the omana'ya center
for NATIVE
HEBREW SPIRIT

at last, - - -
a gathering place
wherein
the essence
of tribal hebrew ways
are recovered
and integrated into
contemporary jewish practice
a place
without
institutional bounds on
the cultivation
and immediate expression
of the sacred.
whoever is moved to be present is welcome.

guest artistry ~ arrange for keren to teach in your community

Introductory talks and workshops offered as guest artist/scholar at country-wide temples, institutes of learning, and conferences.

Guest Artist/Scholar Retreats

keren co-creates with nationwide communities, synagogues and educational institutes, an in-house half or full-day retreat, according to each one's specific interests and requests.

to view courses and schedule of a sample full-day retreat, click here

A free introductory talk -
Aboriginal/Ancient Hebraic Roots:
Revitalizing the tribal essences in modern Jewish times

The Hebrew ancestors were tribal people, desert wanderers, and the leaders, the prophetic seers. Their ways of understanding and relating to The Divine and the other beings in nature were vastly different than common Jewish practices today. Though we re-tell stories of Abraham & Sarah, Moshe & Miriam, and the many others wandering in the tanakh, the essences of their practices and experiences are only vaguely apparent in contemporary Jewish practice.

keren's work directly answers to the fact that so many Jewish people are demonstrating a hunger to be personally touched by Jewish prayers and worship practices. She suggests that at this time in history our remembrance and inclusion of the sensibilities from the more ancient Hebrew culture can serve this need. keren further suggests that one of the consequences of exiles and collective trauma is the condensation of spiritual practices into "backpack-able religion", and she believes that now is the time to unpack. Today's spiritual seekers and younger generations are longing to hear the voices of their more ancient ancestry. Remembering their spontaneous and profound words of prayer, their rituals that included natural elements, and their pilgrimages to the "mount" to meet their maker, can revitalize contemporary Judaism with a healing dose of its own root-essence.

Additionally, the housing of religion within an establishment has been at least a barrier - if not an injurious cause - to many who would otherwise want to continue in the Jewish lineage. keren's work offers a possibility to the prevalent concern for the future of Jewish people: that it is time to recall and recover our ancient wisdoms and riches.

This introductory talk is offered free-of-charge (travel expenses may be necessary) and can be formatted according to the needs of the congregation, such as a d'var torah during regular services (15-20 minutes) or as a more in-depth talk and discussion in another format (20-60 minutes).

Attendees of the talk would listen to lecture, song & mantra, and have the opportunity to receive answers to any questions they may have for keren and her body of work. All talks can be customized to the communities' specific interests and needs.

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"it is a huge privilege to learn, share and pray with you. I thank god that we were brought together!"

- amy, new mexico