Kiddush Levana Men’s Circle

The full moon in the Hebrew tradition has long been a sacred time — a moment to celebrate, ritualize, reflect, and renew alongside the moon’s fullness. 

Kiddush Levana is a member circle, open to all Makom Shalom Members. Makom Shalom is a membership based community, and we hope you will join us. 

This monthly men’s circle gathers close to the  Full Moon to explore the spiritual and embodied themes of each Jewish month and the holidays in those months that coincide with the full moon. Together, we create an intentional container where ancient wisdom meets our current lives, inviting both remembrance and renewal. We will introduce and practice together the Jewish ritual of Kiddush Levana or sanctification of the moon. 

Each gathering will include learning about the themes of the month. There will be space for personal and collective reflection, as well as tracking and expressing what is moving in our lives in the fullness of the moons. We will explore each month’s theme through practices such as council-style sharing, ritual, and embodied practices.

This circle is an invitation to plug in to the Hebrew calendar, connect with others in our community, and tend the inner movements of our lives in rhythm with the moon and the seasons.

All male-identifying and/or socialized folks are welcome. Come as you are. No prior Jewish knowledge or experience is needed.  Ideally, folks are encouraged to join for as many of the next six moons as possible to support continuity and deepening within the circle, while also honoring that you are welcome to come for a single gathering if that is what feels right.

WHO: Male identified Makom Shalom members

WHEN: monthly, 7-9 pm

July 21

Aug 25

Sept 15 

Oct 20

Nov 24

Dec 15

Rabbi Zelig Golden will lead this circle. 

Tisha B’Av Sacred Fire and Grief Ritual

We will hold an ancestral grief ritual around sacred fire. The ritual will be contextualized with teachings about Tisha B’Av, Sacred Fire, Grief Tending and will conclude with Havdallah. 

St. Stephen’s Outdoor Sanctuary

6:30 pm arrival / welcome / music

7:00 pm contextualization: Tisha B’Av, Sacred Fire, Grief Tending

8-10 pm Ritual + Integration 

10-10:30 pm Havdalah and Close

Ritual is open to all, but we will not have youth programming, as this is meant to be an adult only ritual. 

Makom Shalom is a membership based community, and we hope you will join us. Non-member visitors, please consider making a donation to support this emerging Forest Synagogue

Prayer Lab

Prayer Lab provides a space to learn, explore, and practice Jewish prayer together. Part study session, part spiritual practice, part community laboratory, Prayer Lab aims to build knowledge, confidence, fluency, and depth in our relationship with prayer.

Prayer Lab is a member circle, open to all Makom Shalom Members. Makom Shalom is a membership based community, and we hope you will join us. 

Together we will explore the history, structure, meaning, and flow of Jewish liturgy, studying prayers from the siddur (Jewish prayer book), singing them together, and exploring ways to embody them in our lives. We will also explore prayer from the heart and how to have our direct conversations with the Holy One.

Our first several gatherings will focus on Kabbalat Shabbat prayers, which we sing together on Friday night. From there, we will move into Shacharit (morning prayer) and other parts of the prayer tradition.

Prayer is about cultivating relationships — with tradition, ancestors, community, and Great Mystery. Like any meaningful relationship, prayer deepens through practice.

Whether you are completely new to Jewish prayer, returning after many years away, or have been praying for decades and want to deepen your understanding, you are warmly welcome.

Upcoming Sessions:

Jul 16, 2026

Aug 13, 2026

Sep 3, 2026

Sep 24, 2026

 Oct 15, 2026

Nov 5, 2026

Dec 3, 2026

Rosh Chodesh Women’s Circle

Rosh Chodesh, the beginning of the Hebrew month, has long been a sacred time for women — a moment to pause, reflect, and renew alongside the moon’s darkening and rebirth.

This monthly women’s circle gathers close to the New Moon / Rosh Chodesh to explore the spiritual and embodied themes of each Jewish month. Together, we create an intentional container where ancient wisdom meets our current lives, inviting both remembrance and renewal.

Each gathering will include learning about the themes of the month, including sharing tea and connecting with a local plant ally that supports the month’s teaching. There will be space for personal and collective reflection, as well as setting intentions for the moon ahead. We will explore each month’s theme through practices such as council-style sharing, gentle movement, song, and artistic exploration.

This circle is an invitation to slow down, listen more deeply, and tend the inner movements of our lives in rhythm with the moon and the seasons.

All women are welcome. Come as you are. No prior Jewish knowledge or experience is needed.  Ideally, women are encouraged to join for as many of the next six moons as possible to support continuity and deepening within the circle, while also honoring that you are welcome to come for a single gathering if that is what feels right.

