History of Path With Heart
Rabbi Jill Zimmerman has nurtured a global online community of Jewish mindfulness practitioners since 2011. She pioneered the use of social media to create meaningful connections with spiritual seekers worldwide.
Path With Heart has blossomed into a global community dedicated to uncovering the spiritual wisdom within Jewish texts and integrating these teachings into daily life. We strive to infuse Judaism with new meaning by embracing spiritual practices that enrich our everyday experiences.
Guided by Jewish values, we are devoted to creating positive change in the world. During the pandemic, we responded by offering healing sessions and published an ebook of healing prayers. Our social justice initiatives advocate for refugees and vulnerable community members, encouraging everyone to stand against injustice.
Through our signature programs—Journeying Through the Omer, Spiritual Preparation for the High Holy Days, Mindfulness Shabbat, Refugee and Repro Shabbat—and our collection of ebooks, we’re privileged to touch countless lives each year. We enhance the spiritual experience with Mindful High Holy Day Gatherings and curated music playlists to meet the moment.
At our core is the Hineni Community, gathering regularly throughout the month for collective learning and each Shabbat. In our study sessions, we include music and poetry to enhance Jewish texts.
In 2024, Rabbi Jill established Path With Heart as a 501(c)(3) public charity, acknowledging its evolution into an innovative alternative or complement to traditional synagogue engagement.
Community Activities
Hineni Community
High Holiday Gatherings
Courses on Jewish Mindfulness
Special Shabbatot
Jewish Mindfulness Ebooks
Conversion Opportunities
Members who wish to become more involved are encouraged to join our Hineni Community (paid membership required)
A California Nonprofit Corporation
Path With Heart Community is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization – Tax ID: 99-1257263
PATH WITH HEART COMMUNITY
3630 HIGH STREET #19049
OAKLAND, CA 94619
Path With Heart Board of Directors
Rabbi Jill Zimmerman
Founder & Executive Director
Rabbi Jill Berkson Zimmerman believes that the sacred some in may forms and regularly includes poetry, music, and other forms of creativity in her work. She teaches widely on the intersection of spirituality and mindfulness. In addition, she offers spiritual counseling, officiates lifecycle events, teaches online and in-person. Rabbi Zimmerman is a spiritual activist and speaks out on issues of our time from a Jewish perspective.
Learn more about Rabbi Jill.
MaryAnn Malkoff Guilds
PRESIDENT
MaryAnn Malkoff Guilds helps guide Path With Heart and Hineni in the Jewish virtual world to sustain and grow our community seeking Jewish spirituality and mindfulness.
MaryAnn is a founding member of Hineni, past President of the Merage Jewish Community Center of Orange County building the Samueli Campus, and past Executive Director of Temple Beth Emet Anaheim and Orange County Jewish Community Scholar Program. She was instrumental in bringing PJ Library and Life & Legacy to Orange County to create a Jewish tomorrow. She is also the founder of L’Chaim Village, working to bring social connection and joy to Jewish seniors.
Rabbi Francine Roston
Secretary
Rabbi Francine Green Roston recently retired from the congregational rabbinate after 27 years in pulpit work on the East Coast and founded Glacier Jewish Community in NW Montana. Rabbi Francine’s rabbinate is focused on radical hospitality and spiritual education that meets you where you are and helps you grow. She is a certified mindfulness meditation teacher and a certified teacher of the Community Resilience Model. Rabbi Francine teaches mindfulness and resiliency in Jewish and non-Jewish settings. She also leads back-country, backpacking retreats for Jewish clergy in the national forests of NW Montana. When she is not teaching text or leading meditation, Francine is hiking up mountains with her husband, two adult children, and two dogs.
Linda Lait Burger
TREASURER
Linda Lait Burger, an El Paso native, has led transformative work in Jewish communal services throughout Houston, including leadership roles at Jewish Federation, American Jewish Committee, and as Jewish Family Service CEO.
After retiring in 2022, she served as interim CEO at Houston’s Holocaust Museum
As a Founding Board Member and Treasurer of Path With Heart Community, she’s earned recognitions including NCJW “Woman of Influence” and “Most Admired CEO.” Linda mentors young Jewish leaders while treasuring time with her husband Andy, children, and grandchildren.
Fred Hintermister
Director
Fred Hintermister is a Resilience & Innovation Advisor who has vast experience in several sectors as well as public-private partnership development. Fred has been a member of Hineni for almost 5 years.
He appreciates the welcoming and dynamic Path With Heart Community. Informed by timeless Torah values and themes bursting with personal and contemporary relevance, he is happy to
share this life-enhancing opportunity with others. Centered on a supportive, curated interaction space to inspire, create, and sustain our grounded mindfulness journey together, there is certainly a valued place for you in our abundant community.
Ben Zimmerman
Director
Ben Zimmerman is a CFO, and as a Board Member of Path With Heart, he brings a strategic focus on financial stewardship and operational efficiency. With a background in technology, he is dedicated to sustainable growth and fiscal responsibility. Based in Oakland, California, Ben is passionate about building strong communities and supporting the mission of the Path With Heart Community.
Path With Heart Community is maintained by a dedicated group of talented people pulling together toward our common purpose.
Subscribe to keep in touch and get notified of all upcoming programs and special events.
Follow Rabbi Jill and connect with the community on your favorite social platforms.
