Spa Shabbat: A Weekend for the Body, Mind and Spirit

October 23-25, Event Part of Nextbook's Jewish Body Week

Spa Shabbat will feature three days of meditation, movement, prayer, wellness and discussion that aim to connect participants with Judaism’s original stress-free zone at several locations in downtown New York City.

All events are open to the public. A Spa Pass for all workshops, lunch and snacks is $20 ($15 for New Shul members). Individual Workshop tickets are available for $15 ($10 for New Shul members).

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Friday, October 23 (Yamuna, 132 Perry Street)

Movement as Prayer, 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm – Free
This class uses Yamuna balls to take participants systematically through the entire body, elongating muscles, releasing the spine, improving alignment, deepening breathing and increasing relaxation response.

Body and Improv for Kids, 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm – Free
Drawing on the Gaga Dance Technique, developed by Ohad Naharin of the world-renown Bat Sheva Dance Company of Israel, this class lets kids move and groove and let loose. Taught by Alona Mor, a certified dance teacher and dedicated yoga practitioner.

Shabbat Shal-OM, 7 pm to 8:15 pm – Free
Rabbi Dan Ain and meditation instructor Susan Finley weave meditation exercises with mystical readings from the Jewish meditation tradition. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Please bring a “heart offering,” which can be a donation to charity or something that has personal meaning.

MediDANSion for Kids, 7 pm to 8 pm – Free
This class, taught by Alona Mor, let's kids do what they do best: express themselves in motion. They'll even do a little stretching and meditation. "Look Ma! I'm medidtating!" Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.

Saturday, October 24 (Village Community School, 272 W. 10th Street)

Check-in and registration will begin at 11 am

Multi-Level Yoga, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm
Naomi Jaffe will teach an open-level vinyasa yoga class that brings the joy of yoga practice to the observance of Shabbat. In the vinyasa style, poses flow in sequences linked by the breath. All levels are welcome. Poses will be modified according to practitioners' needs. The class will include meditation and deep relaxation.

Transitions, 11:30am to 1 pm
A major theme in the Bible and of the Jewish people, transitions have the potential to affect intimate relationships and highlight growth areas. We change jobs, deal with health issues and face empty nests. This workshop, led by Charlotte Wolovsky, LCSW explores ways transitions can produce positive emotional shifts.

Lunch will be served from 1-2 pm.

Chinese Medicine, 2 pm to 3:30 pm
Ziki Dekel, director of Galapagos Acupuncture, and Rabbi Dan Ain will discuss the concept of the Five Elements in Chinese medicine and philosophy and how they relate to similar concepts in Jewish philosophy and thought. Ziki will also conduct ear acupuncture (for those interested), which traditionally is performed in a community setting with patients sitting together quietly.

Imagery, 2 pm to 3:30 pm
Rabbi Joyce Reinitz, ACSW will use guided imagery exercises to help participants release mental stress. Experience how the themes of Shabbat are a personal lens through which spiritual development and connection to the soul’s story come into focus.
A healthy snack will be served from 3:15-3:45pm.

Jewromatherapy, 4 pm to 5:30 pm
Aromatherapy expert Cathy Gins and Rabbi Dan Ain combine Jewish mystical teachings on the power of scent with an experiential journey through a range of fragrances and aromas that can renew, replenish and help heal souls.

Torah Yoga for Kids, 4 pm to 5:30 pm – Free
Children explore how the combination of Yoga for the body and Torah for the mind can be inspirational, educational and cool. Peace. Love. Judaism.

Havdalah, 5:45 pm to 7 pm – Free
Send the Sabbath off in a grand way with the help of Yolanda Shoshana and Ellen Gould. This experiential ritual will be a time to relax, relate and revive.

Sunday, October 25 (City Winery, 155 Varick at Vandam)

The Rebbe's Table at City Winery's Klezmer Brunch, 10 am
Join Rabbi Dan Ain for discussion that tackles the hard questions in an easygoing setting, along with brunch and Klezmer music.