This workshop is at maximum capacity. If you would like to be placed on our waitlist, please continue to sign up. Thank you!
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Mindfulness Clay Ritual - Thursday, March 28, 2024 @ 7-9PM at Or Shalom
Reuben’s Mindfulness Clay and Jewish Ritual Workshop explores how to use clay as a medium for mindfulness. We will begin with a short group meditation to ground ourselves and become acquainted with the clay, and then pinch pots to the rhythm of entrancing music. During the bulk of this workshop we will create Kiddush cups, the most basic Jewish ritual object, using beginner slab techniques. This cup will invite you to bring more Jewish rituals (shabbat) and mindfulness into your existing or new Jewish practices/traditions. This 2-hour workshop welcomes any skill levels and encourages group conversation.
Registration to participate in this workshop is required in advance. There are 15 spots available for this workshop, so please register responsibly. If you are unable to make it, please give us advance warning so that we can give your spot to the next person on the waitlist. Click here to register.
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This is the third event in our JQT Mental Health Support Series, which was developed in partnership with JFS Vancouver, following the Twice Blessed 2.0: The Jewish LGBTQ2SIA+ Initiative’s community needs assessment, which identified a critical service gap: Call to Action #6 - Develop and provide funding for LGBTQ2SIA+ friendly Jewish mental health support.
This gathering also addresses: Call to Action #9 - Amplify and hire Jewish LGBTQ2SIA+ artists, performers, activists, etc.
For the most up-to-date details on this series, please visit: https://www.jqtvancouver.ca/jqt-mental-health
Donation - If you are in a position to make a financial contribution towards the JQT Mental Health Support Series, visit the JFS Vancouver donation page and select the "JQT Mental Health" as your designated program. Your tax receipt will be sent to the provided email address.
Covid policy - JQT strictly follows the recommendations of Vancouver Coastal Health and makes decisions accordingly. Mask wearing is optional, but encouraged in group settings and to protect those in our circles who are immunocompromised.
Accessibility info - Programming will take place at Or Shalom Synagogue, located at 10th Ave and Fraser St. There is wheelchair accessibility around the outside of the building off of Fraser. If you need assistance, please email info@jqtvancouver.ca well in advance! There is an all genders washroom upstairs and an accessible washroom downstairs, which can be accessed via stairs inside the building or outside off of 10th Ave.
MEET YOUR HOST
My name is Reuben (He/Him), I am a Jewish-Canadian who grew up in Toronto, ON and have been living in Vancouver, BC for the past 6 years. I have been working with clay for over 18 years, and have always been drawn to making objects with the intent of seamlessly integrating functional art into our everyday rituals. I have been using clay as my own personal art therapy for years, and want to share the tools and exercises I have learned with my Jewish community.
reubenking.ca
insta: @reubenskraft
PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK:
“This was such a good space and event. I'm part of a meditation community and really appreciate having this space to practice that in a Jewish context. I would love more mindfulness events. It was very sweet and calming. I've experienced a great deal of anxiety and stress since the beginning of the war and it felt so good to be in a peaceful Jewish space. Thank you for making this happen!!!!”
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“I had a really awesome time at the clay workshop, my biggest gratitudes to JQT for hosting it. It came in very useful for me at a time when I was pretty stressed. The atmosphere was very nice and peaceful, I got to spend time around other people and create something cool. Reuben was a pro, to the point where I was kind of surprised when he said he never had professional training in leading workshops. If I had to suggest an improvement, there wasn't very much room for me at the table, but it's sort of my fault for being late.”
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“This workshop was so great and so needed! It was a beautiful evening and Reuben’s guidance helped set the tone for a dreamy, mindful, creative experience that was healing in so many ways. A big thank you to JQT for making it happen!”
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“What worked well for me?
- The location, easily accessible for me (I live in Kits and it's pretty easy to come with public transportation)
- Working with a group, but everyone at their own space, how we want to do things
- Reuben's teaching: nice, clear, mindful
- The space you created
- I enjoyed the fact that it's related to mental health without needing to share about traumas or concerns
What needs improvement?
- I genuinely don't know! I think the workshop was great and the frame created by JQT is awesome.”