Dates now set for our 4th   2-Year, 4-Week Program on Jewish Shamanic Healing With Rabbi Gershon Winkler and Rabbi Miriam Maron, B.S.N., R.N., M.A. At the Brandeis-Bardin Institute, situated on 3,000 acres of pristine wilderness in the scenic Santa Susana Mountains of Simi Valley, in Southern California. Easy commute from Los Angeles and Santa Barbara (LAX or Burbank Airports). Cost: $1425 per Week ($1200 for returning JSH students) Cost includes private a/c room with your own bathroom, all-kosher meals, and tuition. Commuter Cost: $750 (includes tuition and meals only)  To Pay by Credit Card click here, as follows: (A 9% additional charge applies) To submit your deposit of $856 for all four sessions, click here For the total amount of $1,553 per session week, click here For the total amount of $1,308 for returning JSH participant per session week, click here  Dates for the first two weeks: Sunday evening June 6 through Friday morning June 11, 2010 Sunday evening October 10 through Friday morning October 15, 2010   To register, send a check or money order for $800 ($500 is your basic deposit and $300 is your deposit toward the remaining 3 sessions) To: Walking Stick Foundation 1336 North Moorpark Road, Suite 289, Thousand Oaks, CA  91360 (805) 795-2996 Please indicate your email address, phone number, and any dietary restrictions For more information, email: elkmesa@walkingstick.org or call 805-795-2996  Ancient Jewish mystery wisdom considered illness a major opportunity for personal life shifting and unfolding. Healing is not about fixing but about directing the flow of the ailment toward the restoration of balance in the dynamics between soul and body. Rituals include prayers and incantations that called upon forces active in the spirit realms, various plants, incense smoke, the ram’s horn, planetary influences, and stones. Some ceremonies also involve drawing a circle on the earth with specific mystical symbols, and many such rites require chanting and drumming. Often, the purpose of these rites is to clear the body’s own channels of impediments and resistance to enable the smooth flow of the life force within each of us.  During this rare opportunity to explore the lesser-promulgated body of Jewish tradition, Rabbis Miriam Maron and Gershon Winkler will familiarize participants with ancient and medieval Aramaic and Hebraic source texts as well as oral traditions from which this long-neglected body of wisdom originates.  These two mavericks of contemporary Judaism will also guide us through practica of ceremony, guided imagery, chant, and movement toward experiencing these teachings and drawing them deeper within ourselves, beyond the intellect, and into actual practice.  The program includes studies in realms of the Jewish mystery wisdom about animal, tree and stone spirits, totems, the four winds (or four directions), and shamanic journeying – Jewish-style. ___________________________________ “With wit and wisdom, Rabbi Gershon renders user-friendly the more cryptic teachings of lesser-known Kabbalistic source texts and oral traditions in order to inspire and inform our lives.” —Andrew Weil, M.D., author of Spontaneous Healing and Eating Well for Optimum Health     “Rabbi Miriam’s teachings and chants are spirit medicine. They take me up into mysterious oceans of time and space. They weave me through infinity. They connect me to the oneness of creation. In a word, they are holy. Or as we say in Choctaw lingo: ho’lito’pa!” -- David Carson, author of Crossing into Medicine Country, and co-author of Medicine Cards: The Discovery of Power Through the Ways of Animals, and of Oracle 2013 VENTURA, CALIFORNIA HIDDEN AND REVEALED: Understanding the Soul of Torah A New Series with Rabbi Gershon Winkler at TEMPLE BETH TORAH 7620 Foothills Road, Ventura, CA TUESDAY NIGHTS  7-8:30 PM ON JUNE  8, 15, 22, 29 JULY  6, 13, 20, 27 August 3, 9, 16, 23, 30 September 7, 14, 21, 28 “The Torah, she is at the same time hidden and revealed” – Zohar (Vol. 3, folio 98b) Contrary to what a lot of self-proclaimed experts on Judaism posit, Judaism is very much an oral tradition. Its written scriptures are cryptic, replete with myriad possibilities of interpretation, unlocked only via the oral tradition. The Torah’s own declaration that God communicated the Torah to Moses “mouth to mouth” (Numbers 12:8), implies that the oral tradition is core to her understanding and application (Sefer Ha’Sh’lah, Mesechet Shavuot, Perek Torah Ohr, No. 124). The oral tradition of creative interpretation is as sacred, in other words, as the written tradition on which it is based. There isn’t one without the other. In fact, so equally important are the two that in the laws around the public reading of the Torah, the ancient rabbis ruled that “The reader may not divert his eyes away from the written word while chanting from the Torah writ, nor may the interpreter so much as glance at the written word during his turn at translating” (Midrash Pesikta Rabbati  5:1).  