In this interview, I have the rare privilege of interviewing one of my meditation teachers. His teachings and retreats have had a powerful impact on my practice. Towards the end of this interview, Rabbi James takes us on a short meditation, please pull over for the end of this interview. Rabbi James Jacobson-Maisels Ph.D. is the founder and executive director of Or HaLev: Center for Jewish Spirituality and Meditation (http://orhalev.org/). He has been studying and teaching meditation and Jewish spirituality for more than twenty-five years. He received his Ph.D. in Jewish Studies from the University of Chicago and rabbinic ordination from Rabbi Daniel Landes, the Rosh Yeshivah of Pardes, and from the Beit Midrash for an Israeli Rabbinate, a pluralistic ordination for Jewish leaders in Israel. He was the founding Rosh Yeshiva of Romemu Yeshiva and has taught and innovated programs in Jewish thought, mysticism, spiritual practices and meditation at the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies, Haifa University, Yeshivat Hadar and in a variety of settings around the world. He strives to integrate his study and practice and to help teach and live Judaism as a spiritual discipline. Here are some upcoming program offerings from Or Halev 1. Preparing our Hearts for Yom Kippur Virtual Meditation Retreat. September 20-22pm 2. Under a Roof of Stars: A Sukkot Journey. 30 minute meditations delivered to your inbox throughout Sukkot 3. Sacred Action: Bringing Contemplative Practice to Justice Work starting October 2. Thank you for subscribing and please do drop a review, we appreciate you ! Click here to make your tax-deductible donation to The Holy Sparks Podcast it helps keep us in production and get the word out about all these amazing people - click here - to support http://igfn.us/form/haHSSQ