Joseph Holman's Page

How much were you at the House of Love and Prayer?

Was a Regular

What year(s) were you at the House?

a:2:{i:0;s:4:"1969";i:1;s:4:"1970";}

How did you meet Shlomo?

My experience of The House of Love & Prayer is somewhat different from most other people's in that I had not met Shlomo before, and encountered other spiritual teachers there as well; it was "the scene" that kept me coming back. I first visited the House in July 1969. Neither Shlomo nor Aryeh were in town at the time. David Dean was spiritual guide for me and introduced me to many of the practices of Traditional Judaism. David was hip, but very pious at the same time. He wore a black cowboy hat which he had modified to resemble a Hasidic hat. I have many fond memories of many people from that summer, and actually lived at the House for awhile. I did not get to meet Shlomo until the following year; I believe he had been in Israel and NYC in interim. The House seemed to attract a great variety of spiritual seekers and teachers. Rabbi Gershon Winkler passed through durring Shavuot 5730 (1970) and I very much enjoyed spending several hous with him. He had yet to develop his teachings of Jewish shamanism and "flexidoxy," but even then had a playful and ironic sense of humor and a desire to teach the underprivileged and troubled souls he met. I also recall an inspiring series of talks given by Rabbi Pinchas Lipner later that year (he had just founded the Hebrew Academy in SF). I met Shlomo again in 1983 in Los Angeles and interviewed him at length for my thesis on Jewish music at UCLA. The love and spiritual passion that radiated from his soul at that time is beyond my ability to express. As I followed him arounf the "Whole Earth Expo," everyone seemed to know and love him. Late at the home of Dr. Joshua Ritchie, he gave a talk on Hasidic Healing which I tape recorded.

What is your Jewish and/or spiritual practice today?

Today, I consider myself spiritual rather than religious. Although Judaism is closest to my heart, I also revere other traditions. In this, I am probably more a disciple of Zalman Schachter than of Shlomo himself. Teachers of Jewish spirituality and religion I have studied with more recently include Rabbi Alan Lew of Congregation Beth Sholom in San Francisco, Prof. Daniel Boyarin of UC Berkeley, and Avram Davis of Chochmat haLev. I attend various services in the Bay Area but still miss the House's very special aura.

Where do you live now?

Oakland, CA

Please tell us a little about your life today.

I live a quiet life and work in an office full-time. Am an avid reader of spiritual literature and seeker of wisdom, no matter what source it comes from.

What would you like to get from this social network?

a:4:{i:0;s:43:"Share my stories about the House and Shlomo";i:1;s:20:"Read others' stories";i:2;s:26:"Reconnect with old friends";i:3;s:47:"Learn more about the House and the Holy Beggars";}

If you answered "Other," above:

I see Aryae has written or will write a book on the house. If this is completed, where can I obtain a copy? If not, I would like to offer my memories and reflections, if desired.