D'MA'MAH
CRASH COURSE IN
JEWISH MEDITATION & MINDFULNESS

OUR GUIDE

Rav Benji Elson, LMSW is skilled meditation teacher, a psychotherapist, an author, a musician, and a passionate instructor of embodied Jewish practice, who has been privileged to share his impactful self-transformation and Jewish psychology teachings globally, including in cities across the U.S., Israel, the UK, Canada, Mexico, Turkey, Finland, Zambia, South Africa, and India.

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For over 13 years, he has taught Jewish Meditation & Mindfulness to groups and individuals worldwide, helping hundreds cultivate inner stillness, emotional resilience, and deeper spiritual connection. His teaching blends refined meditative skill, psychological insight, Jewish wisdom, and a warm, grounded presence.

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Benji’s journey into meditation began in high school when, disenchanted with Judaism, he began to explore Buddhism and meditation. Shortly after high school, he flew to India and spent extended periods living in ashrams and participating in intensive silent meditation retreats. Upon returning to Jerusalem and Jewish practice, he immersed himself in the teachings and guidance of some of the most skilled Jewish meditation practitioners in the city. His passion for contemplative depth led him to launch a weekly Jewish meditation class in LA as well as facilitate a weekly Jewish meditation and mindfulness group in an addiction treatment center in Jerusalem—offering clients tools for regulation, healing, and sacred awareness.​​

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Benji’s meditation teaching emerges from a decade of exploration in Jewish mysticism, mindfulness, somatic awareness, and transformative psychology. His approach weaves together tradition and therapeutic clarity, helping students access both quiet presence and meaningful spiritual experience.

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Rav Benji is also the author of the globally beloved Sefirat Ha'Omer guidebook, Dance of the Omer, which integrates Jewish psychology, kabbalah, chassidut, embodied practices, meditation, state-of-the-art therapeutic modalities, and nature connection, offering participants a unique path to personal transformation.

Benji is currently crafting his second major work—an Elul and High Holiday season guidebook.

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​​​As a psychotherapist, Benji has served in leading mental health clinics in both Israel and the U.S., including advanced addiction treatment centers. He is currently the Head Mentor & MC for Rav Doniel Katz’s Elevation Project global transformational retreats, where he leads a team of therapists and facilitates inner-work processes for 150–300 participants per retreat.

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In his private practice, Benji works with individuals, couples, and families, integrating a wide range of therapeutic modalities including EMDR, IFS, DBT, CBT, Somatic Experiencing, Mindfulness-Based approaches, meditation interventions, NLP, regression work, KAP, and more.

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​​Benji is also the co-founder and director of Sod Siach, an EcoTorah Discovery Program that blends text learning, experiential workshops, and immersive nature encounters to foster sustainable Jewish living grounded in Torah and the Land. Previously, he served as Educational Director and Lead Transformational Facilitator of Shebet Haaretz, guiding profound Jewish journeys through remote wilderness and jungle settings around the world.​

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​On a more personal note, Benji’s life has taken him through two veggie-oil–powered mobile homes, shepherding in the Jerusalem hills, meditation in Indian ashrams, Jewish farming communities across the globe, and volunteer work in remote African villages. 

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Benji is honored and excited to guide you through D’Mada: Jewish Meditation & Mindfulness, and to accompany you on your journey into presence, awareness, and spiritual depth.