Circle Works
One of our most successful and groundbreaking programs is called 'Circle Works'. This is where women can access a deepened sense of sacred community, support, and spiritual growth -- all within a Jewish setting. The circles offer an uncommon blend of personal exploration, spiritual growth, therapeutic group work and conscious community building.
These groups have been running in Israel for the past 5 years. Versions of the work have been put into action in neighborhood/community settings, in Women's Midrashot & Torah learning Institutions, and even in an inpatient setting for girls with eating disorders.
At the core of the circles is “Miriam's Code”. The Code is based on the Torah's enigmatic description of Miriam leading the Israelite women in song and dance at the splitting of the Red Sea. We uncover from these verses a series of tools for engendering“circle consciousness” - a uniquely feminine Torah-based approach to interpersonal communication and personal growth.
Through Torah sources and exercises, participants have the opportunity to:
- Explore and deepen their self-understanding, working to clarify their life's path and calling.
- Gain tools for interpersonal communication, conflict resolution and authentic self-expression.
- Learn how to share and receive honest and illuminating feedback.
- Learn and practice methods for facilitating an other's growth process.
The skills that are learned and practiced within the group are then taken home for the enhancement of all of the participant's relationships.
These groups have been running in Israel for the past 5 years. Versions of the work have been put into action in neighborhood/community settings, in Women's Midrashot & Torah learning Institutions, and even in an inpatient setting for girls with eating disorders.
At the core of the circles is “Miriam's Code”. The Code is based on the Torah's enigmatic description of Miriam leading the Israelite women in song and dance at the splitting of the Red Sea. We uncover from these verses a series of tools for engendering“circle consciousness” - a uniquely feminine Torah-based approach to interpersonal communication and personal growth.
Through Torah sources and exercises, participants have the opportunity to:
- Explore and deepen their self-understanding, working to clarify their life's path and calling.
- Gain tools for interpersonal communication, conflict resolution and authentic self-expression.
- Learn how to share and receive honest and illuminating feedback.
- Learn and practice methods for facilitating an other's growth process.
The skills that are learned and practiced within the group are then taken home for the enhancement of all of the participant's relationships.
Testimonials from participants:
The work that we do as a group has really impacted my daily life and my relationships in a meaningful way. Chaya has deeply and thoughtful developed and facilitated this special group. Through exercises and group dynamic work, I have sharpened my communication skills and developed powerful, real and meaningful relationships with the women in my community. I have become more conscious of my being and my mission in this world. I feel really proud of the women in our community for investing in this work and encourage other communities to empower their women by investing in it too.
-Adiella Shem Tov, Community coordinator
Being part of this Women's Circle has been an important and transformational experience for me. I felt that Chaya as facilitator was able to teach the participants skills which enabled us to create a safe emotional space for each other, in which we were able to share with, listen to, and be supportive of one another. I appreciated the opportunity to take the time to go deeper within myself, and explore the emotions that inform my day to day interactions with others. I've gained better communication skills and an appreciation for the multi-layeredness of people. I definitely recommend it to others!
- Nava Levine-Coren, Jerusalem-based illustrator & scribe
Chaya has created a safe and sacred space for our group of women to meet and grow and be real. The groups are a place where we meet our deeper selves and share our inner "realer" beings with each other. I eagerly look forward to our weekly meetings, to the challenges and surprises that await us there.
- Miriam Leibowitz, Jerusalem-based teacher and artist
Working together with this group of women has brought me closer to myself and others. I have learned how to be more open and real and thus create a more real connection with others and with G-d. I love the work and hope to see more of it in the Jewish world!
- Chana Mason
