This story appeared in the August 23, 2013 Jewish Advocate.

Reshaping their bodies and souls

Salem foundation’s series helps North Shore’s Jews

By Susie Davidson

Special to the Advocate

Soul-searching is a standard component of holiday preparation. But how about soul-stretching?

As part of its innovative Jewish programming, the Salem-based Lappin Foundation is sponsoring a new “Movement for Your Jewish Soul” yoga series at Woodbridge Assisted Living, which is part of the Aviv Centers for Living in Peabody.

While the very notion of yoga can be unnerving for those who fear they are too inflexible, this is a gentle form of the practice, which began in ancient India and incorporates the physical, mental and spiritual realms as it helps participants achieve a peaceful inner and outer way of being.

Too esoteric? The classes, to be led by yoga instructor Ariela HaLevi, will be geared to the Jewish holidays, enriching connections to our own traditions.

Too athletic? Beginners are welcome, and no prior yoga experience is required.

Too costly? Like many of Lappin’s extensive and enriching programming, there is no fee. Even the mats are provided to those who don’t own one. In fact, all that is required is comfortable clothing, and a desire to experience the Jewish holidays in a new and extraordinarily meaningful manner.

According to Lappin Foundation Executive Director Deborah Coltin, four sessions, geared to adults (teens and up), will be held Mondays from 7 to 8:30 p.m., and will take place prior to the High Holy Days, Chanukah, Passover and Shavuot, correspondingly on Aug. 26 and Nov. 18, and on April 7 and June 2, 2014.

Coltin herself created and taught a women’s series called “Breakfast for Your Jewish Soul,” which focused on preparing for and connecting to Jewish holidays through Judaic texts and food. “It was well received,” she said, “and when I met Ariela, she inspired me to create Movement for Your Jewish Soul. She is a master at what she does, so why not prepare and connect spiritually for Jewish holidays through movement?”

HaLevi, who previously taught “North Shore Teachers Learn Alef Bet Yoga,” interactive, inspirational workshops sponsored by the Lappin Foundation, will facilitate a multisensory process that will enlighten as it strengthens Judaic connections to the holidays.

Coltin was a participant in the series, which inspired the idea for the new program. “Ariela taught us ways to incorporate yoga and movement into the Jewish classroom as part of our Inspirational Jewish Teaching program for teachers,” she said. And when HaLevi conducted another session on Chanukah, Coltin thought it might be a model for any Jewish holiday: “I thought that adults would really benefit by preparing for Jewish holidays by connecting with their souls through movement. Hence, the class.” She may have had something there; indeed, more than 30 people have already registered.

“Giving Ariela the time, place and place to share her talents is truly a blessing to us all,” said Coltin.

The Lappin Foundation’s mission is to enhance Jewish identity through its all-ages, award-winning, open programming for children, tweens, families, adults, and community members. Offerings aim to foster pride in Jewish heritage and identity as well as love for Israel and, above all, Jewish continuity. The foundation focuses on underserved and unengaged young Jewish people, helping them attend Jewish schools and Jewish camps and visit Israel. In addition, Lappin provides support for interfaith families, coordinates professional development for teachers, and creates educational materials and resources.

Programs include Youth to Israel, the PJ Library, and the Interfaith Outreach Resource Center. Sponsors include the Jewish Federation of the North Shore, Cohen Hillel Academy, the Goldhirsh Levi-Yellin Foundation, the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, Eastern Bank, the Rinet Co., Aviv Centers for Living, Designer Bath, North Shore Teen Initiative, Temple Beth Shalom of Peabody, the Beal Cos., Congregation Ahabet Sholom of Lynn, Essex Alarm & Security, Goldberg Properties, Larry Levine’s Kosher Market, Mark J. Coltin P.C., the Martha and Max Rubinstein Family Foundation, Mill River Consulting, RE/ MAX Advantage Real Estate, Phyllis Sagan Realtors, Seltser & Goldstein Public Adjusters, the Sidney Robbins Co., Temple Emanu-El of Marblehead, and Thomas Mackey & Sons.

New ventures include “Be-TweenBeStrong” for tweens, as well as the new holiday yoga series, which Coltin is excited to offer.

“The Lappin Foundation is the perfect launching pad for this kind of program,” she said. “We are all about enhancing Jewish identity in creative, authentic and exciting ways, and we are blessed to have Ariela in our community. ‘Movement for Your Jewish Soul’ is a creative way to learn ‘Jewishly’ and to enhance Jewish identity in participants. Gathering builds community as well.”

Woodbridge Assisted Living is located at 240 Lynnfield St. in Peabody. The program is free and class size is limited. Participants should dress comfortably and bring a mat if possible. For more information or to RSVP, contact Phyllis Osher at posher@lappinfoundation.org or (978) 740-4404.