WISDOM SCHOOL
Music and Meditation-Based B'nai Mitzvah Journey
Acquiring the Tools for Self-Mastery, Happiness and Life Purpose
Preparation and Ceremony with Reb Brian Yosef
Tutoring on Zoom, Ceremonies Anywhere in the United States
Preparation and Ceremony with Reb Brian Yosef
Tutoring on Zoom, Ceremonies Anywhere in the United States
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"Reb Brian’s b’nai mitzvah program has been so great for my twelve-year-old daughter in preparing for her bat mitzvah. Brian brings depth and meaning to the service. The kids do not merely learn to recite the prayers. They learn take joy in the practice and to truly lead the service. Brian is an attentive listener and an engaging teacher. Most amazingly, through gentle persistence, Brian has gotten my daughter and me well on our way to a daily (or most days) meditation practice that has been keeping us connected in these ‘tween times."
– Parent of 2018/19 Participant |
Photo by Barbara Butkus
A message from Reb Brian Yosef Schachter-Brooks:
The Bar/Bat Mitzvah is celebrated as a crucial and transformative milestone in the life of a young Jewish person. Traditionally, the ceremony affirms the young person's inclusion in communal spiritual life by being called to the Torah for the first time, chanting from the Torah and leading prayers.
For traditional families who attend synagogue weekly, this can be a powerful rite of passage. But for many Jewish families who hardly ever attend synagogue, the traditional ceremony is often a one-time-only performance. And futhermore, learning for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah is often so focused on the many Hebrew words to learn, there's hardly any time to really explore what any of it means, let alone tap into its sacred and transformative potential that lies beyond conceptual meaning.
In short, for many, it's a missed opportunity.
A Cure
Wisdom School cures this situation with meditation/ mindfulness based, core Jewish spiritual practices, while fostering an experiential connection to Jewish community at that crucial moment leading into the teen years. With Wisdom School, students will be able to participate weekly in our online chanting and meditation services with the Torah of Awakening community, and over time, they will be invited to lead parts of the services. In this way, they will be able to lead their own b'nai mitzvah ceremonies with experience and confidence, guiding participants in practices that actually work.
This Program is Different
When I say these practices "actually work," I mean that the students will:
For traditional families who attend synagogue weekly, this can be a powerful rite of passage. But for many Jewish families who hardly ever attend synagogue, the traditional ceremony is often a one-time-only performance. And futhermore, learning for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah is often so focused on the many Hebrew words to learn, there's hardly any time to really explore what any of it means, let alone tap into its sacred and transformative potential that lies beyond conceptual meaning.
In short, for many, it's a missed opportunity.
A Cure
Wisdom School cures this situation with meditation/ mindfulness based, core Jewish spiritual practices, while fostering an experiential connection to Jewish community at that crucial moment leading into the teen years. With Wisdom School, students will be able to participate weekly in our online chanting and meditation services with the Torah of Awakening community, and over time, they will be invited to lead parts of the services. In this way, they will be able to lead their own b'nai mitzvah ceremonies with experience and confidence, guiding participants in practices that actually work.
This Program is Different
When I say these practices "actually work," I mean that the students will:
- Learn to heal challenging emotions such as fear, anger, and self-doubt through awareness.
- Experience the healthful "high" of Jewish meditation and Hebrew chanting.
- Explore their own unique purpose and contribution to the world.
Jewish Wisdom through the Hebrew Letters
There is a wonderful Jewish tradition that each of the Hebrew letters contain a richness of meaning. In addition to meditation and chanting, students will learn both the practical, ethical, and spiritual lessons of the Hebrew letters, as well as learn to read and chant Hebrew. They will foster their own connections and original insights through lively, inspiring discussions and deep exploration both in the group and with individual, one-on-one guidance from me as well.
Participatory, Musical Ceremonies
For the actual ceremony, students will be able to co-create their service and lead what they've learned. These ceremonies will be fully participatory with everyone who attends; the Hebrew prayers will be short enough with transliteration for family and friends to chant and sing along, yet powerful enough to create a transformative rite of passage and group experience for everyone.
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How Does the Program Work?
Duration: Between One and Two Years
The first year is spent learning, while the second year continues the learning and adds the planning and practicing of the ceremony and Torah chanting (if the student chooses to chant Torah). The ceremony can be planned for either after the two years are complete, or for during the second year- your choice.
Weekly Sunday Sessions:
Students meet as a group weekly on Sundays via Zoom, beginning at the following times:
PT: 9:30 am, MT: 10:30 am, CT: 11:30 am, ET:12:30 pm
Students should aim to attend weekly, though missing sessions occasionally is not a problem. These Sunday sessions happen most weeks for the duration of the program.
