Conscious Community: A Guide to Inner Work: A Guide to Inner Work

by Kalonymus Kalman

Within this volume, Reb Kalonymus teaches the art of self-observation with an emphasis on organizing and running a spiritual community. The reader is exhorted to be mindful of God at all times, with specific advice given for enhancing the experience of prayer. By addressing adults who are not withdrawn from worldly pursuits, Reb Kalonymus has provided a timeless guide to Jewish spirituality that will be an invaluable resource for today's seekers.

Genres: Judaism, Meditation

144 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1977

Reviews

[Ari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives me hope in a way that is personal and somewhat incomparable. The Aish Kodesh, known for his treatise on Jewish education and his parshah commentaries also wrote this incredible work regarding Jewish intentional community life. It's long been a topic of my interest, and after reading this, I feel like 1) I'm less alone in the world and 2) I may not have to reinvent the wheel to get what I'm after, after all. Rabbi Shapira's writing is logical and practical, while at the same time being mysical and absolutely breathtakingly beautiful (even in translation!). Recommended for anyone looking for the 'something more' that's missing in today's societal life.

[Margaret Klein · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was translated by one of my professors at the Academy for Jewish Religion. Therefore, I have been aware of this slim volume for a long time. This summer I took a class in Contemplative Prayer based on the Appendix in this book. We focused on Kalonymus Kalman Shapira's Quieting Technique and so I wanted to know more about how he integrated his personal quieting technique, a form of meditation with creating a holy, conscious community. I was also hoping, for my own sake, that there would be material I could glean for the High Holidays. What I learned, again, is that spirituality requires work and discipline. The goal is not--what can I teach my congregation, how can I use this material. The goal is much simpler and much more important. How can I live a holy life, one where G-d is front and center in every moment. How can I be more aware of holy moments. This book gives us his teaching and a snapshot of a long gone world. How we bring that into our own communities does not seem practical, although I am intrigued by his covenant that he made members of his community sign. No mention of dues. Just how members are to behave and treat each other--putting G-d and holiness first and encouraging others. The appendix is the best part of the book although he recommends finishing the book and immediately beginning to read again...and again and again. It is worth it.

[Justin Karp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredible!

[Shiloh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This text is an essential for genuine Kabbalah classrooms because it sets the tone for intimate gatherings where Jews gather to do their tikkun. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in Jewish leadership or is trying to put together any kind of group gatherings. The text is so humbling and beautifully written but a word to the wise, these concepts are fairly advanced and it requires deep knowledge of Talmud and Mishna.