When the East meets the Besht: A taiji-based movement workshop
Jewish mystical tradition provides a road map both for insight into the mechanisms of divine activity and for development of road maps for emulating the divine. One can use meditative tools to help understand and access the elements of the infinite; however, to incorporate the wisdom and benefits of mysticism, one needs a more expansive and practical type of practice. The movements and philosophy of the Chinese internal martial art taiji chuan (Tai Chi) are based on the same three building blocks as the Sefirot.
Led by Dr. Joel Friedman, this workshop will focus on single and partner-based learning of Tai Chi type movements connecting to Jewish teaching as to how to incorporate the breath driven flow between expansion and contraction into movements that are relevant to health, sports, rituals, communication and spiritual growth.
Dr Friedman is a research scientist at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine who has also been studying the theological and mystical underpinnings of Judaism. His lens is uniquely influenced by the synergy of his science/medical background, his 40 years of training and teaching Taoist based Chinese internal martial/healing arts and a passion for Jewish learning.
This free program is part of the Federation’s Connecting With Community Series and will be followed by a kosher hot lunch. Lunch is a $3 suggested donation for adults over 60 years of age or $7 for all others. Advance reservations are required for lunch and can be made by calling (413) 442-2200 before 9 a.m. on the day of the program.