A free-spirited, naturalist, animal-centric, intergenerational, multicultural, inclusive global community of individuals whose spirituality is expressed through inquiry, loving kindness, and good deeds.
Chayot HaKodesh is a community of people dedicated to rediscovering and living the wisdom in Biblical and other wisdom texts. We study, question and explore the major texts of Judaism, other Abrahamic religions, other spiritual traditions, and atheism from the perspective of our core tenants.
Our Name
The phrase “Chayot HaKodesh” first appears in the book of Ezekiel. “Chayot” means “living beings,” and “HaKodesh” means “the sacred/holy.” In its literal sense, it refers to all living beings, recognized as sacred. In Ezekiel, it also refers to the highest order of Angels, which is later acknowledged by Maimonides as well as Kabbalistic teachings (a branch of Jewish mysticism).
We chose this name as a way to:
- recognize the sanctity of all life
- elevate the connectedness of all beings (Ezekiel’s angels are hybrid beings) with special attention to our animal siblings
- blur preconceived notions of animals and angels, heaven and earth
- see ourselves as Chayot HaKodesh, with a capacity to enjoy earthly life as a manifestation of the Divine.
Approaches
Chayot is heartened by the increased activity among Jewish vegan and animal welfare organizations, and is being developed as a full-fledged spiritual community rather than a political organization. Vegan potlucks will be included at most gatherings. We celebrate the life-cycle, and attend to how animals and Nature are part of our lives, and how we are part of the lives of others – from birth to death.
Chapters
Chayot HaKodesh has deep roots. Although based in Los Angeles, CA, we encourage and support the formation of chapters wherever interested people gather. These may be independent communities or chavurah established within existing congregations (or other organizations). Chapters operate under the vision and mission of Chayot HaKodesh (as seen with the organizations and movements).
Through our collective studies, we gain deeper understanding of life and the world we live in. We seek to acquire and apply scriptural wisdom, and inspire compassion and loving-kindness in everyday life.
Affiliations
Chayot founder, Eliyahu, is a cultural anthropologist who pioneered the field of animals and culture studies in the early 1980s, and has been vegan ever since. Chayot benefits from its affiliation with Family Spirals, a nonprofit whose faith-based programs are being designed to reinvigorate congregations’ commitment to helping its congregants and families in need. Through its Center for Families with Animals, it also hosts the Green Pet-Burial Society, inspired by the chevra kadisha, which helps reorient our notions of death, living with animals, and connecting with Nature.
Image: Paradise Landscape with the Animals Entering Noah’s Ark
by Jan Brueghel the Elder. 1596. Oil on copper. 26.5 by 35.6 cm
originally published March 24, 2014
updated October 6, 2023
Chayot 