Directing the Heart

“Directing the Heart: Weekly Mindfulness Teachings and Practices from the Torah” contains meditations and suggestions for Mindfulness practice inspired by the first five books of the Bible. For each week of the year, Rabbi Yael Levy searches out teachings from the Torah for guidance on how to love in the face of loss, to be open to joy, gratitude and beauty and to live with disappointments, sadness and pain. Using Rabbi Levy’s own translations from the Hebrew, “Directing the Heart” can serve as a sourcebook for spiritual exploration for people of all faiths and paths. The book highlights the usefulness of taking time each day to set intentions and engage in spiritual practice. Each chapter includes a poetic meditation on the week’s text followed by a recommendation for how to bring the teaching into daily life. Interest in Mindfulness has moved into mainstream American culture and Jewish Mindfulness adds an innovative spiritual component; Rabbi Levy has been exploring its potential for nearly two decades. Her approach strives to awaken the attention – to direct the heart – and strengthen the ability to meet well all that we encounter.

Rabbi Yael Levy's approach to Mindfulness is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition and is accessible to people of different faiths and paths. Her commitment to spiritual practice grows out of a passionate belief in its potential to change individuals and the world. As rabbinic director of A Way In Jewish Mindfulness organization (http: //awayin.org), Rabbi Levy shares original teachings, translations and guided meditations with diverse audiences around the world. She leads contemplative retreats and Shabbat and holiday celebrations integrating Jewish practices and the wisdom of the earth. Named as one of "America's Most Inspiring Rabbis" by the Jewish Forward, Rabbi Levy has been a scholar-in-residence in various settings through the country. She is a spiritual director to rabbinical students in the Reconstructionist and Reform movements and in private practice. Rabbi Levy leads Shabbat Mindfulness services twice a month at Mishkan Shalom synagogue in Philadelphia. She is a graduate of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College and has trained with the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.