WHAT TO EXPECT:

Ignite your creativity and access your imagination with the Jewish Studio Process!

 We will explore, create, and play through:

• conversation with each other and a text
• a facilitated, intuitive use of art materials, and 
• a process of inquiry through writing. 

Together, we’ll explore the power of this practice to access inner wisdom and insight, strengthen our capacity to process what is and imagine what might be, and help us to feel more connected and whole even in moments of transition and uncertainty.  

Please note that no background or skill in art is necessary, just a willingness to play and explore! This experience is appropriate for skilled artists and complete beginners.

WHAT TO BRING:

The goal of the creative process is not to make beautiful works of art — it is to explore our own inner landscape and engage with whatever is present in our minds and hearts through the experience of creativity. We will engage in art as a spiritual practice rather than learning specific techniques.  You may use whatever materials you have at home, but you will need:

• Colored pencils, markers, paints (watercolor, acrylic, gouache), &/or pastels
• Unlined paper, journal with blank pages (heavyweight if using paints), or canvas
• If using paints: brushes, water, paper towel/ rag, sponge
• Paper and pen(s) for writing (you may want to use a blank journal for art and writing)
• If you would like more ideas and inspiration for suggested materials, click here. 

PAST JSP SESSIONS:

I have brought the Jewish Studio Process to:

The Academy for Jewish Religion, Los Angeles, CA. Megillot & Creativity semester-long course.

The Brandeis School, San Francisco, CA. Staff Retreat

Cheshbon Cheshvan Clergy Retreat

Congregation Beth El (Reform), Berkeley, CA

Congregation B’nai Tikvah (Reform), Walnut Creek, CA

Congregation Rodef Sholom (Reform), San Rafael, CA

Congregation Shaarey Tikvah (Conservative), Beachwood, OH

Institute for Jewish Spirituality Clergy Alumni Retreat

Jewish Studio Project Alumni Sessions

JCC East Bay Shavuot Tikkun

Kidscreen Summit Children’s Media Executive Conference

Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan Shavuot Tikkun

Middlebury College Hillel, Middlebury, VT

Mount Zion Temple, St Paul, MN, Our Bodies, Our Souls Women’s Retreat

Or Zarua Reconstructionist Congregation, Berkeley, CA

Oshman Family JCC, Palo Alto, CA Israeli & US gap year students

Reconstructing Judaism Shavuot Tikkun

Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, Wyncote, PA

San Francisco JCC, Staff Training; Grief program

Sharsheret Wisdom of The Heart: Mindfulness Through Art for Cancer Thrivers

UC Berkeley Hillel High Holiday Teshuva Exploration

Some previous JSP session source sheets can be found on:

Some previous JSP session playlists can be found on:

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:

This practice, and specifically Rabbi Margie’s facilitation of this practice, was a gift. All I can say is that it was inexplicably powerful and positive. The combination of structure and freedom, the experience of being in the company of others, getting out of my head and into my heart, of being able to share, or equally important, not — it unlocked something that made Thursday nights my favorite and most sacred night of the week. Margie’s energy — her specific way of leading — was a huge part of this for me. Kind, welcoming, focused, feet on ground, able to connect diverse groups to each other and this powerful practice. Margie feels like the embodiment of ancient wisdom mixed with a modern, relatable approach. Can’t wait to have this experience again and again.
~ Amy, Montclair, NJ

“Rarely have I resonated with Jewish concepts as I do when I listen to Rabbi Margie. I could listen to her all day– her calming, intuitive guidance and her insightful teaching- is a joy to experience. I have been consistently surprised with the insights I am able to receive from my own intuition through this art process. This weekly group, especially during an incredibly difficult time (Covid pandemic and racial injustice) has been a sanctuary for me. I love Margie’s calming, soothing, and grounding meditations. She is uniquely gifted at facilitating conversation that is full of introspection and reflection. Margie carries with her a depth in helping others hold and embrace life’s difficulties and beauty. It has been fun and insightful to build my practice with the Jewish Studio Project which has helped me tap into intuition and perspective.” –Joanna

Margie, I am so immensely grateful for the gift of your Creative Process class these last many months. Thursday evenings, guided by your creativity and wisdom, have been magical. You manage to connect us all through the Zoom screen, and week after week, you bring us to new understandings of Jewish teachings, our selves, and our own creative processes. I am moved and inspired each week–can’t wait to start again!
~ Sharon

This workshop was respite in the middle – in the middle of hard times for our nation, ongoing pandemic worries and the energy required to re-enter the world and community. I feel ready for the work ahead, replenished by the reminder that what I need to do my work is inside of me already. This workshop helped to call it out.- Rabbi Paula Mack Drill, Orangetown Jewish Center, NY

This workshop was lovely! I feel much calmer and a little more grounded compared to before the workshop – no small things!  Margie, you have such a lovely presence! You are affirming, validating, and bring a certain kind of calm to the space as you hold it for others. Yasher koach! and thank you. -Rabbi Brown

Living in a small NYC apartment during this pandemic has been very challenging. This program was a life-saver and a “world-opener” for me during the last 8 months. The weekly session was the highlight of my week – I learned so much from the text study, reflection and creative process – it opened up a whole new world of creative expression that I had never pursued before. Rabbi Margie provided a safe and creative space to learn, explore and grow. She “held” our group in a very tender and supportive way. I can’t say enough about this program and how grateful I am to Rabbi Margie!
~ Debbie, New York, NY

Rabbi Jacobs’ … workshop was the kind of innovation and spiritual connection we need from Clergy.  This workshop helped me to connect to my creative and expressive sides and feel them from a Jewish and spiritual perspective.  Prayer can be so much more than reciting words that others have written. We each have our own creative spark and this workshop helps us to tap into that spark”. –Karmit. St. Paul, MN, Mount Zion Temple

I’ve participated in several of Margie’s Creative Practice series. Margie’s deep Jewish knowledge enhances her teaching of this practice. I look forward to her sessions as a way to connect with myself and the community that is formed, as well as to Jewish wisdom. Margie presents the material in a calm and nurturing way, inviting us to express ourselves freely without judgment. I always discover deeper layers of awareness, and am surprised by what I create. Her classes are the highlight of my week.
~ Rachel, Massachusetts