Institute for Jewish Spirituality

The Institute for Jewish Spirituality (IJS) envisions a world in which spiritual practice is a vital part of Jewish life, leading to greater peace, compassion and justice. IJS’s mission is to develop and teach Jewish spiritual practices so that individuals and communities may experience awareness, purpose, and interconnection.

Founded in 1999, IJS has led the development of our core practices of mindfulness meditation, tikkun middot (the cultivation of sacred character traits), Torah study, prayer, and embodied practices such as yoga. We are currently developing two additional core practices of Sacred Listening and Ritual Practice. Grounded in Jewish values and thought, these practices enable participants to deepen their inner lives and connect more mindfully with others, Judaism, and the sacred.

In 2022, IJS announced a strategic plan outlining growth in three major program domains: serving the spiritual needs of people across the lifespan, leadership development, and building the field of Jewish spirituality. In support of the strategic plan, IJS has secured over $3.6 million in new multi-year commitments from individuals and foundations. These investments are the foundation of a combined $16 million in grants, individual contributions, and program fees the Institute seeks to raise and earn over the next four years to achieve the plan’s goals. The Institute seeks to expand and diversify its staff as a cornerstone investment in fulfilling its mission and strategic objectives, and as such we encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.