Yoga and the Jews

At a time when many Jews are looking for spirituality outside of Judaism, a community in South Florida has begun a project to welcome spiritual seekers back into the fold. Living Waters is a Jewish spiritual health spa organized by Temple Adath Or of Davie, Florida. In a beautiful setting near the Atlantic ocean. Rabbis Shoni and Phillip Labowitz gather women and men from across the country, of all backgrounds and ages to “renew their souls.”

Many participants have searched for spirituality outside of Judaism. Attorney Ricky Tannen says that “Living Waters acknowledges my spirituality in a Jewish context.”

Combining guided meditation with liturgy, Shoni Labowitz integrates yoga with kabbalah, teaching that every chakra and yoga position have their corollaries on the kabbalistic Tree of Life.

“Rabbi Shoni,” as she is called, was privately ordained by Rabbi Zaiman Schachter-Shalomi in 1987. She and her husband, “Rabbi Phillip,” were both brought up in Orthodoxy, and even people who practice traditional Orthodox Judaism say they , , feel comfortable in the inclusive and non-judgmental atmosphere the Labowitzes provide.

In addition to Living Waters, Temple Adath Or has conducted a women’s spirituality group for six years. Women of all ages and backgrounds from many parts of Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties gather twice a month for stories and rituals. Last year the group created a feminist Passover/Easter ceremony attended by over 200 women.

Shabbat services are held under the stars (weather permitting) at a Florida nature reserve. For more information contact: Rabbi Shoni Labowitz, Temple Adath Or/Living Waters, 11460 SW 16th St., Davie, FL 33325. (305) 472-6533. Fax: (305) 476-7466.