For the first hour, students participate in morning prayers and meditation with others in the Torah of Awakening community Over time, students begin to lead different parts of the morning service, preparing them for leading their bar/bat mitzvah ceremony.
For the second hour, students meet together with me for learning and discussion. Over time, students will gain the life-saving skills of meditation for physical and emotional wellbeing, while learning to lead others in Jewish prayer and ritual.
One-On-One Meetings: Twelve, 60-minute private sessions for for guidance in preparing their speech and addressing each student's unique path, scheduled individually.
Custom, In-Person Ceremony: I will travel to you and co-lead your ceremony along with your child, or we can hold the ceremony on Zoom if prefered. Ceremonies can be on Shabbat, or on Sunday or another weekday. Ceremony planning includes three, 60-minute planning meetings, and as many emails as it takes!
Materials: Students will receive their own Torah of Awakening siddur (prayerbook), as well as a binder with their Torah portion and materials for Torah study. For in-person ceremonies, I will also provide siddurim (prayerbooks) for use by your guests.
The first year is spent learning, while the second year continues the learning and adds the planning and practicing of the ceremony and Torah chanting (if the student chooses to chant Torah). The ceremony can be planned for either after the two years are complete, or for during the second year- your choice.
Weekly Sunday Sessions:
Students meet as a group weekly on Sundays via Zoom, beginning at the following times:
PT: 9:30 am, MT: 10:30 am, CT: 11:30 am, ET:12:30 pm
Students should aim to attend weekly, though missing sessions occasionally is not a problem. These Sunday sessions happen most weeks for the duration of the program.
For the first hour, students participate in morning prayers and meditation with others in the Torah of Awakening community Over time, students begin to lead different parts of the morning service, preparing them for leading their bar/bat mitzvah ceremony.
For the second hour, students meet together with me for learning and discussion. Over time, students will gain the life-saving skills of meditation for physical and emotional wellbeing, while learning to lead others in Jewish prayer and ritual.
One-On-One Meetings: Twelve, 60-minute private sessions for for guidance in preparing their speech and addressing each student's unique path, scheduled individually.
Custom, In-Person Ceremony: I will travel to you and co-lead your ceremony along with your child, or we can hold the ceremony on Zoom if prefered. Ceremonies can be on Shabbat, or on Sunday or another weekday. Ceremony planning includes three, 60-minute planning meetings, and as many emails as it takes!
Materials: Students will receive their own Torah of Awakening siddur (prayerbook), as well as a binder with their Torah portion and materials for Torah study. For in-person ceremonies, I will also provide siddurim (prayerbooks) for use by your guests.
Interested? Questions?
Email me for pricing and more info Here.
Email me for pricing and more info Here.
If you are looking for a meaningful and transformative Jewish rite of passage for your child, send me an email – I look forward to talking with you!
All blessings,
Reb Brian Yosef Schachter-Brooks
All blessings,
Reb Brian Yosef Schachter-Brooks
More Testimonials
"Reb Brian Yosef is both a brilliant teacher and prayer leader. His approach to Torah text is innovative and insightful, and takes meditation to a new level of accessibility. I cannot recommend his work enough. As a teacher he is wise and inspiring. As a musician and spiritual leader the prayers come to life and seem to take flight within the heart and soul."
– Rabbi David Zaslow, Havurah Shir Hadash, Ashland, Oregon; author of Reimagining Exodus, Roots and Branches, and more
"Brian’s gentle guidance makes communion with the divine possible."
– Estelle Frankel, author of Sacred Therapy and The Wisdom of Not Knowing – Discovering a Life of Wonder by Embracing Uncertainty
“Reb Brian Yosef is an amazing spiritual teacher, able to inspire his students in profound ways that contribute to their spiritual transformation. And he is a masterful composer and musician. Bring him to your community—and he will plant seeds that will germinate for years to come.”
– Rabbi Burt Jacobson, founder of Kehilla Community Synagogue, Oakland, California; author of This Precious Moment: The Wisdom of the Ba'al Shem Tov
“Reb Brian Yosef is a breath of spiritual fresh air in a world that is too often stuffy with solemn vapors. He makes Jewish spirituality relevant and doable.”
– Rabbi Hazzan Avraham Alpert, Congregation Bet Shalom, Tucson, Arizona
"Brian brought a depth of insight to the experience of Jewish meditation, guided by his loving presence, that made everyone feel at ease. His teachings made me want to know more and reminded of how much beauty and Divine connection is possible
in our tradition."
