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Intentional Teachings:

Embodiment via the Jewish Mystical Path

Trauma-Sensitive Somatic Healing

Wholeness through the Sefirot

Feminine, Earth-Based Kabbalah

Seasonal and Lunar Spiritual Themes

Dynamic Movement:

Feminine Vinyasa Flows

Mystic Moving Meditations

Student of Authentic Movement

Breath & Soul Youtube Channel Here:

Jewish Institute of Spirituality Podcast:

Empowered Jewish Living Podcast:

Oh My God Podcast:

Elevate with Elisheva Podcast:

Jewish Meditation Video Practices with Institute for Jewish Spirituality:

Podcast Interview with Aura Shwartz: Exploring the Spiritual Meaning of Kislev and Rosh Chodesh:

Rosh Chodesh Flows for Living Jewishly

Life’s Cholent Podcast :

Rabbinical Support

Rabbi Letter of Approval & Testimonial:

Jenna asked my opinion on the matter and although I am not a major Posek or Rosh Yeshiva, I am writing these words as someone who has known Jenna for over a decade. As her teacher, I can attest she has always been thoughtful, caring, bright and contemplative. Jenna was an impressive yet modest and inclusive leader, even as a teen. Her kindness and grace help others feel comfortable in her presence. I have seen her grow in her Torah journey in terms of passionate faith, profound thinking, and committed observance. She has truly built a beautiful and holy family, a Bayit Ne-eman BeYisrael.

The mitzvah to care for our health is obviously paramount in Torah (Devarim 4:9,15, Berachot 32b, Sefer Shemirat Haguf VeHanefesh has a lengthy discourse on whether the Mitzvah to care for our health is Biblical or Rabbinic, אכמל”ב). In a classic piece, the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (32:1) writes that a healthy body is part of Divine worship, and is a pathway to connecting with HaShem. For Chassidic perspectives, I recommend Anatomy of the Soul by Rav Chaim Kramer, Wings of the Sun by Rav Avraham Greenbaum, and Body Mind and Soul by Rav Yitzhak Ginzburgh

Today, emotional and psychological health is of critical importance. The great Rabbi and Dr. Moshe David Valle z.tz.l (a student-friend of Ramchal 18C) wrote that any good doctor knows that the spirit affects the body and vice-versa. His number one recommendation for Dr’s was that they try to find out what is worrying the patient and help calm them. This allows healing “spiritual joy” (שמחת הרוח) to permeate the entire body. I believe every Rabbi and educator would agree that this young generation is in desperate need of healing of the body, mind and spirit.

In an era of unprecedented depression and anxiety ר”ל, I can literally think of no more necessary cause than to provide a setting and tools for young girls that uplifts them from a world full of despair and self-loathing to hope and self-love. Movement and mindfulness exercises combined with deep spiritual teachings from the wellsprings of Jewish traditional sources, will be healing not only for the body, heart and mind, but will undoubtedly promote spiritual awakening and growth.

Regarding the permissibility of adapting movements from Yoga, this was permitted by the HaGaon HaRav Moshe Feinstein זצ”ל, and is clearly in line with Shulchan Aruch YD 150:2. See Alternative Medicine in Halacha by Rabbi Rephoel Szmerla. Jews may practice Yogic positions without chants or mantras from idolatrous traditions, and must refrain from specifically facing the sun for sun salutations. It is proper to be careful not to call the positions by their Sanskrit names.

I would add that I hope that movement meditations from the Jewish tradition will be studied and explored. Some of these include: the proper bowing techniques in prayer, rocking like a flame while studying Torah, when reciting shema moving to all directions at Echad (see Mishna Berura), “willing hands”- opening hands to receive Divine flow during Ashrei (Ben Ish Hai, Vayigash 1), Angelic Kedusha, etc., raising hands for Netilat Yadayim.

With blessings that Neshima succeeds with Heavenly help in its goal to RETOOL AND FUEL THE YOUTH, BREEDING A GENERATION OF HEALTHY, OPTIMISTIC LEADERS.

Rabbi Tuvia Aronson: Community Rabbi, Pardes Hanna, Israel: tuviaaronson@gmail.com

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