On Tuesday morning, October 10 from 9:30-10:45 a.m., Rabbi Tara Feldman and Sharon Epstein, creative director of the Jewish Yoga School and registered yoga teacher, will be leading a Sukkot morning yoga class at Temple Beth-El of Great Neck.
Sukkot is a harvest holiday referred to as “Feast of Booths” and a “Season of Joy”. The Hebrew word sukkah means booth and in the book of Leviticus, followers are commanded to dwell in sukkot. This reminds people of how the Hebrews took shelter in sukkot as they wandered in the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt. By entering the sukkah, practitioners fulfill the commandment to “dwell in the sukkah” and enhance their joy in the season and the connection to their heritage.
Many of the symbols of Sukkot correlate to the human body: the palm leaves (lulav) symbolize the spine, the myrtle (hadas) the eyes, the willow (aravah) the lips, and the citron (etrog) the hearts. This class will integrate the symbols of Sukkot into our yoga practice.
Rabbi Feldman and Sharon Epstein have been exploring the interrelationship of yoga and Judaism since 2010, holding weekly yoga classes combining the essence of Jewish spirituality with the practice of yoga. All are invited to join, at no cost, under the Sukkah on the rooftop Rudin Garden at Temple Beth-El of Great Neck, 5 Old Mill Rd.
Attendees are encouraged to dress in layers, comfortable clothes and bring a yoga mat, although the latter will be provided.
This experience is appropriate for both experienced yoga practitioners and beginners. For further information, www.JewishYogaSchool.org
