Sacred Heresy Yom Kippur Retreat
Matanot Lev | Gifts of the Heart presents:
Sacred Heresy Yom Kippur Retreat with Kohenet Annie Matan and special guest, Kohenet Talia Johnson
What if, instead of the ascetic practices of our ancestors that (at one end of the spectrum) seek to separate our embodied experience from our spirituality or (at the other end) invite us to seek the Divine through physical discomfort and suffering, we tried a different pathway to Teshuvah (the spiral journey that brings us back into aligned relationships with ourselves, other people and the Divine?)
I have planned this year’s Yom Kippur offerings by asking the question (coined by Lilith Institute Founder, Ruach D’vorah Grenn), “What Would Lilith Do?”
In other words, how could we approach this holy day, that has been historically informed by the patriarchal rabbinic practices of our ancestral tradition, as empowered, badass, God/dess/xx-worshipping, earthy Amei Ha’aretz (Jewish people of the earth?)
This Yom Kippur, we attune to forgiveness by tending our nervous systems and focusing on care. We embrace our messy, human bodies, hearts, minds and souls as Divine. We vow to be gracious and loving with ourselves for the mistakes we’ve made in the past and will make in the future. We affirm that through return to self (Teshuvah), heart-ful re-connection (Tefillah), and active attention to what is out of balance in us and in the world (Tzedakah), we really can bring forth the world to come, in our own lifetimes, right now.
At the Sacred Heresy Yom Kippur Retreat, we flip the script on the prohibitions of Yom Kippur and engage in them with nourishing intention – eating and drinking, bathing, anointing, embodying pleasure, and wearing comfortable clothing.*
Yom Kippur is also referred to as Shabbat Shabbaton – the Shabbatiest Shabbat of the year - and this year, it even falls on Shabbat, doubling our dose of peace, delight, wholeness, and nourishment.
We experience this Yom Kippur/Shabbat Shabbaton as Sabbath Brides/Grooms/Beloveds/Dear Friends.
In this spacious, afternoon and evening Yom Kippur Retreat, attendees can expect a radically different Yom Kippur experience*:
· A spiritual experience that feels like an exhale
· Tune in to the day of At-One-Ment with joy and gentleness, not affliction
· Sit, dance, meditate, chant, hold silence, and pray in a circle (or in your own spot in the room)
· Leave your shoes at the door
· Parents can stay and pray even if you don’t have child care, with the help of our “Prayground**” - A corner IN THE ROOM with quiet books and toys. You supervise your own kids and no one needs to miss out.
· Connect with traditional and original, creative liturgy in English and Hebrew through chants, kavanot (intentions), and personal sharing
· No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. If the sliding scale pricing is beyond your means, you are welcome to use the coupon code COMP to register for free
In service of this experience, you are invited to:
· Wear white and/or other (comfy) Sabbath/Holy Day/Wedding finery
· Enjoy a Yom Kippur feast of nourishing and tasty foods
· (Whether you prefer feasting or fasting) Smell sweet spices and/or essential oils
· Bring pillows, blankets and/or yoga mats and make yourself a cozy nest on the floor as your own home base for your time in the space (chairs will also be available)
· Bring an item that represents your intentions for the year to place on our altar (and take home again)
· Bring a journal to write (and share, if you like) reflections on your Sacred Heresy Yom Kippur experience
· Engage in Divination with Oracle and Tarot cards to bless and guide your next steps
· Hear or play the shofar blast at the end of our time together
Tentative Schedule:
2:00-2:30 PM: Arrival and settling in. Enjoy some time to nest, nosh, and get comfortable.
2:30-4:00 PM: Chanting Circle. Participate in a communal chanting session that includes ancestral blessings and reflections on mistakes and forgiveness.
4:00-5:00 PM: Teaching and Divination. Kohenet Talia Johnson will lead a session on reworking the word "abomination," which will also serve as a journaling prompt. Following this, engage in divination and sharing of blessings.
5:00-6:30 PM: Neilah Service. Conclude with closing chants and kavanot (intentions) to mark the transition out of the liminal space.
6:30-7:00 PM: Shofar and Departure. Experience the shofar blast, enjoy a final schmooze, and tidy up as we prepare to depart.
*Matanot Lev | Gifts of the Heart is Toronto’s feminist, queer-of-centre, witchy, spiritual community through a Jewish lens for folks of all backgrounds. All are encouraged to experiment with new ways of connecting with old ideas. Always choose to participate in ways that feel good to you.
About Kohenet Talia Johnson Shomeret haTzitzit (Guardian of the Fringes): Talia was ordained a Kohenet Hebrew Priestess in 2019 and is a transgender autistic service leader, activist, poet, speaker, advocate, and mentor.
Our community proudly includes all kinds of participants: LGBTQ+, interfaith, patrilineal, Jewish, Jew-ish and those of other backgrounds who are curious about Judaism and seeking community. We welcome participants of all abilities. Please contact Kohenet Annie if you have specific access needs or questions.
**Prayground is inspired by City Shul. As far as I know, they coined the term and have incorporated this practice in their Shabbat services.
Post Oct 7 note: This space is for you if you believe in the humanity of all. As an Israel-loving Jew, I advocate for safety and sovereignty for Israelis and Palestinians. It's important to me to offer a space that can hold nuance and a lot of compassion. Matanot Lev | Gifts of the Heart gatherings include folks across a spectrum of backgrounds and perspectives. Grief and hope are welcome.