Introducing the Deep Ecumenism Institute
The Deep Ecumenism Institute is Yerusha’s new home for all educational programming related to the study of Deep Ecumenism, the innovative philosophy for inter and intra-faith dialogue, coined by Matthew Fox and championed by Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi (z”l).
The Path of Deep Ecumenism: Part 1
with Rabbi Victor Gross, Ph.D
Tuesdays, 5:00-7:00pm ET
October 25 – December 6, 2022
All religions are wells fed by the river of Divinity, and these wells in turn feed that Divine river. Reb Zalman asserted that when we come to each religion’s theologies, we are all on shaky ground. These ideologies create the divisions of triumphalism; that we are always right and you are always wrong. This course will delve deeply into the need and justification to change the historical reality-maps of division and competition, and come to understand how Deep Ecumenism is the path that is necessary for a spiritual and cultural paradigm shift.
Learn more and register.
The Jewish Wisdom of Jesus and the Roots of Modern Spiritual Practice
with Hazzan-Maggid Steve Klaper
Wednesdays, 5:00-7:00pm ET
October 26 – December 7, 2022
Judaism and Christianity have each removed Jesus from his place in the lineage of Jewish teachers, but his deeply Jewish message can be understood almost entirely as a daring attempt to re-form the Judaism of his day. In this 6-part interfaith class, we place Jesus in historical context as an innovative, first century teacher of Jewish wisdom. Join Hazzan-Maggid Steve Klaper in exploring the life and teachings of the most famous Jewish teacher in history, in a respectful and spiritual way.
What is Deep Ecumenism?
Meister Eckhart said: “Divinity is an underground river that no one can stop and no one can dam up.”
There is one underground river-but there are many wells into that river.
“…we would make a grave mistake if we confused the well itself with the flowing waters of the underground river. Many wells, one river. That is Deep Ecumenism.” —Mathew Fox
Reb Zalman z”l taught that we can and should find nourishment in traditions other than our own. He often reminded us that “you can’t get all your vitamins from one source.” In his last words to us all, published posthumously*, he adjured us to undertake “the more intrepid exploration of deep ecumenism in which one learns about oneself through participatory engagement with another religion or tradition.”
*Foundations of the Fourth Turning of Hasidism: A Manifesto
From Seed to Blossom: Renewing Judaism
with Rabbi Victor Gross, Ph.D
6 Wednesdays
August 17 – September 21 – 5:00-7:00pm ET
An Interfaith Pilgrimage to Israel/Palestine
Join four spiritual leaders who have dedicated their work to building deeply meaningful interfaith relationships on a life-changing two-week trip. You’ll meet inspiring individuals who are building bridges for reconciliation and coexistence, visit holy sites and places of worship where you’ll join together to pray for peace, and experience the natural and human beauty of Israel and Palestine.
Next trip in Fall 2023
Look for full information soon!
Don’t miss this third interfaith pilgrimage, led by Rabbi Nadya Gross, Rabbi Victor Gross, Rev. Linda Daniels-Block, and Rev. Larry Daniels-Block.
This video from our 2016 trip gives you a feel for the type of experience you can look forward to:
“This 2-week, interfaith trip to Israel, led by Rabbis Nadya and Victor Gross and Lutheran Pastors Linda and Larry Daniels-Block, was a unique and magical adventure – an exploration of the land and heritage of our respective faiths, and an opportunity to reveal something deep within each of us as we discovered the real meaning of shared tradition and deep ecumenism.” —Video by Steve Klaper.
