Rabbi Jill Berkson Zimmerman combines vision and lifelong spiritual seeking to transform Jewish practice. She artfully bridges ancient wisdom with contemporary life, making Judaism both accessible and deeply relevant. Her distinctive approach seamlessly integrates mindfulness practices, inclusive community-building, and passionate social activism—creating pathways for meaningful spiritual connection in everyday moments.
Throughout her life, Rabbi Jill has embodied her vision of nurturing meaningful community. Her diverse path spans roles as educator, activist, organizational and group development specialist, Reform movement leader, gardener, parent, and entrepreneur. These experiences converged in her decision to pursue rabbinical studies at age 47. This bold mid-life transition transformed her accumulated wisdom into spiritual leadership.
A Transformative Encounter
In 1999, Rabbi Jill’s spiritual path changed forever when she studied with Rabbi Lawrence Kushner, who introduced her to Jewish mysticism, Chassidic texts, and Torah study. This awakened something profound within her. Having grown up in a “culturally Jewish” home without exposure to Judaism’s deeper wisdom traditions, Rabbi Jill felt she had discovered a hidden treasure in her own backyard.
This encounter sparked Jill’s deep immersion in Jewish study and practice. It ultimately inspired her to dedicate her second chapter to helping others discover the spiritual fulfillment she had found. When accepted to rabbinical school, she and her husband made a bold decision. They sold their Seattle-area home, placed their belongings in storage, and relocated to Jerusalem for her first year of study. While there, she interned with the World Union for Progressive Judaism, assisting them in carrying out their Strategic Plan. She also created community among her peers by cofounding a student knitting group.
During her training, Jill served student pulpits across Southern California, including Riverside, Carlsbad, and Big Bear..
Following her 2009 ordination from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, Rabbi Jill joined Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills as Assistant Rabbi. There, she pioneered the specially-created position of Director of Building Community & Growing Membership, designed to leverage her unique talents. She breathed new life into the Caring Community and chavurot (friendship) circles while partnering with congregants to cultivate a warm, welcoming environment. SAt the New Emanuel Minyan, she fostered a warm, inclusive environment and introduced enriching mini-classes led by Minyan professors and educators following communal meals. Throughout this formative period, she had the privilege of working alongside her mentor and esteemed colleague, Rabbi Laura Geller.
Creating Sacred Space: Rabbi Jill’s Vision for Jewish Mindfulness
Rabbi Jill’s lifetime involvement in Jewish mindfulness and meditation led her to the two-year Clergy Leadership program in spiritual practice and mindful leadership at the Institute for Jewish Spirituality. In addition, she received a certificate from the Jewish Mindfulness Meditation Teaching Training program.
In 2011, Rabbi Jill made the pivotal decision to step away from traditional congregational work to dedicate herself entirely to Jewish mindfulness—exploring Judaism through the lens of mindfulness while illuminating mindfulness practices from a Jewish perspective.
This vision led her to establish the Path With Heart Community (originally launched as The Jewish Mindfulness Network). Her guiding purpose was to create accessible, welcoming spaces where people could discover personal meaning within Jewish texts and experience the transformative power of mindfulness practices. All in a community setting of safety and welcome.
Hineni: A Unique Spiritual Community
In 2016, Rabbi Jill created Hineni: Your Path To Presence, a virtual spiritual community. Having pioneered the online space early on, Rabbi Jill and the community collaboratively developed a thriving virtual sanctuary. Hineni has blossomed into a cherished refuge for many, where members learn together, grow from one another’s wisdom, and provide mutual support. For countless participants, it has become more than just a community—it has become home. We learn how to be more awake in our lives, finding nourishment from Jewish texts and community.
Jill continues to teach locally and nationally, as well as offer online courses. She is also periodically a scholar-in-residence at Jewish communities across the country.
She is a passionate photographer who finds joy in reading, knitting, tending to her garden, writing (see her spiritual ebooks), and taking contemplative walks through wooded paths. Originally from Skokie, Illinois, Rabbi Jill now calls Northern California home, where she lives with her husband, Ely. Their family includes two grown sons and their “Insta-famous” Labradoodle, Bo. Recently, they welcomed their first granddaughter, who has become their greatest source of delight.
Hineni
(I am Present)
Media Appearances & Podcasts
Jewish Sacred Aging Podcast: Seekers of Meaning
Rabbi Jill Interview with Rabbi Richard Address
On this week’s Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast, our guest is Rabbi Jill Berkson Zimmerman, who creates welcoming, inclusive spiritual experiences that open hearts and build community. In 2011, she founded Path With Heart (formerly the Jewish Mindfulness Network) as well as an online subscription-based community, Hineni: The Mindful Heart Community.
Reflections on 2020 & Hopes for 2021
West Marin Community Radio with Susan Santiago of KWMR
You Can Always Change Your Path with Lauren Abrams of “52 Weeks of Hope
More Podcasts & Guest Speaker Engagements
A Conversation About Spirituality, Strength, and Community with Patient Power with Pastor Rodrick Echols – Patient Power Webinars:
Community and Gratitude in The Time of Coronavirus with Pastor Rodrick Echols – Patient Power Webinars
This American Quarantine with Langdon Bosarge: “Navigating the Wilderness with Rabbi Jill Zimmerman”
Well, This Isn’t Normal with Sarah Benincasa: “Rabbi Jill Zimmerman Walks a Path With Heart:
Women Rabbis Talk: “Rabbi Jill & Her Twitter Rabbinate”
The Riverside Church, New York City: “Reflecting Beyond the Obvious” with Rabbi Jill Zimmerman
Salaam/Shalom Podcast: Mental Health in the Jewish & Muslim Community
Rabbi Jill Zimmerman & Zariah Horton, moderator: Ahmed Abedin
