ABOUT US

What is Metivta?
Metivta (Aramaic for spiritual academy) is a transdenominational Jewish center for study and contemplative practice founded in 1991 by Rabbi Jonathan Omer-Man, and currently under the direction of Rabbi Rami M. Shapiro. Rooted in the mystical lineage of Kabbalah and Hasidism, we provide access to Jewish spiritual teachings and practices that are authentic, accessible, and inclusive; and help you adapt these to your everyday life. From weekly classes to week-long meditation retreats, Metivta offers a variety of venues for both study and practice. In addition to local offerings in the Los Angeles area, our retreats and distance learning programs bring the wisdom and tools of contemplative Judaism to people around the globe.

Who belongs to Metivta?
Metivta is open to anyone interested in learning about Kabbalah and Hasidism, and engaging in Jewish contemplative practice.

Does Metivta offer any kind of degree, credit, or certification?
Learning at Metivta is Torah lishmah, learning for the sheer delight of learning. We do, however, offer Certificates of Completion to those who satisfactorily complete specific training programs, and CEUs in several fields for those who need to maintain professional proficiency.

What is Metivta’s Educational Philosophy?
Educationally Metivta is committed to the Jewish notion of na’aseh v’nishma, learning through doing. All of our programs have strong study and practice components that help you to use what you learn to deepen the spiritual quality of your life.

How is Metivta funded?
Metivta is a membership organization that survives through the generosity of our individual donors, The Nathan Cummings Foundation, STAR, Righteous Persons Foundation, the Goldman Foundation, and fees charged for specific programs.

Who is our staff?

Rabbi Jonathan Omer-Man
Rabbi Omer-Man, Metivta’s founder and Rabbi Emeritus, continues to teach both in person and via distance learning. He is a nationally known speaker, spiritual advisor, and master teacher of Jewish spirituality. His life’s work has been helping Jewish spiritual seekers connect with their tradition and integrate Jewish spirituality into their daily lives.

Rabbi Rami Shapiro
Rabbi Shapiro is Metivta’s president and senior rabbi. An award winning poet and author of numerous books on Jewish spirituality, he is dedicated to helping Jews achieve teshuvah and tikkun, returning to God and godliness. His most recent books are Minyan, The Way of Solomon, Wisdom of the Jewish Sages, and Proverbs.

Judith Gordon
Coming to Metivta with 25 years of executive leadership experience in both the Jewish and secular worlds, Judith, our Executive Director, is devoted to making the development and deepening of personal spiritual practice accessible to Jews everywhere.

Rema Nadel
Rema has been Metivta's office administrator since 1994. After working with her husband in his law practice for fifteen years and several years as a business owner, she pursued a vocation that combined her skills with her love of the Jewish community.

Derek Treuer
Derek Treuer is the webshammas for the Metivta web community. Through his company, WordWorks, he provides web-site development and maintenance, book layout and graphic design, print management, and production expertise in film and video.