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, (734) 218-5383
Interdenominational weekly study group focuses on Dianetics and Scientology. Meets Tues. 7-9 p.m. gailunas@comcast.net
Ann Arbor Kirtan
(734) 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; see website for information. kirtanannarbor.org/home.cfm
Community Bible Study
Nancy Sivulka, (734) 665-5294
Interdenominational group open to all ages. Meets Sept.-May, Tues. 9:15-11:15 a.m. (adults meet for small-group discussion and lecture; concurrent children’s class for nursery through grade 8), Knox Presbyterian Church, 2065 S. Wagner. Email for registration information. nsivulka@comcast.net, annarbor.cbsclass.org
Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tea Room
114 S. Main [map](734) 665-2757
Hosts or rents its meeting room and Tea Room to groups focused on holistic health, integrative 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, profiles, and articles on health and wellness, spirituality, meditation, body/mind themes, movement, and music. information@crazywisdom.net, crazywisdom.net
Dances of Universal Peace (Sufi Dancing)
(419) 475-6535 or (734) 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](734) 477-5848
Non-denominational with all levels of ongoing Insight Meditation classes, workshops, and silent retreats. Drop-in sittings Sun. 10 a.m., Tues. & Fri. 6:30 a.m.; healing circle Tues. noon; yoga Wed. 10:30 a.m. info@deepspring.org, deepspring.org
Interfaith Round Table of Washtenaw County
P.O. Box 3653, AA 48106(734) 424-1535
Focuses on deepening the dialogue among people of all faiths using conversations, 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](734) 677-0100
Educational, cultural, philanthropic, and social programs. info@jewishannarbor.org, jewishannarbor.org V, S
Spiritual Naturists
(734) 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, (734) 994-7114
Offers workshops in meditation and Ayurveda. Emphasizes the role of music, art, literature, creativity, and sports in spiritual life. castoldi@oakland.edu, meditationannarbor.com
Temple Beth Emeth
2309 Packard [map](734) 665-4744
Groups and classes open to the public include Basic Judaism (discusses conversion to Judaism), Torah study. Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Hebrew, Spirituality Book Club. Rabbi Lisa Delson, ldelson@templebethemeth.org, templebethemeth.org
U-M Hillel
1429 Hill [map](734) 769-0500. Fax: (734) 769-1934
Offers opportunities to study Torah, Talmud, Hebrew, and Judaism. Events open to the public. Free for students; fees vary for community members. Rabbi Seth Winberg, winberg@umich.edu, umhillel.org
