October, 2010:

Yoga for GLBTQ Jews and Allies beginning November 22^nd @ 7pm

Kehilla Community Synagogue and Nehirim are excited to co-sponsor a holistic Yoga class for GLBTQ Jews and Allies. Why GLBTQ and Jewish Yoga you might ask? Yoga is a great way to increase flexibility, confidence, and acceptance of who you are. It is ancient system of creating a more compassionate world, one person at a time. As GLBTQ people we challenge our communities to grow in openness and acceptance – and it is not always easy work. Yoga can be a great way to reconnect with yourself and your source of infinite power (a.k.a. the Breath of Life). Coming together as Jews can remind us that the value of creating a more compassionate world is an essential value that we all share.  This class is open to participants at any level. Please wear comfortable clothes and bring a mat or towel.

The course is offered at $10 per session and will be held monthly on the 4^th Monday of every month from 7:00 – 8:30pm, beginning November 22^nd.Each class will consist of 1-hour movement practice, 15 minute silent meditation, and 15 minutes checking in and schmoozing.

Location: 1300 Grand Ave Piedmont, CA 94610-1020 - (510) 547-2424

Facilitator Bio:
Dr. Zvi Bellin holds a Ph.D. in Pastoral Counseling and Counselor Education. Through his work with Nehirim: GLBT Jewish Culture and Spirituality, Zvi has directed intimate retreats for the GLBTQ Jewish community that are both spiritually uplifting and intellectually stimulating. He has practiced Yoga for 10 years and is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200) with the Yoga Alliance. Zvi’s classes are fun and nurturing, offering an alignment based approach to Yoga layered with inspirational metaphors.

Embodied Judaism

Wednesdays, October 27, November 3, 10, 17

@ Congregation Sha’ar Zahav in San Francisco

11:00 – 12:00 pm, Registration in advance required.

The objective of this class is to explore the integration of body-oriented practices of awareness and the Jewish tradition.  Participants will learn to enhance and infuse their Jewish life with body-oriented practices of awareness. They will learn the power of breath as a tool to bring in energy and to relax. They will learn the connection between the breath and the Jewish concept of soul. Participants will practice acceptance of their bodies’ gifts and limitations as the perception of body is transformed into a divine vessel. Participants will learn postures to stretch and strengthen their bodies and to settle their minds.

Course Outline: The course will be taught in four 1-hour weekly sessions at Congregation Sha’ar Zahav. Each session will include movement, discussion, and possibly text study. The four sessions will focus on the following topics:

1. Beginning with breath – Neshama, Neshima
2. Praying with your body – V’Shachanti B’tocham
3. Holistic acceptance – Hineni!
4. Sustaining practice – Hashvinu v’Nashuva

Course Fee: The total cost is $100 per participant. Participants have to take part in the total series. This helps to create a safe container and allows each session to build on the previous. Fee payable in advance to Congregation Sha’ar Zahav.

RSVP by calling 415-861-6932 or emailing  Regina@shaarzahav.org

Course Facilitator: Dr. Zvi Bellin holds a Ph.D. in Pastoral Counseling and is a Nationally Certified Counselor. Through his work with Nehirim: GLBT Jewish Culture and Spirituality, Zvi has directed intimate retreats for the GLBTQ Jewish community that are both spiritually uplifting and intellectually stimulating.  His teaching style follows the tradition of blending Torah study with contemplative Jewish practice. Zvi has studied extensively with teachers spanning various Jewish denominations, including, Rabbi David Zeller, Miriam Ribner, Rabbi Zvi Miller, and Rabbi Jeff Roth. For more information visit www.meaningthroughbeing.com .