our team
Long-time students of mindfulness practice, our faculty are committed to sharing the fruits of this rich tradition with the world.
Hailing from around the world, Or HaLev faculty believe that Judaism is a source of deep wisdom, which, when applied, can be used to transform ourselves, our communities , our world and our Creator. Our teachers bring a minimum of ten years of Jewish study and ten years of dedicated meditation practice to their craft.
Rabbi Sara Brandes
Executive Director
Rabbi Sara Brandes was ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary and brings experience from the pulpit and non-profit worlds to Or HaLev. Past California Director at Moving Traditions and former Associate Rabbi at the Malibu Jewish Center, Sara is a lifetime spiritual seeker and a certified yoga instructor. Based in Israel, she continues to serve as Rabbi-in-Residence to the Camp Alonim community in Los Angeles. She is author of Magical World: Stories, Reflections, Poems and is partner to Hyim, and mother to Michal and Gavi
Rabbi Dr. James Jacobson Maisels
Founder and Spiritual Director
Rav James directs the vision of Or HaLev & is a devotee of mindfulness practice. Ordained by Rav Daniel Landes, with a doctorate in Jewish Studies from the University of Chicago, Rav James lectures internationally on Jewish Spiritual practices. He also teaches at the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies, Haifa University & Yeshivat Hadar. He strives to integrate his study with his practice, & to help teach & live Judaism as a spiritual discipline
Rabbi Daniel Silverstein
Faculty
Rabbi Sara Brandes was ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary and brings experience from the pulpit and non-profit worlds to Or HaLev. Past California Director at Moving Traditions and former Associate Rabbi at the Malibu Jewish Center, Sara is a lifetime spiritual seeker and a certified yoga instructor. Based in Israel, she continues to serve as Rabbi-in-Residence to the Camp Alonim community in Los Angeles. She is author of Magical World: Stories, Reflections, Poems and is partner to Hyim, and mother to Michal and Gavi
Daniel Yoel Cohen
Faculty
Rabbi Sara Brandes was ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary and brings experience from the pulpit and non-profit worlds to Or HaLev. Past California Director at Moving Traditions and former Associate Rabbi at the Malibu Jewish Center, Sara is a lifetime spiritual seeker and a certified yoga instructor. Based in Israel, she continues to serve as Rabbi-in-Residence to the Camp Alonim community in Los Angeles. She is author of Magical World: Stories, Reflections, Poems and is partner to Hyim, and mother to Michal and Gavi
Genevieve Greinetz
Rabbinic Intern
Rav James directs the vision of Or HaLev & is a devotee of mindfulness practice. Ordained by Rav Daniel Landes, with a doctorate in Jewish Studies from the University of Chicago, Rav James lectures internationally on Jewish Spiritual practices. He also teaches at the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies, Haifa University & Yeshivat Hadar. He strives to integrate his study with his practice, & to help teach & live Judaism as a spiritual discipline
Dr. Mira Niculescu
Faculty
Rabbi Sara Brandes was ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary and brings experience from the pulpit and non-profit worlds to Or HaLev. Past California Director at Moving Traditions and former Associate Rabbi at the Malibu Jewish Center, Sara is a lifetime spiritual seeker and a certified yoga instructor. Based in Israel, she continues to serve as Rabbi-in-Residence to the Camp Alonim community in Los Angeles. She is author of Magical World: Stories, Reflections, Poems and is partner to Hyim, and mother to Michal and Gavi
Rabbi Batsheva Meiri
Faculty
Rabbi Sara Brandes was ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary and brings experience from the pulpit and non-profit worlds to Or HaLev. Past California Director at Moving Traditions and former Associate Rabbi at the Malibu Jewish Center, Sara is a lifetime spiritual seeker and a certified yoga instructor. Based in Israel, she continues to serve as Rabbi-in-Residence to the Camp Alonim community in Los Angeles. She is author of Magical World: Stories, Reflections, Poems and is partner to Hyim, and mother to Michal and Gavi
Rav Daniel Silverstein
Faculty
Rav James directs the vision of Or HaLev & is a devotee of mindfulness practice. Ordained by Rav Daniel Landes, with a doctorate in Jewish Studies from the University of Chicago, Rav James lectures internationally on Jewish Spiritual practices. He also teaches at the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies, Haifa University & Yeshivat Hadar. He strives to integrate his study with his practice, & to help teach & live Judaism as a spiritual discipline
Rabbi Jeff Roth
Awakened Heart Project
Rabbi Sara Brandes was ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary and brings experience from the pulpit and non-profit worlds to Or HaLev. Past California Director at Moving Traditions and former Associate Rabbi at the Malibu Jewish Center, Sara is a lifetime spiritual seeker and a certified yoga instructor. Based in Israel, she continues to serve as Rabbi-in-Residence to the Camp Alonim community in Los Angeles. She is author of Magical World: Stories, Reflections, Poems and is partner to Hyim, and mother to Michal and Gavi
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