WHO: Female identified Makom Shalom members

WHERE: Private Residence Sebastopol 

WHEN: monthly, 7-9 pm, on or near the new moon

1. Adar Mon Feb 16

2. Nissan Wed Mar 18 

3. Iyyar Tues Apr 14

4. Sivan Tuesday May 19th 

5. Tamuz Wed June 10 

6. Av Tuesday July 14th 

Monthly Themes, Plant Allies & Dates

Adar- Rosemary Revealing the hidden, in joy

Nisan- Nettles / Wild Greens New beginnings, liberation & vitality

Iyar- Rose Heart healing & integration

Sivan-Oats / Wheat Embodied revelation

Tammuz- Sage, Yarrow The descent of Inanna — discernment & boundaries

Av Poppy / Wormwood Sacred grief & remembrance

Sarai bio
Sarai began her Jewish life raised in Mt. Airy, Philadelphia — a longstanding center of Jewish Reconstructionism and Renewal — where cultural life, social justice, and spiritual inquiry were deeply intertwined. In her early twenties, she found her way to Elat Chayyim Jewish Retreat Center, immersing herself in Jewish spiritual practice, seasonal ritual, and embodied learning, and later worked with Teva, the Jewish environmental network. She went on to become an early staff member of Wilderness Torah, serving as Director of Youth Programming, organizing seasonal and holiday-based programs, and co-writing the B’naiture Rite of Passage curriculum. 

Throughout her work, she has specialized in supporting girls and women through transitional and threshold moments of life, drawing on decades of experience in nature-based mentorship, ceremony, and guided reflection. She currently works as a spiritual counselor and coach, as well  as a ceremonialist, guide, artist, and devoted earth-lover. Today, she maintains a one-on-one practice while also facilitating groups, circles, and retreats that invite people to root in ancestral rhythms, reconnect with the natural world, and move through change with clarity, integrity, and reverence for life.  You can learn more about Sarai here. 

Kiddush Levana Men’s Circle

The full moon in the Hebrew tradition has long been a sacred time — a moment to celebrate, ritualize, reflect, and renew alongside the moon’s fullness. 

Who May Attend: Kiddush Levana is a Member-only Circle for all male-identified and/or male-socialized folks. Come as you are. No prior Jewish knowledge or experience is needed. Makom Shalom is a membership based community, and we hope you will join us.

Kiddush Levana is a monthly men’s circle providing a space for authentic connection, spiritual grounding, and embodied brotherhood. Rooted in Jewish wisdom and practice, we gather to explore what it means to deepen as men in relationship — to ourselves, to one another, to the sacred, to the earth, and to those beyond the masculine.

Inspired by the spirit of Kiddush Levana, the Jewish ritual of blessing the waxing moon, we meet in rhythm with the lunar cycle as the moon is waxing and near full. The moon becomes both mirror and teacher: inviting humility, receptivity, accountability, and deeper relationship with the feminine — within and around us.

Together we will explore seasonal teachings connected to the Hebrew calendar, engage in council-style sharing and reflection, practice the ancient Jewish practice of honoring the moon, and simply be together. 

Schedule:  We meet on Tuesdays when the moon is waxing, based on our ancient tradition. Please refer to Makom Shalom’s Event calendar for which Tuesday each month.

June 23

July 21

Aug 25

Sept 15 

Oct 20

Nov 24

Dec 15

Leadership: Kiddush Levana is a community led circle. 

Rosh Chodesh Women’s Circle- Members

Rosh Chodesh, the beginning of the Hebrew month, has long been a sacred time for women — a moment to pause, reflect, and renew alongside the moon’s darkening and rebirth.

This monthly Makom Shalom Members women’s circle gathers close to the New Moon / Rosh Chodesh to explore the spiritual and embodied themes of each Jewish month. Together, we create an intentional container where ancient wisdom meets our current lives, inviting both remembrance and renewal.

Each gathering will include learning about the themes of the month, including sharing tea and connecting with a local plant ally that supports the month’s teaching. There will be space for personal and collective reflection, as well as setting intentions for the moon ahead. We will explore each month’s theme through practices such as council-style sharing, gentle movement, song, and artistic exploration.

This circle is an invitation to slow down, listen more deeply, and tend the inner movements of our lives in rhythm with the moon and the seasons.

All women are welcome. Come as you are. No prior Jewish knowledge or experience is needed.  Ideally, women are encouraged to join for as many of the next six moons as possible to support continuity and deepening within the circle, while also honoring that you are welcome to come for a single gathering if that is what feels right.

