What is the Point of Meditation? -- or, There is No Spoon
This hourlong dharma talk was given by Jay Michaelson in January, 2007, during a seven day silent meditation retreat at Elat Chayyim in Falls Village, CT. It discusses the different reasons why people meditate, and concludes with an extended discussion on nonduality as it relates to contemplative practice.
Introduction to the Zohar, part one: What is Kabbalah?
This is the first class of Jay Michaelson's four-session "Introduction to the Zohar" course from March, 2007, at the New York Open Center. It begins with a basic introduction to Kabbalah and the Zohar, and continues with a close reading of the first few lines of the Zohar text.
Download as Windows Media (.wma) file
Nefesh: The Earth Soul -- A Beliefnet Meditation with Jay Michaelson
A guided meditation on BeliefNet, featuring audio by Jay Michaelson and demonstrations by Ari Weller.
Based on Kabbalistic notions of the "four souls," this meditation stimulates the Nefesh, or embodied earth-soul.
Balancing Meditation -- A Beliefnet Meditation with Jay Michaelson
A guided audio meditation on BeliefNet, by Jay Michaelson, based on Kabbalistic notions of the sefirot Hesed, Gevurah, and Tiferet.
Tibet and Tisha B'Av
Why is the Tibetan struggle for freedom a Jewish issue? Panelist are Jay Michaelson, Tashi Phuntsok, Mickey Spiegel and was moderated by Rabbi Stephanie Ruskay.
Listen to the podcast:
Is the Torah Really a Basis for Liberal Values?
Today, it's common in some circles to hear claims that the Bible aligns with politically liberal ideas such as workers' rights, welfare, universal health care, and environmental legislation. Meanwhile, religious conservatives claim it lines up with rights to property, ideas of 'personal responsibility,' and a conservative ethical agenda. In this discussion from February, 2007, Jay Michaelson takes a close look at the many voices of Biblical texts. Listen to the podcast:
Too Jewish Interview with Jay Michaelson
A discussion of gender and Judaism on Rabbi Sam Cohon's radio show.
By the Reverb of Babylon
These are excerpts from a September, 2006, poetry and music night cosponsored by Zeek and Mimaamakim.
Introduction to the Zohar, part one: What is Kabbalah?
