S’lichot, which takes place on the Saturday night before Rosh Hashanah, provides an entry into the High Holy Days through reflection on the major themes of the season—renewal, repair, and growth. This year, we will begin with a screening of “Dying Doesn’t Feel Like What I’m Doing” followed by a discussion on what we can learn about these themes as we welcome the new year.
The film is about Rabbi Rachel Cowan, a beloved and influential mindfulness teacher, who is diagnosed with aggressive cancer. She uses her spiritual practice to navigate her death while looking back on her full life. Rabbi Cowan z’l, was a civil rights activist who taught people how to “sit” with themselves and stand up for others. The first female convert to become a rabbi, she and her late husband were instrumental in encouraging support of intermarried couples. Widowed at forty-eight, she had a powerful second act, transforming Jewish philanthropy, and transforming Jewish life by bringing mindfulness and meditation into the mainstream. After she was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer, she used her terminal illness to teach others how to contemplate the meaning and purpose of their lives at every stage.
Please note, for those who have already seen this film, we expect to begin the discussion on the film at about 10:15 pm. Following the film screening and discussion, we will continue with Havdallah and our S’lichot Service.
Daily Meditation from Institute for Jewish Spirituality
Dayenu Circle