WHO: Female identified Makom Shalom members

WHERE: Private Residence Sebastopol 

WHEN: monthly, 7-9 pm, on or near the new moon

1. Adar Mon Feb 16

2. Nissan Wed Mar 18 

3. Iyyar Tues Apr 14

4. Sivan Tuesday May 19th 

5. Tamuz Wed June 10 

6. Av Tuesday July 14th 

Monthly Themes, Plant Allies & Dates

Adar- Rosemary Revealing the hidden, in joy

Nisan- Nettles / Wild Greens New beginnings, liberation & vitality

Iyar- Rose Heart healing & integration

Sivan-Oats / Wheat Embodied revelation

Tammuz- Sage, Yarrow The descent of Inanna — discernment & boundaries

Av Poppy / Wormwood Sacred grief & remembrance

Sarai bio
Sarai began her Jewish life raised in Mt. Airy, Philadelphia — a longstanding center of Jewish Reconstructionism and Renewal — where cultural life, social justice, and spiritual inquiry were deeply intertwined. In her early twenties, she found her way to Elat Chayyim Jewish Retreat Center, immersing herself in Jewish spiritual practice, seasonal ritual, and embodied learning, and later worked with Teva, the Jewish environmental network. She went on to become an early staff member of Wilderness Torah, serving as Director of Youth Programming, organizing seasonal and holiday-based programs, and co-writing the B’naiture Rite of Passage curriculum. 

Throughout her work, she has specialized in supporting girls and women through transitional and threshold moments of life, drawing on decades of experience in nature-based mentorship, ceremony, and guided reflection. She currently works as a spiritual counselor and coach, as well  as a ceremonialist, guide, artist, and devoted earth-lover. Today, she maintains a one-on-one practice while also facilitating groups, circles, and retreats that invite people to root in ancestral rhythms, reconnect with the natural world, and move through change with clarity, integrity, and reverence for life.  You can learn more about Sarai here. 

Chaverim Circle is a yearlong group that meets monthly to explore Hasidic teachings on personal and community spiritual exploration to build steadily from personal awareness to collective spiritual consciousness. We begin by studying Rabbi Kalonymous Shapira’s Bnei Machshava Tova (Conscious Community). Each session will elevate core concepts to catalyze group meditation, learning and reflection, chevrutah (pair) sharing and support, and integration of spiritual development into daily life.

Chaverim Circle is a member only program that requires a year-long commitment. 14 Makom Shalom members committed to the group for 5786! We will consider opening the group again for a second round now in 5787 (October 2026)

Kiddush Levana Men’s Circle

The full moon in the Hebrew tradition has long been a sacred time — a moment to celebrate, ritualize, reflect, and renew alongside the moon’s fullness. 

This monthly men’s circle gathers close to the  Full Moon to explore the spiritual and embodied themes of each Jewish month and the holidays in those months that coincide with the full moon. Together, we create an intentional container where ancient wisdom meets our current lives, inviting both remembrance and renewal. We will introduce and practice together the Jewish ritual of Kiddush Levana or sanctification of the moon. 

Each gathering will include learning about the themes of the month. There will be space for personal and collective reflection, as well as tracking and expressing what is moving in our lives in the fullness of the moons. We will explore each month’s theme through practices such as council-style sharing, ritual, and embodied practices.

This circle is an invitation to plug in to the Hebrew calendar, connect with others in our community, and tend the inner movements of our lives in rhythm with the moon and the seasons.

All male-identifying and/or socialized folks are welcome. Come as you are. No prior Jewish knowledge or experience is needed.  Ideally, folks are encouraged to join for as many of the next six moons as possible to support continuity and deepening within the circle, while also honoring that you are welcome to come for a single gathering if that is what feels right.

WHO: Male identified Makom Shalom members

WHERE: 1101 Bohemian Ln, Occidental in the Grove

WHEN: monthly, on or near the new moon

Chaverim Circle is a yearlong group that meets monthly to explore Hasidic teachings on personal and community spiritual exploration to build steadily from personal awareness to collective spiritual consciousness. We begin by studying Rabbi Kalonymous Shapira’s Bnei Machshava Tova (Conscious Community). Each session will elevate core concepts to catalyze group meditation, learning and reflection, chevrutah (pair) sharing and support, and integration of spiritual development into daily life.

Chaverim Circle is a member only program that requires a year-long commitment. 14 Makom Shalom members committed to the group for 5786! We will consider opening the group again for a second round now in 5787 (October 2026)

Rosh Chodesh Women’s Circle

Rosh Chodesh, the beginning of the Hebrew month, has long been a sacred time for women — a moment to pause, reflect, and renew alongside the moon’s darkening and rebirth.

This monthly women’s circle gathers close to the New Moon / Rosh Chodesh to explore the spiritual and embodied themes of each Jewish month. Together, we create an intentional container where ancient wisdom meets our current lives, inviting both remembrance and renewal.

Each gathering will include learning about the themes of the month, including sharing tea and connecting with a local plant ally that supports the month’s teaching. There will be space for personal and collective reflection, as well as setting intentions for the moon ahead. We will explore each month’s theme through practices such as council-style sharing, gentle movement, song, and artistic exploration.

This circle is an invitation to slow down, listen more deeply, and tend the inner movements of our lives in rhythm with the moon and the seasons.