Dancing across the Five Books of Moses, this fresh new series will explore the vast universe of oral traditions that accompanied the journey of our Torah through the millennia, guided by the wisdom of what eventually became known as Talmud, Midrash, Kabbalah, and Halachah. Cost: $15 per night (more if you can, less if you can't -- no one is turned away for lack of funding. Payment is collected anonymously in an unattended basket) Payment methods: Cash, or personal check or Money Order payable to Gershon Winkler. For more information, email:  elkmesa@walkingstick.org or call Temple Beth Torah at 805-647-4181. __________________________________________________________________ Rabbi Miriam Maron to lead Special “Musical Shabbat”   at M’kom Ohr Shalom in Encino, California   Friday evening, July 16, 2010 at 7:45   A special evening of soul-stirring chant, Uplifting song, and inspiring wisdom   At Bethel Lutheran Church 17500 Burbank Boulevard Encino, CA 91316-1799 SIMI VALLEY, CALIFORNIA Join us this fall (2010) for HIGH HOLYDAY SERVICES with Gershon Winkler and Miriam Maron Rosh Hashanah, Thursday September 9 at 11 AM and Yom Kippur Eve, Friday September 17 at 7 PM and Saturday, September 18 at 11 AM (Concluding ceremony at 6:30 PM, followed by catered break-the-fast feast at sundown) Ancient Wisdom Spirited Chants Entrancing Movement, Jewish Shamanic Ceremonies and Joyful Celebration Limited overnight lodging available on premises. At the Center for Energetic Healing, nestled in the scenic foothills of the Santa Susana Mountains of Simi Valley, California (1248 Rocky Road, Simi Valley, CA  93063) Suggested Donation per person for Rosh Hashanah: $75 Suggested Donation per person for Yom Kippur: $150 (more if you can, less if you can't) Open to all – no one is turned away for lack of funds). For reservations and directions, email Arna at arnavodenos@gmail.com or call her at (805) 208-5803 New Classes to Start in Conejo Valley With Rabbi Miriam Maron and Rabbi Gershon Winkler   Frolicking in the Garden of Paradox   Jewish Shamanic Wisdom for Biding Your Time on Earth     Thursday Evening, September 2, 2010    7-9 PM   At AKASHIC Bookshop & Center in Thousand Oaks, CA   1414 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Suite 103 Thousand Oaks, CA  91362 Cost:  $20 (credit cards accepted)   Shamanic Kabbalah is a very ancient body of Jewish wisdom that has been transmitted mostly orally for close to four thousand years. Based largely upon a non-linear way of thinking and experiencing, Jewish shamanism offers alternative perspectives on the meaning of life, the paradox of God and evil, the mystique of being human, the intimate relationship of soul with body, and the sanctity and interconnectedness of the earth and all her creatures.  Employing the sacred tools of ancient texts, soul-stirring chants, shamanic journeying, trance-inducing movement, and guided imagery, Miriam and Gershon will marinate us in the lesser-promulgated ancient teachings of the Kabbalah that defy conventional religious thinking and challenge us toward heightened consciousness and inner-healing. PACIFIC GROVE, CALIFORNIA "INTEGRAL SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE" RETURNS THIS WINTER    December 30, 2010 - January 3, 2011 At Asilomar, in scenic Pacific Grove, California   Join the likes of Ken Wilber, Miriam Maron, Gershon Winkler, Jean Houston, Avram Davis, Marc Gafni, Diane Musho Hamilton Sensei, Sally Kempton, Lama Surya Das and a host of other spiritual teachers on this second part of a five-year explorative journey to discover the gift and wisdom of Integral Spirituality, and its pragmatic relevance for the 21st century.     The Integral Spiritual Experience kicked off last New Year’s weekend with The Personal Spiritual Journey -- “Your Unique Self,” and was a major success, filled to capacity with well over 600 participants of all ages and walks of life from around the globe. This next event will focus on an issue most of us yearn for, struggle with, perhaps even run from while at the same time craving it: Love.  Rabbi Gershon Winkler and Rabbi Miriam Maron have been invited back again to participate as guest teachers and break-out group facilitators in what promises to be a very exciting treatment of a very significant theme.   For more information, and to register, visit www.integralspiritualexperience.com !!!!!! VERY IMPORTANT !!!!!! WHEN REGISTERING, PLEASE INDICATE THAT YOU WERE REFERRED BY GERSHON WINKLER AND/OR MIRIAM MARON, AND DROP US A NOTE AS WELL. THANKS!  “With wit and wisdom, [he] leads us to rediscover the more paganistic and pantheistic mysteries underlying the ancient Hebrew tradition. He renders user-friendly the more cryptic teachings of lesser-known Kabbalistic source texts and oral traditions in order to inspire and inform our lives.” —Andrew Weil, M.D., author of Spontaneous Healing and Eating Well for Optimum Health     “His brilliance shines a light on the buried shamanic practices of Judaism.”   -- Sandra Ingerman, author of Soul Retrieval   "There’s an old Native American saying: ‘If it doesn’t grow corn, what good is it?’ Gershon Winkler grows corn. He celebrates the wind. He is the friend of Spider, Magpie, and Lizard. He lives with storms. With the crash of lightning. With rainbows. He is a Laughing Buddha and a Coyote Trickster." -- David Carson, Choctaw Elder and Pipe Carrier; Author of Crossing into Medicine Country; co-author of Medicine Cards: The Discovery of Power Through the Ways of Animals, and Oracle 2012   “His refreshing translations of Biblical passages restore an elemental force to the Hebrew.” -- London Jewish Chronicle “Transmitting the complexity of the Jewish shamanic healing tradition requires teachers who are exceptionally grounded in the tradition and themselves as individuals.  They must intellectually and emotionally engage with the material and their students. Rabbis Gershon Winkler and Miriam Maron provide a safe, welcoming learning community in their program, allowing any student the ability to connect and integrate this ancient healing system from a variety of perspectives. The program, along with Miriam and Gershon’s warmth, humor and wisdom, is unparalleled, and I highly recommend it.”               - Avram Rubin, M.A., Ph.D.  Psychotherapist, Sexologist, Anthropologist Fellow, American Psychotherapy Association Fellow, American Association of Experts in Trauma Diplomate, American Board of Sexology Diplomate, American Counseling Association "The first session of the Jewish shamanic healing training was inspiring, affirming, fun, educational and filled with love for the earth, elohai, and community.  The high I felt from that time in CA carried me for weeks and is still there, bubbling beneath the surface, providing solace and motivation to me.  Miriam & Gershon are true glittering gems, generous of spirit, gifted teachers and healers and extremely knowledgeable - the real deal!  I can't wait for the next training session!" --- Sha'ari Garfinkel, MSW, LCSW (NC), LICSW (WA), MT-BC, FAMI , Seattle, WA Sound Healer, Musician, Clinical Social Worker, Music Therapist" “Having greatly enjoyed studying (in person with Miriam, through astrological readings) and davening with Miriam and Gershon over many years, I had long wanted to delve deeply into the shamanic teachings and practices of Judaism with them. My anticipation was surpassed, as I gathered for a week with an open, sincere, like-minded community of Jews in the beautiful setting of Brandeis Bardin. I felt completely nourished on all levels by both the teachings, which were then integrated into shamanic practices through chanting, song, movement, ceremony, healing ritual, etc., and the interactions with my fellow participants and our teachers. Healing of personal issues was integrated into the teaching and I was able to take away information and practices that I could immediately incorporate into the healing circles that I lead. It was a blessing to leave knowing that this holy community would continue to meet over the next 2 years for these Jewish Shamanic Healing Retreats. -- AriellaShira, Covina, CA "Miriam and Gershon are extraordinary teachers. Their wealth of knowledge and general wisdom about all things Jewish, mystical and magical,  outweigh all the teachings in my yeshiva and post-yeshiva life. The training is teaching me what it truly means to be a Jew and a Jewish healer in the realm of my work as a psychotherapist." -- Betty Jampel, MSW, Maplewood, NJ “In the Jewish Shamanic Healing (JSH) program you will be introduced to the healing powers of all that is around us as well as the use of rituals and techniques from the perspective of Jewish oral and written traditions. The information is presented in such a way that it affects not only your intellect and emotions, but more importantly your spirit. Over the course of JSH, I experienced enormous spiritual growth, including how it impacts my massage practice and my healing capabilities. JSH is so important to my life that I am repeating it: to learn/experience more, and to truly integrate it all within my entire being. Thus, I will be enhancing the healings I channel (All healings come from G!d; I am only the instrument.), and I can see a shift occurring in the direction these healings will take.” -- Chana bat Malka/Karen J. P. Binney, MBA, CMT, LLCC, Charlottesville, VA “One week into the four-week Jewish Shamanic Healing program, and I can't wait for more.  I am already integrating what I've learned from Rabbis Gershon and Miriam into my healing practice and am noticing a huge difference.  I feel more creative and more connected than ever to my clients and to the Ultimate Source of healing.   Miriam and Gershon are a total joy to learn from, and work their magic on every level--musical, intellectual, physical, and spiritual.  I never knew that stories could have such healing power.  My clients, my loved one, and I are all reaping the benefits of my learning, big time.”  -- Janet King, Laurel, MD “Miriam and Gershon share their immense spiritual knowledge with great humor, grace and creativity.  