Yoga & Judaism

In the Jewish people’s long history of repeated displacement and persecution, the particularities of some aspects of ancient Jewish spiritual practice were undoubtedly lost. Notwithstanding the depth, beauty and continuity in modern Jewish practice, many of us may feel something deeply missing.  

Though wrapping tefillin and wearing tallit are beautiful embodiment practices, today’s Judaism provides no holistic methodology of how to move the body to make it the optimal container for Divine experience and service. Though we study Bereishit, with awe, as the Divine blew into Adam’s nostrils the breath of life, we are not offered a system of how our own breathing practice or energetic work can help us personally cultivate a life “in the image of G-d.” Though modern prayer, with its many words, can be sublime, we are generally not expressly taught how meditation or chanting can give our mind an exquisite resting place for Divine encounter.

For me, yoga is an accessible, inclusive set of practices that can provide direct, felt, embodied experiences that elevate consciousness, widen awareness and help us connect with our Divine nature. Consequently, they can profoundly enliven Jewish practice and experience–or help more deeply connect to any faith tradition. Personally, they have led me to heightened insights and understanding of Jewish texts and practice; deepened my heart-felt connections within the Jewish community and beyond; and elevated my prayer experiences, both individually and communally.  

There are a range of perspectives on the appropriateness of using yoga to enhance spiritual life in a Jewish container.  A personal exploration of the intersections between yoga, spirituality, Halakha (Jewish law) and any synergies or tensions that arise for you is encouraged!