Olam ha-Ba Now!: Using "Instant Meditation" Techniques to Get through Difficult Times
     Rabbi Andrew Hahn (Kirtan Rabbi)

Our sages of old used to say that Olam ha-Ba is not like this world. There, we find neither jealousy nor hatred nor competition, nor any other earthly strifes or struggles. Instead, Tzaddiks sit there, crowns on their heads, basking in the radiance of the divine Shechinah. Typically, we envision such a condition of ultimate peace as coming at the end of historical time; or, alternatively, in the afterlife. But dig a little deeper and we find that our tradition also teaches that Olam Ha-ba is present and accessible. In this class, we will first learn how the Jewish textual tradition offers us a lens to find God and equanimity in the Moment. Then, we will delve into concrete, repeatable – and easy – techniques to step out from the uncertainties and stresses of this world. Students will especially learn the invaluable tai chi practice of “Instant Meditation.”

Rabbi Andrew Hahn, Ph.D., is known as both the Kirtan Rabbi and—depending which phone booth he emerges from—also as the Tai Ch’i Rabbi. He has pioneered Hebrew Kirtan, offering call-and-response chant and meditation around the country.  He has taught martial arts for over thirty-five years.