Hineni is our Jewish Mindfulness spiritual community. We are a trailblazing alternative virtual Jewish community. We were among the first communities to recognize the power and possibility of an online Jewish meeting place.
It’s not just that we “live stream” our programs. We create real community with each other.
We welcome people interested in exploring the depths of Judaism, particularly how study and practice help us become more mindful in our everyday lives. We are also open to people who want to explore Judaism. We have members from around the world.
Our members meet online for learning and discussion, and each Friday for Shabbat. Rabbi Jill shares teachings and spiritual practices from the Jewish tradition focused on bringing more presence to your daily life.
Our community is loving and supportive. You are accepted just as you are.
Stay Present, Come What May
“ The personal growth you will experience in Hineni will affect every area of your life. You will build your own spiritual tool-kit, gathered from principles, practices, and wisdom from the great Jewish spiritual teachers of all time. ”
— Rabbi Jill Zimmerman
The Purpose & Practice of Being Present
“Hineni” is the Hebrew word for: I Am Here. Present. Ready. Open-eyed.
You realize one day that some journeys you have chosen and other journeys have chosen you. We are living during a time of many challenges, and it is our choice how we walk through them.
For some of you, this is personal in your own life – a new loss or recent illness, or aging and all that goes with it, a major transition.
For others, the state of our nation or the planet has become a source of anguish. You may take on the suffering you see, you feel your values being torn apart, and you’re on high alert much of the time. You may be fearful or angry or outraged or overwhelmed.
And most of us have BOTH going on at once – the internal and the external.
We do not choose what happens to us – or the time we are born into – but we ALWAYS choose how we respond.
It is possible and imperative to walk through this time with PRESENCE & JOY & INSPIRATION – in a community of peers who are supportive.
It is possible and imperative to find oases of stillness – to know when to take a break, when you need inspiration when to ask for help, and a community to help you remember what is important.
The first incarnation of Hineni as an online community of spiritual seekers was created in 2015.
In 2019, the time came to create a new and improved vision for Hineni that includes all the best of online community WITH the inclusion of a specific process for being mindful in your daily life, as well as interviews with amazing teachers from around the world.
In 2024, we have evolved and reorganized into a community-based non-profit organization. Come join us!
The Hineni Path
Hineni Is:
- A clearly laid out Path to being present no matter what is happening
- A whole curriculum for personal growth, based primarily but not exclusively on Jewish themes
- Introduction to world-class spiritual teachers who share their wisdom of how they stay present (Previous guest teachers have been Rabbi Lawrence Kushner, Professor Daniel Matt, Rabbi Laura Geller, Rabbi Rachel Adler, Norman Fischer, Rabbi Rachel Timoner, Rabbi Pamela Wax, and upcoming: Rabbi Joel Simonds, Rabbi Margie Jacobs, Joanne Fink, and Gary Gach, Rabbi Diane Elliot, Rabbi Adina Allen, etc.)
- Clear step-by-step guidance on how to apply spiritual principles to your everyday life
- A community that shares a common language and supports each other
- A Shabbat community – we meet every Friday for an hour of meditation, song, discussion, healing and Kaddish.
Hear What Hineni Members Have to Say:
“ Words are insufficient to tell you how much you have enriched my life, given comfort and inspiration. The highlights of my week are always the times with you. Thank you for everything you do.”
– Ter
“ Thank you Rabbi Jill for the profound, beautiful, magical Holy spaces you continuously unfold for us to courageously explore and excavate our own Holy spaces both within and outside of ourselves.” – Brenda
“ I have always needed community in my life. Rabbi Jill and Hineni is a crucial Jewish structure to add to the retirement community in which I live. I’m new to the community (though not Rabbi Jill) and find this course wonderful. ”
– Rabbi Rim
“ Hineni has allowed me to go deeper within myself in order to better connect with my Judaism. The Mindfulness techniques and mystical leanings of Rabbi Jill are exactly what I was looking for to draw me closer to the texts of Judaism. I am grateful for this course. ” – Karen
Come Join Us!
Registration for Hineni is currently open through Dec 31st. If you’re not quite ready to join but would like to be notified of a future open period, please fill out this form, and you will be notified by email when Hineni opens again.
