbat Candles, and Make Your Own Havdallah Candle! (2022)
Participants practiced the order of setting up and lighting Shabbat candles, 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 - This closed and private monthly study group explores our final 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. While this cohort is full, a new cohort is planned following the High Holy Days in Fall 2025.
• Joyous Field Trips to Local Cemeteries - Planned for July 20 and August 17, these trips will include BYO picnic lunch and Torah study. Led by Rabbi Me’irah, we will be accompanied by Lisa Finkelstein of Sinai Memorial Chapel, our wonderful non-profit Jewish funeral home.