Rabbi Josh Feigelson
We have the honor and privilege of inviting distinguished artists and scholars from across the spectrum of Jewish life and culture to share their expertise, educate, and facilitate discussion. This winter, join us Feb. 20-21, 2026 for an inspiring and soulful weekend of learning and spritual practice with our scholar-in-residence — Rabbi Josh Feigelson, PhD!
About
Rabbi Josh Feigelson became Executive Director of Institute for Jewish Spirituality (IJS) in 2020 and President and CEO in 2022. Ordained by Yeshivat Chovevei Torah in 2005, he served as Hillel Rabbi at Northwestern University, where he also earned a PhD in Religious Studies. He later co-founded and led Ask Big Questions, an award-winning Hillel International initiative, and has held leadership and consulting roles with The iCenter for Israel Education and the University of Chicago Divinity School. A Wexner Graduate Fellow and former co-chair of its alumni committee, Josh is the author of Eternal Questions: Reflections, Conversations, and Jewish Mindfulness Practices for the Weekly Torah Portion (Ben Yehuda Press, 2022). You can read his blog here. He lives in Skokie, IL with his wife Natalie and their three sons.
Programming
Mindfulness Kabbalat Shabbat and Shabbat Dinner
Friday, Feb. 20 | 6:30 p.m. | Sanctuary/livestream
D’var Torah: The Anti-Antisemite Club: Staying Sane and Responding Mindfully to Hate
Antisemitism has exploded in the wake of the October 7 massacre. Reading, watching, and listening to the news can provoke our fear, anger, rage, and despair. Often it can feel hard to stay calm and even simply engaged with what’s happening in the world. In this session, we will explore how Jewish mindfulness practices can help us respond wisely and mindfully to what we see, hear, and experience. Register here.
Shabbat Morning Prayer Service and Kiddush
Saturday, Feb. 21 | 9:30 a.m | Sanctuary/livestream
D’var Torah: How Can We Be Silent?
Since October 7, many of us have felt pushed to speak out, especially on social media where everyone has a platform. The constant decision of when and how to respond can feel exhausting. While silence in the face of injustice enables oppression, silence can also be a source of strength — helping us pause, regain balance, and clarify what truly needs to be said. How might we embrace both silence and speech so that our words are mindful, wise, and effective? In this session, we’ll reflect on these questions with guidance from Talmudic, Hasidic, and philosophical texts. Find more details here.
Seudah Shelishit and Learning
Saturday, Feb. 21 | 5-7 p.m. | Solomon Residence
Habits of the Heart: Jewish Spiritual Practices for Democracy
Two centuries ago, Alexis de Tocqueville wrote that democracy depends on “habits of the heart” among citizens. As our world changes rapidly and our civic institutions are tested as never before, how can we cultivate Jewish spiritual values like self-awareness, patience, resilient listening, and mindful speech? In this session we we will study Jewish teachings on these critical habits of the heart–and engage in practices to help us live into them as engaged citizens. Register here.
