Tzimtzum: The Art of Holding Space

A Rising Tide Open Waters Mikveh Network workshop with Hebrew College

Thursday, August 11 at 7:00 – 8:00pm ET / 6:00 – 7:00pm CT / 4:00 – 5:00pm PT 

Mikveh Guides are faced with the deep and potentially turbulent emotions of those who are immersing. In this virtual workshop, we will turn to techniques of the breath — and to Jewish traditions of “Tzimtzum” (loving self-contraction) — to give ourselves tools for being grounded, present witnesses, capable of stepping into and out of the guiding role with peaceful continuity.

This seminar is FREE for Rising Tide Mikveh Guide Members. For non-members, the cost is $36. Learn more about Rising Tide Mikveh Guide membership here. Need-based financial aid is available; please email lucym@mayyimhayyim.org.  

About the facilitators:

Evelyn (Ducky) Punch is a born-and-raised, pasture-grazed Irish lady who grew up without a movement studio in sight. Blessed with the great outdoors as a playground, her love and awe of nature developed into a fascination with the majesty of the human form. After completing degrees in biochemistry and neuroscience, she followed the trail to Yoga, which revealed a peaceful state of being. She soon stepped into teaching and never looked back — and now, more than twenty years later, she’s grateful to be living the joy that is the practice, the learning, the healing, the revelations and ultimately the transformation. Ducky teaches through an anatomical lens, with the intention to create a safe and comfortable, lighthearted yet deeply focused environment for students to explore their inner world.

Growing up, Yaakov Ginsberg-Schreck experienced himself as a stressed-out stranger to his own body, itself a strange land of chronic tightness. This memory of alienation — and the blessings of paths for peace — inspire his receptivity to Hebrew expressions of healing, as well as the pleasure he takes in rendering their insights accessible, invigorating, soothing, enriching, and fun. A rising fourth-year trainee in Hebrew College’s rabbinical program, Yaakov bridges part-time study, part-time work across Hebrew College’s Beit Midrash and (b’sha’ah tovah) the school’s Beit Neshama (“House of Breath”) studio for breath, movement, and contemplative practice.

Hebrew College is a national, cross-denominational institute for reimagining Jewish learning and leadership, making our lives more meaningful, our communities more vibrant, and our world more whole.