The Ritual Lab

design experiences that move, inspire, connect, and heal

Discover a human-centered, artist-powered, science-obsessed approach that will transform how you design and facilitate gatherings.

(Plus cultivate deep relationships with an extraordinary group of professionals who share your passion for connecting and healing the world.)

Hey there fellow facilitators, gatherers, community builders, artists, officiants, spiritual leaders, experience designers, ritualists & ritual lovers 👋

I’m Ezra, Founder of Ritualist, the first ever creative studio specializing in the design of secular ritual. I’ve been featured in NYTimes, The Atlantic, Vice, and ABC News, and have worked with communities and companies across the country. But before all that, I spent the last decade trying to figure out the answer to a deceptively simple question:

Why are some rituals more impactful than others?

If you’re reading this, I know you’ve led or experienced rituals that moved you deep in your core. But you’ve also experienced rituals that bored you to sleep or were so cringey you ran for the door.

It’s embarrassing to admit, but I’ve facilitated dull and awkward rituals myself. You probably have too. Or maybe you didn’t even try in the first place, allowing important moments in your life to pass by without recognition because you didn’t feel like you had the permission to meaningfully mark them.

It’s not your fault.

Ritual is one of the most misunderstood features of human behavior. There isn’t a comprehensive system for understanding what separates a powerful ritual from a forgettable one. There aren’t supportive spaces for you to experiment, deepen your skills, and get feedback from others. Until now.

I’ve created a first-of-its-kind course, synthesizing key insights from behavioral science, anthropology, religious studies, transdisciplinary art, and experience design. It’s the kind of learning opportunity I spent my whole life wishing I had. I’m so excited to share it with you.

Let’s make some meaning together.

— Ezra



“I was blown away by Ezra's ideas.”


⏤Suleika Joulad, founder of The Isolation Journals

What Is It?

A seven week journey to deepen your skills as a designer, facilitator, and gatherer.

Small Group Learning

Learn in hand-selected groups of six to foster new supportive relationships with a circle of trusted peers

Expert Guidance

Receive personalized feedback and consultation on your ideas from one of the country’s leading experts in ritual design

Practical Application

Practice what you learn with design sprints and actual projects from your personal and professional life

Nothing Pre-Recorded

  • 2 x master classes

  • 2 x ritual design sprints

  • 6 x group feedback sessions

  • Expert coaching on your project

  • Weekly open office hours

  • Weekly small-bite readings



“I left Ritualist's design sprint totally inspired, and immediately implemented new ideas for how I package my products for customers. It was such a nourishing talk.”


⏤Jessica Tamar Deutsch, Artist

Course Outline

  • Week 1 | The Science of Ritual: Making Meaning in the Modern World

  • Week 2 | The Art of Ritual: Designing Powerful Rituals for Secular & Sacred Spaces

  • Week 3 | Ritual Design Sprint

  • Weeks 4-6 | Ritual Labs

    Each week, two members of your cohort will workshop a ritual they are creating, remixing, or revitalizing. I’ll provide direct coaching, then together as a group we’ll brainstorm around their challenges. You’ll walk away not only with an upgraded ritual, but also real-world experience applying The Ritual Lines, my original design process for analyzing the 7 key elements of meaningful experiences.

  • Week 7 | Ritual Design Sprint & Fireside Wrap Up



“Every time Ezra speaks about our shared experience, I learn something insightful and useful. Because of him, I’m better at helping others create meaningful, moving and bonding time.”


⏤Charles Vogl, best selling author of The Art of Community

Facts & Fees

  • Join the waitlist to be the first to find out when new dates launch.

    Exact start/end dates will vary based on which day of the week your cohort chooses to meet (see Times section below)

  • Sessions are 90 mins long and will be held once a week for 7 weeks. You’ll choose your preferred day and time on your application.

  • All sessions will be held live on Zoom

  • $610*

    For discounts please see notes and FAQ below. Fees are paid in full at the time of registration.

  • Winter cohorts are currently sold out. Join the waitlist to be the first to find out about Spring and Summer dates.

    Please note that space is extremely limited - not all applications are guaranteed to be accepted.

BIPOC earn, on average, 75 cents for every dollar earned by white men (63 cents for women and 87 cents for men). As a small step to help correct for this imbalance, BIPOC owned businesses can either receive a 25% discount on all Ritualist services or direct this savings to a non-profit of their choice.

*A note for BIPOC leaders

Women earn 81 cents for every dollar earned by white men. As a small step to help correct for this imbalance, women owned businesses can either receive a 19% discount on all Ritualist services or can direct this savings to a non-profit of their choice.

*A note for women leaders

 FAQs

  • Due to limited space, I am currently prioritizing applications from fellow experience designers, ritual designers, and facilitators. That being said, this is ultimately for anyone who wants to create more meaningful experiences for themselves, their community, colleagues, clients, and customers.

  • Yes and no. We learn best through real world practice, so during the course you’ll workshop a ritual sourced from your personal or professional life. This ritual can be at any stage of development, even if it’s just an idea. If you aren’t sure yet what to work on, you can wait to get inspired from the first 2 masterclasses.

  • You’ll be matched with 5 other people based on shared interests, experience, vocation and availability. All cohorts are led and taught by Ezra.

  • Yes. In the application there is a place for you to write your request, and I will make sure you are placed together.

  • Yes. Send me an email at ezra@ritualist.life to coordinate.

  • 1. Rather than large impersonal webinars, this course emphasizes highly individualized attention in small groups in order to have the deepest impact.

    2. With such small groups, it’s vital that each member has a significant enough investment that ensures their commitment and focus. If someone isn’t willing to pay the price of a plane ticket to deepen their skills, it’s an indication that they might not be committed to the work or to the other members of their group.

  • 1. My biggest priority right now is getting this work out there to the people that need it most, not making a ton of money.

    2. The material and course structure is currently in beta testing. Participants will be expected to provide feedback to improve the course for future cohorts.

  • BIPOC and women are currently being prioritized for financial support.

    That being said, if you’d like to apply for a scholarship or suggest a skill-share bartering exchange, please write me an email at ezra@ritualist.life explaining your situation and your commitment to doing the work.

This sold out in 3 days

New cohorts launching Winter 2024 — join the waitlist to be the first to find out.