The chants and movements I have learned from Miriam have allowed me to integrate her teachings within every cell of my being.  Their work is truly extraordinary.  It has touched my soul at a very deep level and has profoundly transformed my life.”   -- Florence DuPont, New York, NY ON RABBI MIRIAM MARON’S HEALING WORK “The journey of healing pain and suffering requires two people, the client (traveler) and the healer (guide). The traveler needs the guide to facilitate the journey towards a state of robust health. The experienced guide helps the client negotiate all aspects of the healing journey, most importantly the insurmountable hurdles and obstacles that often block the process. Rabbi Miriam Maron is an incomparable healer who embodies the capacities, skills, and knowledge requisite of a shamanic master. Her humor, insight, and singing will soothe all your heartaches away. I urge you to allow Rabbi Miriam to be your shamanic guide, facilitating your journey toward a more wholesome and truthful Self.” -- Avram Rubin, M.A., Ph.D. Psychotherapist, Sexologist, Anthropologist Fellow, American Psychotherapy Association Fellow, American Association of Experts in Trauma Diplomate, American Board of Sexology Diplomate, American Counseling Association "One healing session with Miriam took me deep, deep, deep into the heart of what's troubled me all my life.  I came wanting to know what secrets my body was hiding from me, and, after an incredible journey into my mother's past life, now I know!  I feel like I've recovered a huge piece of my soul and now understand in a way I never did before, what it  really means to ‘choose life’.  Miriam is incredibly gentle, wise, and intuitive, and her healing sessions are a true team effort."  -- JGK, Maryland "Sessions with Miriam, both in person and by distance, have been invaluable to me. The sense of wellness and wholeness I have been feeling, even weeks and months after her sessions, has brought me great peace."         -- Betty Jampel, MSW Maplewood, NJ “I have had about 10 healing sessions with Miriam, most of which were for 1.5 or 2 hours. Each one has been powerful in its own right. I have experienced physical healings, emotional healings, spiritual healings, and spiritual growth. I entered each session with specific conscious needs and desires which are addressed. Additionally, the healing sessions worked more importantly on other significant soul-level needs, for which I am extremely grateful. Some of the most powerful sessions have been cooperative healings, where I actually am moved to be actively involved. As a healer myself (massage therapist), Miriam's healings have resulted in greatly enhancing my own healing capabilities.” -- Chana bat Malka/Karen J. P. Binney, MBA, CMT, LLCC, Charlottesville, VA ON RABBI MIRIAM MARON’S KABBALISTIC ASTRO-READINGS “I had a couple of readings from Miriam in late 1996. I have reread them several times over the years and they still hold true. While my personal situations have been different each time I read them, the guidance provided in the readings is still applicable as they pertain to the inner self and spirit, and how to deal with/react to any situation. I know I will be able to benefit from these readings for the rest of my life.”      -- Chana bat Malka/Karen J. P. Binney, MBA, CMT, LLCC, Charlottesville, VA ON RABBI MIRIAM MARON’S MUSIC “With her beautiful songs and her gorgeous spirit, Rabbi Miriam Maron delivers potent spiritual nourishment to the awakening heart, through a timely combination of ancient and contemporary wisdom, in her unending love affair with Love itself. I consider it to have been a rare privilege to have witnessed her unique and radiant brilliance.” -- Brent Rowlett, Louisiana “I began a search for new meditation music because the music I was using no longer inspired me.  I searched online for literally days, and not finding anything that worked for me, I decided to investigate specifically Jewish meditation music, and eventually came upon Miriam's recordings.  I wanted something that sounded familiar and yet ethereal and transporting.  I wanted it to be long enough that it would sustain an extended period of meditation. [Her CD] Surrender completely fit the bill. Every day I look forward to the time that I can listen to  Miriam's voice and music and through it, to myself.” -- Carol B., Waquoit, MA "When I read Miriam's article (in Tikkun) I ripped it out of the magazine to share with others. Then I wrote to thank this sister in the Big Dance of Life. Her wisdom and practice ring true with everything I know. Her articulation as a spiritual teacher is rare among dancers and greatly needed." -- Cynthia Winton-Henry, Co-founder of InterPlay "Miriam's music has been inspirational and a great source of comfort and joy. Her voice resonates with the heavens. When I am feeling challenged by my life, I need only put on Angelsong  and I am uplifted and guided by the promises of the angels."    -- Betty Jampel, LCSW, Maplewood, NJ