All women are welcome. Come as you are. No prior Jewish knowledge or experience is needed.  Ideally, women are encouraged to join for as many of the next six moons as possible to support continuity and deepening within the circle, while also honoring that you are welcome to come for a single gathering if that is what feels right.

WHO: Female identified Makom Shalom members

WHERE: Private Residence Sebastopol 

WHEN: monthly, 7-9 pm, on or near the new moon

1. Adar Mon Feb 16

2. Nissan Wed Mar 18 

3. Iyyar Tues April 14

4. Sivan Tuesday May 19th 

5. Tamuz Wed June 10 

6. Av Tuesday July 14th 

Monthly Themes, Plant Allies & Dates

Adar Rosemary Revealing the hidden, in joy

Nisan Nettles / Wild Greens New beginnings, liberation & vitality

Iyar-Rose Heart healing & integration

Sivan Oats / Wheat Embodied revelation

Tammuz Sage, Yarrow The descent of Inanna — discernment & boundaries

Av Poppy / Wormwood Sacred grief & remembrance

Sarai bio
Sarai began her Jewish life raised in Mt. Airy, Philadelphia — a longstanding center of Jewish Reconstructionism and Renewal — where cultural life, social justice, and spiritual inquiry were deeply intertwined. In her early twenties, she found her way to Elat Chayyim Jewish Retreat Center, immersing herself in Jewish spiritual practice, seasonal ritual, and embodied learning, and later worked with Teva, the Jewish environmental network. She went on to become an early staff member of Wilderness Torah, serving as Director of Youth Programming, organizing seasonal and holiday-based programs, and co-writing the B’naiture Rite of Passage curriculum. 

Throughout her work, she has specialized in supporting girls and women through transitional and threshold moments of life, drawing on decades of experience in nature-based mentorship, ceremony, and guided reflection. She currently works as a spiritual counselor and coach, as well  as a ceremonialist, guide, artist, and devoted earth-lover. Today, she maintains a one-on-one practice while also facilitating groups, circles, and retreats that invite people to root in ancestral rhythms, reconnect with the natural world, and move through change with clarity, integrity, and reverence for life.  You can learn more about Sarai here. 

Kiddush Levana Men’s Circle

The full moon in the Hebrew tradition has long been a sacred time — a moment to celebrate, ritualize, reflect, and renew alongside the moon’s fullness. 

This monthly men’s circle gathers close to the  Full Moon to explore the spiritual and embodied themes of each Jewish month and the holidays in those months that coincide with the full moon. Together, we create an intentional container where ancient wisdom meets our current lives, inviting both remembrance and renewal. We will introduce and practice together the Jewish ritual of Kiddush Levana or sanctification of the moon. 

Each gathering will include learning about the themes of the month. There will be space for personal and collective reflection, as well as tracking and expressing what is moving in our lives in the fullness of the moons. We will explore each month’s theme through practices such as council-style sharing, ritual, and embodied practices.

This circle is an invitation to plug in to the Hebrew calendar, connect with others in our community, and tend the inner movements of our lives in rhythm with the moon and the seasons.

All male-identifying and/or socialized folks are welcome. Come as you are. No prior Jewish knowledge or experience is needed.  Ideally, folks are encouraged to join for as many of the next six moons as possible to support continuity and deepening within the circle, while also honoring that you are welcome to come for a single gathering if that is what feels right.

WHO: Male identified Makom Shalom members

WHERE: 1101 Bohemian Ln, Occidental in the Grove

WHEN: monthly, on or near the new moon

Kiddush Levana Men’s Circle

The full moon in the Hebrew tradition has long been a sacred time — a moment to celebrate, ritualize, reflect, and renew alongside the moon’s fullness. 

This monthly men’s circle gathers close to the  Full Moon to explore the spiritual and embodied themes of each Jewish month and the holidays in those months that coincide with the full moon. Together, we create an intentional container where ancient wisdom meets our current lives, inviting both remembrance and renewal. We will introduce and practice together the Jewish ritual of Kiddush Levana or sanctification of the moon. 

Each gathering will include learning about the themes of the month. There will be space for personal and collective reflection, as well as tracking and expressing what is moving in our lives in the fullness of the moons. We will explore each month’s theme through practices such as council-style sharing, ritual, and embodied practices.

This circle is an invitation to plug in to the Hebrew calendar, connect with others in our community, and tend the inner movements of our lives in rhythm with the moon and the seasons.

All male-identifying and/or socialized folks are welcome. Come as you are. No prior Jewish knowledge or experience is needed.  Ideally, folks are encouraged to join for as many of the next six moons as possible to support continuity and deepening within the circle, while also honoring that you are welcome to come for a single gathering if that is what feels right.

