JEWISH MINDFULNESS AND  MEDITATION  ('JMM')

One hour sessions. Open to all.

 

JMM on Saturdays (Shabbat) - the whole year round

‘Opening into Shabbat with Movement, Contemplation & Teaching’

Led on alternating weeks by Maxine Levy and Mika Hadar Borthwick

An hour entirely dedicated to Jewish meditation and contemplation. Open to all.

 

 Fridays Evenings 17.15 - 18.15

 

Location:  Alyth Gardens Synagogue, Alyth Gardens, London NW11 7EN. location

 

Contact  jmm@alyth.org.uk to be added to the mailing list to be kept informed of who is presenting.

 

See the JMM Facebook Page and JMM info on the  JMM  Page o the Alyth Website

 

 

JMM also creates bespoke sessions to mark occasions in the Jewish calendar and life cycle.

 

 

More about JMM

I am pleased to be part of an initiative that has been running for five years  – to establish a home for Jewish Mindfulness and Meditation in the UK .

 

The aim is to offer a contemplative moment before the Friday night and Saturday morning services – to put those attending into a heart – mind space of calm presence. And to those for whom traditional prayers does not 'speak' this works as a stand alone quiet space for reflection.

 

No you do not have to be Jewish to attend :). These sessions reflect universal wisdoms , shared by all.  All faiths welcome. No experience required.  No charge on Saturdays.

 

JMM creates additional sessions to mark special moments or events  in the calendar – whether it be the the High Holy Days,  or at  LImmud ( Limmud.org), or a special hour at JW3.

 

 

More about the meaning of the word 'Kavannah'

The word 'Kavannah' is used throughout classical Jewish sources and means 'cultivating intention ' or 'mindfulness'. Rabbi Mark Goldsmith and I created Kavannah Yoga to explore fresh ways of cultivating a personal spiritual practice. We read from selected Jewish texts and  interweave this with traditional yoga postures, movement, breathing and meditation techniques.

 

JMM and Kavannah Yoga  is a great way to centre the mind, to enhance your physical fitness and mental well-being. Come and experience a gentle yoga class with a Jewish twist – a fusion of yoga and Jewish meditation. No experience required.  Less physically able participants are welcome to join in these enjoyable sessions seated in a chair.

 

Kavannah Yoga developed as a way of bringing breath, sound and body that were Judaism at the time of Maimonedes – back into the practice of meditation and prayer – of connecting with oneself/god and with our existence/ the universe.

 

All religions and spiritual philosophies share common ground – to help us as individuals understand ourselves. Kavannah Yoga emerged five years ago from discussions that Mark Goldsmith, rabbi at the North Western Reform Synagogue, and myself, a yoga teacher, have  on the differences and overlaps between Jewish doctrine and yoga philosophy.

 

Read more about the Benefits of Hatha Yoga and More about Hatha Classes.

 

Feedback

"The session of Rabbi Marks and Maxine was a very welcoming space for observing and becoming aware of my breath and words of Torah combined. Moving slowly with my breath, noticing how calming it feels to synchronise movement with my breath, was something I thoroughly enjoyed. Maxine has a very clear and grounding voice, which does help to relax and listen to words of wisdom".

Eliza G

 

 “Maxine Levy and Mark Goldsmith’s session on kavannah yoga was a compelling combination of yoga poses, breathing, meditation and exploration of ancient Jewish texts. Together they brought alive the wisdom of the rabbis and applied it in a real and embodied way, creating a powerful synthesis of Judaism and yoga.

 

 Maxine held the space wonderfully and  expertly guided us through the poses in an extremely eloquent, articulate and compassionate manner. Mark’s discussion and interpretation of the rabbinic texts demonstrated the relevance of yoga to the Jewish tradition and helped me deepen my understanding of both my own tradition and of yoga.

 I left feeling uplifted and inspired and wanting to know more.”

Olga L

 

"I really loved the description of the different words for and meanings of the breath and then doing the breathing practice...also the chanting at the end was very powerful and brought it all together.

I alternately struggle – or don't bother to struggle – to bring my Judaism and yoga together in some coherent way so it is wonderful when you and Mark do it for me.

It left me with a sense of wholeness and completeness".

 

Danny N