Mission
Gesher Center opened in August, 2000, with the mission of promoting the teaching, learning and practice of traditional and contemporary Jewish spiritual teachings and methods.
Gesher Center is a participating member of the Bet Midrash division of ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal.
Purpose
Gesher is a contemplative learning center whose purpose is to contribute, from a Jewish perspective, to awakening, peace and healing in our world and personal lives. Classes and programs at Gesher are designed to integrate Jewish wisdom teachings into contemporary life.
Programs
Classes, workshops and groups in meditative practices, spiritual well-being, embodied Judaism, the study of Hebrew prayer and spirituality for seniors and individual spiritual direction, take place in Gesher's warm and peaceful space, in beautiful Earlysville, Virginia. One-day retreats, led by experienced teachers, also take place at Gesher's rural location.
Jewish Peace and Healing Project
In October, 2001, the Jewish Peace and Healing Project was launched. Its mission is to engage the Charlottesville Jewish community in a variety of activities which can support healing and peace-building for the Jewish-Israeli and Palestinian peoples. Aspects of the JPHP include:
- Education - learning about the lives, experiences and concerns of Jewish-Israelis and Palestinians (in cooperation with Congregation Beth Israel, Charlottesville, VA)
- Tzedakah - providing information about and encouraging financial support for selected peacebuilding and coexistence organizations
- Jewish awareness and healing - doing inner work to honor and repair the Jewish spirit
- Interfaith prayer - praying for peace with people of different religions and backgrounds (in cooperation with The Unity Church of Charlottesville, VA)
Organizational Structure
Gesher is a not-for-profit corporation, with a tax-exempt status, under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code, and depends entirely on class fees and contributions for its financial support. Governed by a Board of Directors, Gesher's Executive Director is Heena Reiter.