WHO: Male identified Makom Shalom members

WHERE: Two Acre Wood, Sebastopol or other private residence, Sebastopol

WHEN: monthly, 6-8 pm, on or near the new moon

Shvat Mon Feb 2-introducing kiddush levana practice, Tu B’Shvat honoring, integrating winter, tracking where the sap is rising in our lives 

Adar  Sunday March 1 -Masking & Unmasking, revealing the hidden, connecting to Joy

Nissan  Wednesday, March 25 -New beginnings, liberation & freeing from binding habits

Iyyar Monday, April 27-Tending our inner fires, inner mystics 

Sivan Thursday, May 28-Integrating recent revelations, connecting to our prayer

Tamuz Thurs June 25-What in our life is dying/shedding, on anger and destruction

Ophir Haberer is a Hakomi somatic practitioner, bodyworker, rites-of-passage guide, Jewish ritualist, poet, and community organizer. For over seven years, he has led men’s work with organizations across the country and co-founded Kinhood, a men’s wellness organization. He brings more than a decade of experience in facilitation and program development within Jewish communal spaces.

Chaverim Circle is a yearlong group that meets monthly to explore Hasidic teachings on personal and community spiritual exploration to build steadily from personal awareness to collective spiritual consciousness. We begin by studying Rabbi Kalonymous Shapira’s Bnei Machshava Tova (Conscious Community). Each session will elevate core concepts to catalyze group meditation, learning and reflection, chevrutah (pair) sharing and support, and integration of spiritual development into daily life.

Chaverim Circle is a member only program that requires a year-long commitment. 14 Makom Shalom members committed to the group for 5786! We will consider opening the group again for a second round now in 5787 (October 2026)

Rosh Chodesh Women’s Circle

Rosh Chodesh, the beginning of the Hebrew month, has long been a sacred time for women — a moment to pause, reflect, and renew alongside the moon’s darkening and rebirth.

This monthly women’s circle gathers close to the New Moon / Rosh Chodesh to explore the spiritual and embodied themes of each Jewish month. Together, we create an intentional container where ancient wisdom meets our current lives, inviting both remembrance and renewal.

Each gathering will include learning about the themes of the month, including sharing tea and connecting with a local plant ally that supports the month’s teaching. There will be space for personal and collective reflection, as well as setting intentions for the moon ahead. We will explore each month’s theme through practices such as council-style sharing, gentle movement, song, and artistic exploration.

This circle is an invitation to slow down, listen more deeply, and tend the inner movements of our lives in rhythm with the moon and the seasons.

All women are welcome. Come as you are. No prior Jewish knowledge or experience is needed.  Ideally, women are encouraged to join for as many of the next six moons as possible to support continuity and deepening within the circle, while also honoring that you are welcome to come for a single gathering if that is what feels right.

WHO: Female identified Makom Shalom members

WHERE: Private Residence Sebastopol 

WHEN: monthly, 7-9 pm, on or near the new moon

1. Adar Mon Feb 16

2. Nissan Wed Mar 18 

3. Iyyar Tues April 14

4. Sivan Tuesday May 19th 

5. Tamuz Wed June 10 

6. Av Tuesday July 14th 

Monthly Themes, Plant Allies & Dates

Adar- Rosemary Revealing the hidden, in joy

Nisan- Nettles / Wild Greens New beginnings, liberation & vitality

Iyar- Rose Heart healing & integration

Sivan-Oats / Wheat Embodied revelation

Tammuz- Sage, Yarrow The descent of Inanna — discernment & boundaries

Av Poppy / Wormwood Sacred grief & remembrance

Sarai bio
Sarai began her Jewish life raised in Mt. Airy, Philadelphia — a longstanding center of Jewish Reconstructionism and Renewal — where cultural life, social justice, and spiritual inquiry were deeply intertwined. In her early twenties, she found her way to Elat Chayyim Jewish Retreat Center, immersing herself in Jewish spiritual practice, seasonal ritual, and embodied learning, and later worked with Teva, the Jewish environmental network. She went on to become an early staff member of Wilderness Torah, serving as Director of Youth Programming, organizing seasonal and holiday-based programs, and co-writing the B’naiture Rite of Passage curriculum. 

Throughout her work, she has specialized in supporting girls and women through transitional and threshold moments of life, drawing on decades of experience in nature-based mentorship, ceremony, and guided reflection. She currently works as a spiritual counselor and coach, as well  as a ceremonialist, guide, artist, and devoted earth-lover. Today, she maintains a one-on-one practice while also facilitating groups, circles, and retreats that invite people to root in ancestral rhythms, reconnect with the natural world, and move through change with clarity, integrity, and reverence for life.  You can learn more about Sarai here. 

Gather with Makom Shalom for a participatory Passover ritual and liberation celebration. Anchored by the Four Cups and the Passover story, we will gather in the forest around the fire to offer our gratitude for our world, face the grief-ridden narrows, see our way to liberation, and celebrate our freedom. This will not be your Bubbe’s seder! 

