Jewish Renewal in 10 Minutes

Drums, meditation, mysticism, and feminism—welcome to Jewish Renewal. In Jewish Renewal in 10 Minutes, we'll explore this late 20th-century movement that set out to infuse Judaism with spiritual passion, inclusivity, and creativity. Inspired by Kabbalah, Hasidism, and progressive values, Renewal reimagines prayer with song, chant, dance, and contemplative practices, while embracing equality across gender, sexuality, and interfaith lines. Founded by figures like Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, Jewish Renewal isn't about building new institutions as much as it is about transforming Jewish life from the inside—making tradition come alive in ways that speak to the soul. We'll look at how it's influenced broader Jewish practice, from eco-conscious spirituality to drumming circles on Shabbat. Ten minutes, one modern revival, and a reminder that Judaism can be both ancient and experimental, serious and joyful, all at once.