Stretch & Kvetch? Or Ohhhm Shalom?

You know what I really dig? Yoga. It never occurred to me that yoga conflicted with Judaism, because, quite simply, I felt that it only enhanced things I already believed and felt, not contradicted it. Turns out, I'm not the only one.

Shalooooooooooohm: Are you down with yoga?

There's the worldwide Bibliyoga, Israel's CircleYoga, Evolution Yoga in Ohio is "weaving Jewish themes" into their classes, as does Shalom Yoga in DC, apparently. The Genesis Society is the only "ophanim certified" center on the east coast, I hear. What is Ophanim? "A kabbalistic practice in which the body is positioned to correspond to
Hebrew letters in postures that are supposed to channel a divine energy" says Nathanial Popper in the Forward, and the Tai Chi-based similar practice of Otiyot Chayot.

Whatever your thoughts are on the Kabbalah bizznass, if you think it might be fun/interesting to make your body into Hebrew letters, check out Aleph-Bet Yoga: Embodying the Hebrew letters for Physical and Spiritual Well-Being by Steven A. Rapp (Jewish Lights Publishing) and try your hand at it at whatever level you'd like. In a book I often reference, Jewish With Feeling, there is a (if I may dust off this word and put it back in service for a moment) rad section about combining the yoga (I think it was the Sun Salutation, if memory serves, but I could be wrong) and stretching with Shacharit (morning prayers). Also, don't overlook the very-popular Torah Yoga. Here's a website and association, here's an excerpt, and here's an interview with the author. Ohh, and check out Jewish Meditation, too.

Ready to hook yourself up with a Jewish yoga teacher? Hit Yoga Mosiac. Schlep your gear with this Om Shalom totebag. Concerned with modesty in your yoga apparel? This article certainly feels you, and tiptoes into (my beloved) eco-kasher territory. Sadly, I couldn't find any Jewcy yoga mats or clothing. Anybody out there know of any such thing? Or did we just stumble upon a business venture? Ahem. I'm in.

Anyway, speaking of career moves, for the truly inspired, here's how to get your Yoga/Jewish Spirituality Teacher Certification at the potentially cool (what? I've never been. I can't vouch!) Elat Chayyim Jewish yoga retreat center. Ahh. Sounds, well, divine. Har har.