Kids will have a journey of their own to soak in Passover themes, have fun in the forest, and create a Passover play.

4:00-4:30 arrival

4:30-6:30pm: Ritual Experience

6:30-8:00 pm Dinner

8:15 pm Havdalah

9:00 pm Close

Kiddush Levana Men’s Circle

The full moon in the Hebrew tradition has long been a sacred time — a moment to celebrate, ritualize, reflect, and renew alongside the moon’s fullness. 

This monthly men’s circle gathers close to the  Full Moon to explore the spiritual and embodied themes of each Jewish month and the holidays in those months that coincide with the full moon. Together, we create an intentional container where ancient wisdom meets our current lives, inviting both remembrance and renewal. We will introduce and practice together the Jewish ritual of Kiddush Levana or sanctification of the moon. 

Each gathering will include learning about the themes of the month. There will be space for personal and collective reflection, as well as tracking and expressing what is moving in our lives in the fullness of the moons. We will explore each month’s theme through practices such as council-style sharing, ritual, and embodied practices.

This circle is an invitation to plug in to the Hebrew calendar, connect with others in our community, and tend the inner movements of our lives in rhythm with the moon and the seasons.

All male-identifying and/or socialized folks are welcome. Come as you are. No prior Jewish knowledge or experience is needed.  Ideally, folks are encouraged to join for as many of the next six moons as possible to support continuity and deepening within the circle, while also honoring that you are welcome to come for a single gathering if that is what feels right.

WHO: Male identified Makom Shalom members

WHERE: Two Acre Wood, Sebastopol or other private residence, Sebastopol

WHEN: monthly, 6-8 pm, on or near the new moon

Shvat Mon Feb 2-introducing kiddush levana practice, Tu B’Shvat honoring, integrating winter, tracking where the sap is rising in our lives 

Adar  Sunday March 1 -Masking & Unmasking, revealing the hidden, connecting to Joy

Nissan  Wednesday, March 25 -New beginnings, liberation & freeing from binding habits

Iyyar Monday, April 27-Tending our inner fires, inner mystics 

Sivan Thursday, May 28-Integrating recent revelations, connecting to our prayer

Tamuz Thurs June 25-What in our life is dying/shedding, on anger and destruction

Ophir Haberer is a Hakomi somatic practitioner, bodyworker, rites-of-passage guide, Jewish ritualist, poet, and community organizer. For over seven years, he has led men’s work with organizations across the country and co-founded Kinhood, a men’s wellness organization. He brings more than a decade of experience in facilitation and program development within Jewish communal spaces.

Rosh Chodesh Women’s Circle

Rosh Chodesh, the beginning of the Hebrew month, has long been a sacred time for women — a moment to pause, reflect, and renew alongside the moon’s darkening and rebirth.

This monthly women’s circle gathers close to the New Moon / Rosh Chodesh to explore the spiritual and embodied themes of each Jewish month. Together, we create an intentional container where ancient wisdom meets our current lives, inviting both remembrance and renewal.

Each gathering will include learning about the themes of the month, including sharing tea and connecting with a local plant ally that supports the month’s teaching. There will be space for personal and collective reflection, as well as setting intentions for the moon ahead. We will explore each month’s theme through practices such as council-style sharing, gentle movement, song, and artistic exploration.

This circle is an invitation to slow down, listen more deeply, and tend the inner movements of our lives in rhythm with the moon and the seasons.

All women are welcome. Come as you are. No prior Jewish knowledge or experience is needed.  Ideally, women are encouraged to join for as many of the next six moons as possible to support continuity and deepening within the circle, while also honoring that you are welcome to come for a single gathering if that is what feels right.

WHO: Female identified Makom Shalom members

WHERE: Private Residence Sebastopol 

WHEN: monthly, 7-9 pm, on or near the new moon

1. Adar Mon Feb 16

2. Nissan Wed Mar 18 

3. Iyyar Tues April 14

4. Sivan Tuesday May 19th 

5. Tamuz Wed June 10 

6. Av Tuesday July 14th 

Monthly Themes, Plant Allies & Dates

Adar Rosemary Revealing the hidden, in joy

Nisan Nettles / Wild Greens New beginnings, liberation & vitality

Iyar-Rose Heart healing & integration

Sivan Oats / Wheat Embodied revelation

Tammuz Sage, Yarrow The descent of Inanna — discernment & boundaries

Av Poppy / Wormwood Sacred grief & remembrance

Sarai bio
Sarai began her Jewish life raised in Mt. Airy, Philadelphia — a longstanding center of Jewish Reconstructionism and Renewal — where cultural life, social justice, and spiritual inquiry were deeply intertwined. In her early twenties, she found her way to Elat Chayyim Jewish Retreat Center, immersing herself in Jewish spiritual practice, seasonal ritual, and embodied learning, and later worked with Teva, the Jewish environmental network. She went on to become an early staff member of Wilderness Torah, serving as Director of Youth Programming, organizing seasonal and holiday-based programs, and co-writing the B’naiture Rite of Passage curriculum. 

