Planting Seeds of the Divine: A Conversation with Yiscah Smith

Join us for a special evening with spiritual teacher and author Yiscah Smith as she shares insights from her new book, Planting Seeds of the Divine: Torah Commentaries to Cultivate Your Spiritual Practice. In this inspiring work, Yiscah invites readers to nurture an intimate relationship with the Divine by exploring each weekly Torah portion through classical and Hasidic teachings, spiritual reflection, and guided practice. Using the metaphor of tending a garden, she offers “seeds” of wisdom—rooted in Jewish tradition—that help cultivate qualities like compassion, patience, and gratitude in daily life.

During this conversation, Yiscah will speak about the book’s vision, her own spiritual journey, and how anyone—regardless of background—can approach Torah as a guide for personal growth and transformation. Whether you are a longtime student of Jewish texts or simply curious about bringing more mindfulness and meaning into your life, this program offers a chance to pause, reflect, and plant seeds for your own spiritual flourishing.

Yiscah Smith is a thought leader, spiritual activist and agent of change who addresses the spiritual practice of encountering the Divine spark within and beyond.
She relies on Jewish spiritual teachings and contemplative practices to inspire her
students, acting as a compass, gently guiding them to their unique inner selves — their souls. As a spiritual trailblazer, Yiscah exemplifies what it means to carve one’s own path, as she has grappled with the entanglements at the intersection of her spirituality, Jewish tradition and passionate desire to live a life of truth and integrity. She encourages, empowers and ennobles others to remain faithful to their individual and unique spiritual paths. Yiscah teaches at the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies, Applied Jewish Spirituality (AJS) and the Institute for Jewish Spirituality (IJS). She founded Conscious Community Nachlaot, an alternative prayer space in Jerusalem that hosts Shabbat spiritual gatherings. Yiscah also provides spiritual mentoring to individuals. Her newest book, Planting Seeds of the Divine: Torah Commentaries to Cultivate Your Spiritual Practice, was recently co-published by the University of Nebraska Press (UNP) and the Jewish Publication Society (JPS).

Who are these classes for?

Our classes are for everyone—whether you’re brand new to the topic or have been engaging with it for years, we encourage participation from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experience levels. Unless otherwise noted, no prior knowledge or experience is needed. Not sure if a class is for you? Email us at Learning@Lehr.haus!

Why are there tickets at different prices?

Our tickets utilize a Pay-What-You-Can model so attendees can pay a range of prices based on what they are able to pay to allow for greater accessibility. Please select the price point that feels right for you.

Can I eat during class?

While we do not serve food in the study, you are welcome to order and enjoy drinks during class and join us for a meal before or after class. We highly recommend making a reservation if you know you'll be dining with us. Visit www.lehr.haus/reservation to check availability and book a table.