MEET

Rabbi Yonatan Yosef Arnon

Inspired by Buber's I-Thou theory, Yonatan strongly believes in hevruta-style learning as a building block to share humanity between people. He has a passion for guiding one's path through questions, conversation, and reflection with text and each other. Yonatan believes in creating accessible entry points into Jewish life with the hope of sharpening one's own sense of belonging and meaning.

He is interested in offering the following classes (in addition to his interests below):
1) Hebrew language classes for both beginners and advanced learners, focusing on conversational skills and grammar.
2) A class exploring the complex history and current realities of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, drawing on insights from his studies with renowned peace activist Professor Yossi Beilin and his dialogue work between Palestinians and Israelis.
3) A class combining Jewish mindfulness and spiritual direction, integrating practices from Zen Buddhism and Jewish tradition.
4) Exploring the shared wisdom in Jewish, Sufi, and Zen traditions.
5) Queering Jewish texts: LGBTQ+ Perspectives.

Yonatan, an Israeli native who has worked with diverse global Jewish communities for over 10 years, is currently living in New York City. He has been a Jewish educator for over 15 years and loves to integrate in his teachings meditation, spiritual texts (from diverse faith traditions including Zen and Sufism), pastoral care, spiritual direction, and embodied practices such as breath work and movement techniques.

For the past ten years, Yonatan has served Jewish communities such as Romemu, Lab/Shul, Columbia/Barnard Hillel, Navah Tehila, MHWOW and retreatology at Moishe House, JDC Entwine and Kehilat Zion in different capacities.

For the past five years, Yonatan has integrated his spiritual and movement experiences, founding his signature "MoveMeant - Embodying Sacred Texts" workshops: https://www.embodymovemeant.com MoveMeant was founded in 2017 to explore the intersection of Jewish & Spiritual texts, ritual, live music, mindfulness, breath and movement. Yonatan was awarded (3rd year in a row) the Be Wise Jewish Entrepreneurialism Fellowship for his signature MoveMeant, led over 150 MoveMeant workshops in diverse Jewish settings across the world including: US, Canada, Europe, Israel, South Africa and India alongside world-class musicians and cantorial students from HUC-JIR NYC.

Receiving rabbinic ordination from Hebrew Union College in May 2023, Yonatan currently holds a joint BA in Jewish Philosophy and Theater from the Hebrew University, an MBA in social entrepreneurship and NPO management from the Morton Mandel Social Leadership Program from Ben Gurion University. Yonatan is an avid biker, hiker, meditator, yogi practitioner and dancer.

R. Yonatan just graduated from working as a Chaplain Resident at Columbia New York Presbyterian Hospital caring for aging and sick people as well as accompanying patients on their deathbed.

Yonatan currently wears several hats:
-Online Jewish Educator
-Spiritual Director through the Institute of Jewish Spirituality: Yonatan offers guidance and support for those seeking deeper meaning in their lives.
-Business Consultant: He provides valuable advice to individuals and non-profit organizations.

This fall, Yonatan will be enriching his life experiences by residing at the renowned Zen monastery of Plum Village in France. He plans to return to the US in spring 2025.

Interested in learning more? Feel free to Visit Yonatan's website: https://www.yonatan-arnon.com