Throughout her work, she has specialized in supporting girls and women through transitional and threshold moments of life, drawing on decades of experience in nature-based mentorship, ceremony, and guided reflection. She currently works as a spiritual counselor and coach, as well  as a ceremonialist, guide, artist, and devoted earth-lover. Today, she maintains a one-on-one practice while also facilitating groups, circles, and retreats that invite people to root in ancestral rhythms, reconnect with the natural world, and move through change with clarity, integrity, and reverence for life.  You can learn more about Sarai here. 

Chaverim Circle is a yearlong group that meets monthly to explore Hasidic teachings on personal and community spiritual exploration to build steadily from personal awareness to collective spiritual consciousness. We begin by studying Rabbi Kalonymous Shapira’s Bnei Machshava Tova (Conscious Community). Each session will elevate core concepts to catalyze group meditation, learning and reflection, chevrutah (pair) sharing and support, and integration of spiritual development into daily life.

Chaverim Circle is a member only program that requires a year-long commitment. 14 Makom Shalom members committed to the group for 5786! We will consider opening the group again for a second round now in 5787 (October 2026)

Kiddush Levana Men’s Circle

The full moon in the Hebrew tradition has long been a sacred time — a moment to celebrate, ritualize, reflect, and renew alongside the moon’s fullness. 

This monthly men’s circle gathers close to the  Full Moon to explore the spiritual and embodied themes of each Jewish month and the holidays in those months that coincide with the full moon. Together, we create an intentional container where ancient wisdom meets our current lives, inviting both remembrance and renewal. We will introduce and practice together the Jewish ritual of Kiddush Levana or sanctification of the moon. 

Each gathering will include learning about the themes of the month. There will be space for personal and collective reflection, as well as tracking and expressing what is moving in our lives in the fullness of the moons. We will explore each month’s theme through practices such as council-style sharing, ritual, and embodied practices.

This circle is an invitation to plug in to the Hebrew calendar, connect with others in our community, and tend the inner movements of our lives in rhythm with the moon and the seasons.

All male-identifying and/or socialized folks are welcome. Come as you are. No prior Jewish knowledge or experience is needed.  Ideally, folks are encouraged to join for as many of the next six moons as possible to support continuity and deepening within the circle, while also honoring that you are welcome to come for a single gathering if that is what feels right.

WHO: Male identified Makom Shalom members

WHERE: Two Acre Wood, Sebastopol or other private residence, Sebastopol

WHEN: monthly, 6-8 pm, on or near the new moon

Shvat Mon Feb 2-introducing kiddush levana practice, Tu B’Shvat honoring, integrating winter, tracking where the sap is rising in our lives 

Adar  Sunday March 1 -Masking & Unmasking, revealing the hidden, connecting to Joy

Nissan  Wednesday, March 25 -New beginnings, liberation & freeing from binding habits

Iyyar Sunday, April 26-Tending our inner fires, inner mystics 

Sivan Wednesday, May 20-Integrating recent revelations, connecting to our prayer

Tamuz Thurs June 25-What in our life is dying/shedding, on anger and destruction

Ophir Haberer is a Hakomi somatic practitioner, bodyworker, rites-of-passage guide, Jewish ritualist, poet, and community organizer. For over seven years, he has led men’s work with organizations across the country and co-founded Kinhood, a men’s wellness organization. He brings more than a decade of experience in facilitation and program development within Jewish communal spaces.

Rosh Chodesh Women’s Circle

Rosh Chodesh, the beginning of the Hebrew month, has long been a sacred time for women — a moment to pause, reflect, and renew alongside the moon’s darkening and rebirth.

This monthly women’s circle gathers close to the New Moon / Rosh Chodesh to explore the spiritual and embodied themes of each Jewish month. Together, we create an intentional container where ancient wisdom meets our current lives, inviting both remembrance and renewal.

Each gathering will include learning about the themes of the month, including sharing tea and connecting with a local plant ally that supports the month’s teaching. There will be space for personal and collective reflection, as well as setting intentions for the moon ahead. We will explore each month’s theme through practices such as council-style sharing, gentle movement, song, and artistic exploration.

This circle is an invitation to slow down, listen more deeply, and tend the inner movements of our lives in rhythm with the moon and the seasons.

All women are welcome. Come as you are. No prior Jewish knowledge or experience is needed.  Ideally, women are encouraged to join for as many of the next six moons as possible to support continuity and deepening within the circle, while also honoring that you are welcome to come for a single gathering if that is what feels right.

