Ahava.org

love based Jewish practice

Introduction:

Ahava (אהבה) is the Hebrew word for love. Ahava is the hope that through unconditional acceptance and service to the other, we can transcend our limiting beliefs and divisive narratives.

Ancient Hebrew texts describe a time when humanity experiences “Ahava Raba” (Great Love) and it being a precursor to the new age. For thousands of years, the Jewish people have held onto the Torah, seeking its wisdom and living by the guidance of it’s teachers. Ahava.org is an attempt to bring those ancient ideas of communal self actualization into the modern era. By focusing on the Torah’s approach to healing, and building the tools for the Jewish people to connect and heal, our aim to test the hypothesis put forth by Jewish writing. Namely, that the survival, renewal, and rejuvenation of an oppressed and divided people is happens through solidarity, shared rituals, and belief in our cosmic oneness.

Our Tribal History —

A people torn apart pulling itself back together

Our family/nation began with the recognition of our cosmic oneness and the practical need for one to sacrifice parts of themselves at times to create a better world. Through our people’s suffering, we were taught to value empathy and to focus on love & understanding to move us through life. Through the guidance and teachings of our law giver, we were given the opportunity to self determine and build a thriving civilization of our own. Together we celebrated our culture rich in tribal traditions, spiritual wisdom, & humanistic values. Sadly, due to foreign imperialism & natural societal degradation, the civilization of Israel/Judea was destroyed & its people brutally displaced, oppressed, & colonized.

Thus began the Jewish journey towards complete self actualization. For thousands of years, while living under oppressive regimes & foreign empires the Jewish people held onto their dream of returning home to rebuild what was destroyed. The wise amongst us inspired our communities through oral tradition, philosophy, and ceremonial practices so that we might hold onto the hope will return to our homeland and live as one people in service of the divine once again. In the process, serving as an inspiration to the those who’ve witnessed our journey. From Iran, Ethiopia, and Spain, to Europe, Morocco, and the Middle East, Jews maintained their culture, practice, & connection to their native land. Today we are home again.

As modern Jewish people living in the 21st century, we hope to cut through any learned limiting beliefs, internalized colonialism, and the inter generational trauma to continue building what our ancestors prayed, hoped, and died for. We’re reuniting with our family from all parts of the diaspora to reclaim what was destroyed & resolve the injustices currently being done to & in the name of our people.

Ahava.org hopes to use modern technology, media, & science to reintroduce ancient wisdom, traditions, and spiritual meditative practices to Jewish people of all backgrounds & to share our story of hope & survival to the world at large.