– Cantor Risa Wallach, Congregation B'nai Shalom, Walnut Creek, California
“Judaism comes to life in Brian’s presence – he embodies what he teaches, and this is invaluable! As his student, I have been inspired to know myself more fully, and to become more dedicated to my own quest for meaning, understanding, connection, and integrity. He is a fantastic teacher!”
– Rachel Walker, Torah of Awakening student
“The teachings always seem to be just what I need at the time!”
-Pearl Werfel, Torah of Awakening student
“Brian's ability to synthesize the deep wisdom of the Jewish tradition
with his own insights on the power of presence and acceptance of reality has been a great gift to me.”
– Cyrise Beatty, cantorial soloist, meditation teacher
“The real thing”
– Jeffrey Kessler, Tai Chi and meditation teacher
Reb Brian Yosef Schachter-Brooks is a Jewish spiritual teacher and musician. He has been teaching the practice of Presence (meditation, mindfulness) and Judaism to both children and adults since 2006, and founded of Torah of Awakening in 2015. Reb Brian Yosef received s’miha (ordination) as Minister of Sacred Music (Reb Yosef Briah Zohar, Menatzeiakh, Ba’al Tefilah) from Reb Zalman z”l (2012), Spiritual Teacher and Awakener of Souls (Morei Rukhani uM’oreir N’shamot) from Shaykh Ibrahim Baba Farajaje (may his secret be sanctified) and Rabbi SaraLeya Schley (2012), certification as Teacher of Jewish Meditation (Moreh L’hitbodedut) from Dr. Avram Davis (2004), and holds a Bachelor in Music from the Eastman School of Music (1991). He lives with wife Lisa and two children in Tucson, Arizona.
Full Bio
– Rabbi David Zaslow, Havurah Shir Hadash, Ashland, Oregon; author of Reimagining Exodus, Roots and Branches, and more
"Brian’s gentle guidance makes communion with the divine possible."
– Estelle Frankel, author of Sacred Therapy and The Wisdom of Not Knowing – Discovering a Life of Wonder by Embracing Uncertainty
“Reb Brian Yosef is an amazing spiritual teacher, able to inspire his students in profound ways that contribute to their spiritual transformation. And he is a masterful composer and musician. Bring him to your community—and he will plant seeds that will germinate for years to come.”
– Rabbi Burt Jacobson, founder of Kehilla Community Synagogue, Oakland, California; author of This Precious Moment: The Wisdom of the Ba'al Shem Tov
“Reb Brian Yosef is a breath of spiritual fresh air in a world that is too often stuffy with solemn vapors. He makes Jewish spirituality relevant and doable.”
– Rabbi Hazzan Avraham Alpert, Congregation Bet Shalom, Tucson, Arizona
"Brian brought a depth of insight to the experience of Jewish meditation, guided by his loving presence, that made everyone feel at ease. His teachings made me want to know more and reminded of how much beauty and Divine connection is possible
in our tradition."
– Cantor Risa Wallach, Congregation B'nai Shalom, Walnut Creek, California
“Judaism comes to life in Brian’s presence – he embodies what he teaches, and this is invaluable! As his student, I have been inspired to know myself more fully, and to become more dedicated to my own quest for meaning, understanding, connection, and integrity. He is a fantastic teacher!”
– Rachel Walker, Torah of Awakening student
“The teachings always seem to be just what I need at the time!”
-Pearl Werfel, Torah of Awakening student
“Brian's ability to synthesize the deep wisdom of the Jewish tradition
with his own insights on the power of presence and acceptance of reality has been a great gift to me.”
– Cyrise Beatty, cantorial soloist, meditation teacher
“The real thing”
– Jeffrey Kessler, Tai Chi and meditation teacher
Reb Brian Yosef Schachter-Brooks is a Jewish spiritual teacher and musician. He has been teaching the practice of Presence (meditation, mindfulness) and Judaism to both children and adults since 2006, and founded of Torah of Awakening in 2015. Reb Brian Yosef received s’miha (ordination) as Minister of Sacred Music (Reb Yosef Briah Zohar, Menatzeiakh, Ba’al Tefilah) from Reb Zalman z”l (2012), Spiritual Teacher and Awakener of Souls (Morei Rukhani uM’oreir N’shamot) from Shaykh Ibrahim Baba Farajaje (may his secret be sanctified) and Rabbi SaraLeya Schley (2012), certification as Teacher of Jewish Meditation (Moreh L’hitbodedut) from Dr. Avram Davis (2004), and holds a Bachelor in Music from the Eastman School of Music (1991). He lives with wife Lisa and two children in Tucson, Arizona.
Full Bio