WHO: Female identified Makom Shalom members

WHERE: Private Residence Sebastopol 

WHEN: monthly, 7-9 pm, on or near the new moon

1. Adar Wed Feb 18

2. Nissan Wed Mar 18 

3. Iyyar Tues April 14

4. Sivan Tuesday May 19th 

5. Tamuz Wed June 10 

6. Av Tuesday July 14th 

Monthly Themes, Plant Allies & Dates

Adar Rosemary Revealing the hidden, in joy

Nisan Nettles / Wild Greens New beginnings, liberation & vitality

Iyar-Rose Heart healing & integration

Sivan Oats / Wheat Embodied revelation

Tammuz Sage, Yarrow The descent of Inanna — discernment & boundaries

Av Poppy / Wormwood Sacred grief & remembrance

Sarai bio
Sarai began her Jewish life raised in Mt. Airy, Philadelphia — a longstanding center of Jewish Reconstructionism and Renewal — where cultural life, social justice, and spiritual inquiry were deeply intertwined. In her early twenties, she found her way to Elat Chayyim Jewish Retreat Center, immersing herself in Jewish spiritual practice, seasonal ritual, and embodied learning, and later worked with Teva, the Jewish environmental network. She went on to become an early staff member of Wilderness Torah, serving as Director of Youth Programming, organizing seasonal and holiday-based programs, and co-writing the B’naiture Rite of Passage curriculum. 

Throughout her work, she has specialized in supporting girls and women through transitional and threshold moments of life, drawing on decades of experience in nature-based mentorship, ceremony, and guided reflection. She currently works as a spiritual counselor and coach, as well  as a ceremonialist, guide, artist, and devoted earth-lover. Today, she maintains a one-on-one practice while also facilitating groups, circles, and retreats that invite people to root in ancestral rhythms, reconnect with the natural world, and move through change with clarity, integrity, and reverence for life.  You can learn more about Sarai here. 

Chaverim Circle is a yearlong group that meets monthly to explore Hasidic teachings on personal and community spiritual exploration to build steadily from personal awareness to collective spiritual consciousness. We begin by studying Rabbi Kalonymous Shapira’s Bnei Machshava Tova (Conscious Community). Each session will elevate core concepts to catalyze group meditation, learning and reflection, chevrutah (pair) sharing and support, and integration of spiritual development into daily life.

Chaverim Circle is a member only program that requires a year-long commitment. 14 Makom Shalom members committed to the group for 5786! We will consider opening the group again for a second round now in 5787 (October 2026)

Kiddush Levana Men’s Circle

The full moon in the Hebrew tradition has long been a sacred time — a moment to celebrate, ritualize, reflect, and renew alongside the moon’s fullness. 

This monthly men’s circle gathers close to the  Full Moon to explore the spiritual and embodied themes of each Jewish month and the holidays in those months that coincide with the full moon. Together, we create an intentional container where ancient wisdom meets our current lives, inviting both remembrance and renewal. We will introduce and practice together the Jewish ritual of Kiddush Levana or sanctification of the moon. 

Each gathering will include learning about the themes of the month. There will be space for personal and collective reflection, as well as tracking and expressing what is moving in our lives in the fullness of the moons. We will explore each month’s theme through practices such as council-style sharing, ritual, and embodied practices.

This circle is an invitation to plug in to the Hebrew calendar, connect with others in our community, and tend the inner movements of our lives in rhythm with the moon and the seasons.

All male-identifying and/or socialized folks are welcome. Come as you are. No prior Jewish knowledge or experience is needed.  Ideally, folks are encouraged to join for as many of the next six moons as possible to support continuity and deepening within the circle, while also honoring that you are welcome to come for a single gathering if that is what feels right.

WHO: Male identified Makom Shalom members

WHERE: Two Acre Wood, Sebastopol or other private residence, Sebastopol

WHEN: monthly, 6-8 pm, on or near the new moon

Shvat Thursday Feb 5-introducing kiddush levana practice, Tu B’Shvat honoring, integrating winter, tracking where the sap is rising in our lives 

Adar  Sunday March 1 -Masking & Unmasking, revealing the hidden, connecting to Joy

Nissan  Wednesday, March 25 -New beginnings, liberation & freeing from binding habits

Iyyar Sunday, April 26-Tending our inner fires, inner mystics 

Sivan Wednesday, May 20-Integrating recent revelations, connecting to our prayer

Tamuz Thurs June 25-What in our life is dying/shedding, on anger and destruction

Ophir Haberer is a Hakomi somatic practitioner, bodyworker, rites-of-passage guide, Jewish ritualist, poet, and community organizer. For over seven years, he has led men’s work with organizations across the country and co-founded Kinhood, a men’s wellness organization. He brings more than a decade of experience in facilitation and program development within Jewish communal spaces.