"Hesed" — Hebrew for God's Loving Kindness

Hesed Community was founded in 1981 in Oakland, California, and is part of the World Community For Christian Meditation centered in London, England.

Our community is based upon Benedictine spirituality; our mission is the teaching and practice of Christian Meditation as taught by John Main, OSB.

Our Center is located in a residential neighborhood where we provide a schedule of prayer times and other events related to the nurturing of the contemplative life in ordinary people's lives.

We are a non-resident community. Our director, Barbara Hazzard, OSB, lives in the residence and provides spiritual direction while overseeing the operation of our "urban monastery."

There are a number of ways of belonging to the community:
The Extended Family	Those who participate in various offerings at Hesed. Anyone is welcome.
Family Brothers and Sisters	Men and women who want to be formally recognized as members of the community, and, in return, offer their support — spiritually and/or financially.
Benedictine Oblates	Those members of Hesed who study and commit themselves to Benedictine Spirituality, the regular practice of meditation and support of the community. There is a preparation time of two to three years before making this commitment.