Dear Friends,

Have you been feeling overwhelmed, unsteady, and/or spiritually depleted recently? You are in good company. The terror and murder inflicted by ICE in Minneapolis and elsewhere in our country - not to mention the horrors continuing around the globe - have prompted two knee-jerk reactions in me and many people I know: Reaction 1: Heartbreak, anxiety, rage, overwhelm, fear. Reaction 2: Withdraw and self-distract. It's easy to find myself wildly springing between the two reactions like a ping pong ball.

And yet, I know this frantic reactivity does not serve anyone and doesn't help me to show up for the very real work that needs to be done. I am so deeply grateful for my meditation practice that reminds me that there is a place - even in the chaos and fear- that is always okay, connected, and loving. Opening to that well of love and stability helps me feel my feelings without drowning in them, and helps me remember to hold nobody outside of my heart - even those that I find really really hard to love. It helps me find my power and place in the movement for change.*

I have two upcoming offerings that will support you if you are seeking some grounding, support, wisdom and love during these scary times. And if neither is right for you, please feel free to reach out if I might be able to support you.

With love,

Yael

Flourish: A Transformative, Immersive Jewish Meditation Certification Program

Find real grounding, embodied calm, and the confidence to lead others — even in chaotic times.

If you have been dabbling in meditation over the years but are ready for something deeper and more transformative, I would love to welcome you to Flourish: A Jewish Meditation Immersion and Certification Program. This immersion is for those who are no longer meditation beginners and who feel ready to dive deeply into Jewish wisdom and Buddhist meditation practices in a warm community and to receive certification and training in how to guide others.

The course will begin March 10 and runs through May 26.

Use the code YS_2026 for $100 off the tuition price.

Why This Program Works

• Structured support. Step-by-step practice.
  ​You’ll be coached by me, a Jewish meditation teacher with 20+ years of experience who will walk with you through the journey.
• Real world tools + lived experience.
  We teach how to use practices when life is hard.
• Pedagogy + practice + practical leadership tools.
  ​ So you can lead others with confidence.
• Rooted in Ancient Jewish Wisdom
  ​ These are time-tested practices, not quick fixes.

Real Experiences From Real People:

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Do you have more questions or want to hear more about Flourish? Register for the FREE info session that will be held on Tuesday, February 3 at 5:00pm EST/2:00pm PST.

The Shevet Reset Challenge: Jewish Meditation Challenge for Young Adults

February 2 – 17, 2026

Live sessions:​
Launch Party February 2
Celebration Party February 17
5:00 PM PT / 8:00 PM ET

(Re)start the year from the inside out with the Institute for Jewish Spirituality's two-week Jewish meditation challenge designed for folks in their 20s and 30s seeking clarity, motivation, and authentic connection. Each day of the challenge, you’ll receive a piece of inspiration directly into your inbox, including guided meditation practices, sparks of Jewish wisdom, journaling prompts, beautiful music, and a “deep dive” resource.

*Where I'm donating this week: Defending Our Neighbors Fund​

*What has helped me this week: Revolutionary Love Project's "Recipe for Resilience"

Yael Shy is the CEO and Founder of Sefira Wellness with over two decades of supporting others in uncovering their inherent worth and capacity for deep joy through mindfulness. She is the author of the award-winning book What Now? Meditation for Your Twenties and Beyond (Parallax, 2017) and teaches at NYU’s Wagner School of Public Service. You can find her on Instagram at @yaelshy1. 2299 Summer St. #1249, Stamford, CT 06905 ​Unsubscribe · Preferences​