Presented by Rabbi Andrea Cohen-Kiener And Rev. Janet Mckinstry

AM: Reading and Drawing the Stories of our Biblical Mothers

In an integrative approach to learning, we’ll draw forth stories of Biblical women by learning together.  We’ll look at some of the stories of women’s lives and choices. Then we’ll create and draw our associations with the stories. How do their values, choices and roles hold pieces of our stories?

Co-taught by a minister and a rabbi, Rev. Janet McKinstry and Rabbi Andrea Cohen-Kiener. Both are loving scholars of sacred texts and Janet, additionally, is a skilled craftsperson. She works in multiple media and loves to make opportunities for others to tap into their creativity and inner artist.  Learning for the Right and the Left Hemisphere!

PM: Myths, Metaphor and Meaning: Tools for Interfaith Dialogue.

Some experiences are hard to put into words. But they might be put into a metaphor or a teaching story. We learn history and theology from our scriptures, and there is also a language of symbols, parables and metaphors. Jesus of Nazareth surely taught that way. Perhaps the most important lessons are both hidden and revealed in stories, archetypes and metaphors.

Building on the insights of Maurice Nicoll in Parables of the New Man, we’ll look for a common language of symbology, that can help Jews and Christians find common understanding and meaning.

COST | $75, lunch included

We’re honored to offer scholarship opportunities to programs and retreats, creating opportunities for everyone. Please call (860) 567-3163 to find out more.

The health and safety of our guests and staff are of paramount importance to us. We follow the COVID-19 guidelines provided by the State of Connecticut and the CDC. If Wisdom House is forced to close to comply with the guidelines issued by the State of Connecticut or the CDC, we will return all funds received to date.

Rabbi Andrea Cohen-Kiener has degrees in Hebrew Literature, Secondary Education, and ordination from The Alliance for Jewish Renewal. She has served as rabbi and educator in Connecticut and Massachusetts since 1990. She is the translator of Conscious Community written by the Hasidic master, Kalanymous Shapira. She is an avid student of interfaith dialog and peace building skills. She is a certified trainer for the Compassionate Listening Project and led citizen diplomacy to Israel, the West Bank and Gaza.  

Rev. Janet McKinstry holds a Master of Divinity from Andover Newton Theological School, where she focused on Theology and the Arts. An ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, she has served congregations throughout the Berkshires for twenty-four years. Alongside her pastoral work, Janet is a fiber artist whose ministry explores the deep connection between spirit, creativity, and the hand-made. Her seminars highlight how the language of textiles runs through many sacred traditions: from the Jewish tallit with its fringes symbolizing remembrance, to the Hindu and Buddhist use of hand-woven prayer shawls and ceremonial cloths, to the early Christian imagery of being “woven together in the womb.” Through art, dance, storytelling, and sacred textiles, Rev. McKinstry invites participants to experience faith as something both embodied and beautifully crafted.