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| Viewing Page 1 of 1 (Total Posts: 6) |
| Author | Comment |
Karen
IP: 71.107.228.145 Nov 24, 06 - 1:15 PM |
Yoga on Shabbat
Hi. I am a Jewish student of yoga and I am really serious about both these aspects of my life. I do work/study at my yoga studio and heard that someone wanted to rent the studio for Jewish yoga on a Friday night. To me Friday night is Shabbos and it got me thinking about the authenticity of what that person is putting out, if the most authentic experience in Judaism is not "guarded and kept." Shabbos,as it has been observed for millenia, is our treasure, and as much as I derive from my yoga asana practice, it is not meant to happen on Shabbos. I was wondering where you stand on this type of issue. Karen |
Marcus Freed
 IP: 80.43.63.204 Nov 27th, 2006 - 7:43 AM |
Re: Yoga on Shabbat
Dear Karen It's great to hear that you are serious about both aspects of your life. Shabbat is indeed sacred, but there is no contradiction between shabbat and yoga. Rambam talks about the need to keep the body healthy before being able to understand and speak to God (Mishneh Torah, Sefer Ahavah), and Chasidim have practiced physical meditation for the last three centuries (ie Breslov hasidim practicising Hitbonenut). Rent the studio, practice Shabbat yoga, have a holy minyan and feel confident that this is all halachically acceptable. I'll be happy to answer any further questions! Best wishes Marcus Freed |
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Avivah
IP: 69.106.7.64 Nov 29th, 2006 - 1:35 PM |
Re: Yoga on Shabbat
Yoga is a perfectly Shabbosdik thing to do. There is no ban on exercise. I know Orthodox people who ride their bikes on Shabbat and go swimming (as long as they don't water the grass with their drips!) Yoga is not just a workout, thought, it's movement with spiritual intent. It is shamor and zachor, guarded and kept, at the same time. An envigorated body is better able to spend the day in shul, intently communing with the Holy One. The only other concerns might be spending money or carrying mats to class. These can certainly be overcome by pre-paying and leaving things off ahead. Avivah |
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Karen
IP: 70.17.248.4 Nov 29th, 2006 - 7:37 PM |
Re: Yoga on Shabbat
Marcus, My Rabbi does not share your opinion. He does not think that practicing yoga is in keeping with Shabbos. I understand other Rabbeim may have other opinions but I think your advice to rent, etc. is irresponsible. Is it based on any halachic authority that you could share? Additionally, the studio is only accessible by car, so anyone attending would need to drive on Shabbos. |
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Rene David Alkalay
IP: 68.161.243.216 Jan 2nd, 2007 - 3:00 PM |
Re: Yoga on Shabbat
Shalom Karen, There are several problems that arise from your description of the situation. First, there is the question of your renting your studio out on Shabbat. You would not be able to rent your studio out on Shabbat. In fact, if your studio is to remain open on Shabbat, the only way would be for you to transfer the ownership over to a non-Jew, and buy the ownership back after Shabbat ends. Secondly, there is a question of inviting Jews to a yoga class on Shabbat if there is any possibility that they will have to travel on shabbat. The Halacha is not to put a stumbling block before the blind. therefore, even if a Jew is not observant of Shabbat laws, it is an aveira for us to lead them into the breaking of such a law. thirdly, there is the question of exercise. Exercise on shabbat is, in fact, not allowed. There is no law against physical movement, and if the yoga practice is done in a non-exercise way (difficult in our american culture where yoga has become just another form of physical exercise), then there may be no problem. On the contrary, Ophanim (Kabbalistic yoga) may be extremely beneficial in strengthening our ability to concentrate and our intent and resolve to get more deeply in touch with Shabbat. I hope this has been of help. Shalom Rene David alkalay |
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Rabbi Itzchak
IP: 64.180.222.147 Jan 18th, 2007 - 6:32 PM |
Re: Yoga on Shabbat
As a teacher and practitioner of Ophanim, I want to affirm what Rene said. Ophanim is a spiritual practice that integrates breath, movement and meditation. It is completely in line with Shabbat and can offer a tremendous enhancement during Shabbat. |
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