Embodied Jewish Learning

Dear Embodied Jewish Learning Community,

As we approach the darkest time of the year, let us reach into our depths to kindle this year’s Hanukkah lights. 

How do we hold light and hope in difficult times? The Hanukkah lights are holy. When we kindle the lights, we activate the ever-present, ever-renewing miracle of illumination in dark times.  With full hearts, we pray that we can remember the impact that our actions may have.

We invite you to pause and rest into the quality of light as you listen to this audio below. With gentle yoga and movement, we invite you to cultivate qualities of steadiness, centeredness and calm as we face the difficulties in the world, especially now.

With Love,
Julie & the EJL Team

Yoga Practice & Learning

The Teaching on Hanukkah and Kislev begins at timestamp 1:27.

The Embodied Practice begins at timestamp 7:00.

*This recording is from the first class in our Embodying Light and Rest 2021 class series. The theme of the series is based upon a teaching on the word Hanukkah, חֲנוּכָּה, which can be translated as 'And they rested in the light of creation". Each one hour class offered embodied practice for different aspects of light and rest via gentle yet active movement, Iyengar-based yoga, restorative yoga and free form dance. Additional class themes are:

The Resting Place / Menucha / מנוחה

The Hidden Light / Or Haganuz / אור הגנוז

Resting in Light / Hanukkah / חנוכה

Point of Illumination / Nekuda Hitorerut / נקודה התעוררות

See more about this series by clicking on the button below.

Brief Embodied Practice
Resting in Light

1 | Sit comfortably and bring your attention to your breath. Imagine that with each breath you are receiving warmth and light.

2 | Inhale, raise your arms, lengthen your spine. Exhale, release your arms and turn to your left into a sitting twist. Rest into the surface beneath you.

3 | Return to center and repeat this practice on your right. Inhale and lengthen, receive warmth and light. Exhale and turn, settle and rest.