City Guide
Religion and Spirituality
Many local churches, synagogues, and religious fellowships offer other special-interest discussion groups. For a list of local congregations, see the Religion section of this guide.
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Ann Arbor Dianetics Group
416 W. William [map]Laurie Gailunas, 218-5383
Interdenominational weekly study group focuses on Dianetics and Scientology. Meets Tues. 7-9 p.m. gailunas@comcast.net
Ann Arbor Kirtan
2345 S. Huron Pkwy. [map]973-3030
Members sing ancient Sanskrit mantras and play Indian and western instruments such as tabla, harmonium, cello, and guitar. Facilitates the bhakti yoga practice of call and response chanting. Free monthly gatherings open to all. kirtanannarbor.com
Community Bible Study
Nancy Sivulka, 665-5294
Interdenominational group open to all ages. Local group meets Sept.-May, Tues. 9:15-11:15 a.m. (adults meet for small-group discussion and lecture; concurrent children’s class for up to grade 8 includes nursery), Knox Presbyterian Church, 2065 S. Wagner. Call for registration information. nsivulka@comcast.net,
annarborcbs.org
Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tea Room
114 S. Main [map]665-2757
Hosts or rents facility to groups focused on holistic health, complementary medicine, spiritual and psychological growth, and writing and poetry. Publishes the Crazy Wisdom Community Journal, which lists local classes, lectures, workshops, and events, plus interviews and information on health and wellness, Buddhism, meditation, body/mind themes, movement, and music. information@crazywisdom.net, crazywisdom.net
Dances of Universal Peace (Sufi Dancing)
(419) 475-6535 or 663-2037
Circle dances, songs, and chants from the world’s spiritual traditions. No partner needed. Meets Sept.-June, 1st Fri. 7-9 p.m., Ann Arbor Friends Meetinghouse, 1420 Hill. $5 donation requested. jltrautman@sbcglobal.net, peacedance.multifaithjourneys.org/index.html
Deep Spring Center for Meditation and Spiritual Inquiry
3003 Washtenaw, suite 2 [map]477-5848
Meditation classes, workshops, and retreats, for people of any religion. Drop-in sittings Sun. 10 a.m. & Tues., Fri. 6:30 a.m.; healing circle Tues. noon; group yoga Wed. 10:30 a.m. info@deepspring.org, deepspring.org
Interfaith Round Table of Washtenaw County
P.O. Box 3653, AA 48106424-1535
Focuses on building bridges of understanding and friendship among
people of all faiths using dialogue, public celebrations, youth functions,
and adult educational events. Organizes dinners and concerts for people of
different religions; see website for dates and times. gbrides@umich.edu, irtwc.org
Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor
2939 Birch Hollow [map]677-0100
Educational, cultural, philanthropic, and social programs. info@jewishannarbor.org, jewishannarbor.org V, S
Spiritual Naturists
475-3314
Combines spiritual pursuit with social nudity. mgkerwin@juno.com, groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualnaturists
Sri Chinmoy Centre
1531 Natalie Ln., #301 [map]Kapila Castoldi, 994-7114
Workshops in meditation and humanitarian service. Emphasizes music, art, literature, sport, and global projects and their role in spiritual life. castoldi@oakland.edu, srichinmoycentre.org
Temple Beth Emeth
2309 Packard [map]665-4744
Shabbat services Fri. at 7:30 p.m. Tot Shabbat at 5:30 p.m. followed by tot dinner; Shira (Shabbat in song) 6:45-7:10 p.m. Weekly Sat. morning torah study with the rabbi (excluding July and August) at 8:50 a.m. followed by a congregant-led service. Several groups and classes are open to the public including meditation, Torah study, and offerings by the clergy. Jewish Meditation offers opportunities for experienced meditators to meet twice a month at Temple Beth Emeth. For meditation instruction, contact Cantor Annie Rose, arose@templebethemeth.org. New Beginnings discusses conversion to Judaism. Contact Janice Gutfreund (665-4744, mjgutfreund@gmail.com), or Rabbi Lisa Delson (ldelson@templebethemeth.org). templebethemeth.org
ZiG: Explorations in Jewish Learning
U-M Hillel, 1429 Hill769-0500
Courses in study of the Torah, Talmud, Hebrew, and Judaism. Discussion series on contemporary issues. Events open to the public. Free for students; fees vary for community members. umhillel@umich.edu, umhillel.org
