WORKSHOP/LECTURE MODULES:

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"Studying with Merissa was the highlight of the conference. Her knowledge is extensive, her delivery friendly and welcoming. She is clearly one of the bright lights of our times, shining what she has learned into the shadow parts of our culture." -Rabbi Jan Salzman, Burlington, Vermont

INHERITED TRAUMA 101

Do the histories that precede us impact our lives? Do we carry that history, and if so, in what way? This workshop/lecture looks at the inheritance of trauma and memory, what it means for the surviving generations of war and violence, and what it means to move forward against oppression. This talk addresses trauma from the medical, scientific, therapeutic and spiritual perspectives - think of this as trauma 101 - how to understand it, how to remedy it, and how to prevent its repetition.

SEX AND THE SABBATH

Looking at historically heternormative and often sexist Jewish sexual laws this talk revisits the ancient through a modern lens. Exploring the formation of sexual laws in 21st century synagogues and religious spaces, you will leave able to identify the influences that shaped your own sex education. Learn what the Talmudic teachings can offer your modern love life, your sex life, your body and more. This is a course on how to read the ancient into the modern with love, acceptance, and understanding.

COUPLES AND SINGLES COACHING

Blocks to intimacy come in many forms. These sessions are meant to help individuals and couples identify some of these blocks, and to examine cultural messages from home, school, and institutional input that shape how we enter into relationship. Catered to each couple or individual's religious, secular, or spiritual needs these are one on one or two on one sessions that ensure a dramatic shift in love and sex.

SPIRITUAL BURNOUT 101

This is a basic course for activists, rabbis, healers, teachers, and parents on self-care in a modern era. It looks at a five-point model for how to manage and remember key components to recharging and reinforcing one's own energy level. Keeping a body and mind and spirit in balance is key to serving any community. This workshop helps clergy people and leaders find the ingredients they need to continue to maintain a life of service. This includes individual care lists and community resource source sheets. Can be done as an individual consulting session for rabbis, priests, yoga teachers and others in need of support, and also functions as a class/lecture at any institution.