This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Rabbi Chava Bahle speaks about the paradigm shift towards the common heart. She invites the listener to consider the question of the ages, "who are we in relation to the natural world?" Through story telling, she shares insights that lead to one-ness, that basic goodness that it at the center of our being.

Spiritual Leader, Story Teller, Humanitarian.

As of Fall 2014 in Traverse City, Rabbi Chava Bahle is the first rabbi in history to serve as the permanent spiritual leader of a Unitarian Universalist congregation. She is a twice ordained rabbi and a maggid – a Jewish inspirational preacher and story teller.

Rabbi Chava Bahle works monthly at the Jewish Catholic Family School of Chicago, a unique Sunday School program for children of intercultural marriage. She also serves Temple Beth El (Reform) in Midland, Michigan. She is on the board of directors of OHALAH Association of Rabbis for Jewish Renewal and is a proud member of Rotary International.

Rabbi Chava Bahle teaches courses in religion, spirituality, and writing at Northwestern Michigan College Extended Education. She was a volunteer chaplain for the Michigan Department of Corrections for 18 years, and was a recipient of the city of Traverse City’s Sara Hardy Humanitarian Award for her work in human rights.

She lives in Suttons Bay, Michigan, where she blogs as yogarabbi and is married to Karl Bahle; together they serve as staff to their cat Minnie Purrl.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)