Kavanah Yoga Havdalah

This monthly community yoga class celebrates the Jewish ceremony that symbolically marks the ending of Shabbat and the ushering in of a new week. It is open to all students, all religions, gender, race, and spiritual disciplines. It begins with a welcoming heart circle introducing students to each other. This special class is co-taught with Cantor/Rabbi and longtime student Jennie Chabon. Together we weave a yoga practice around the stories from the Torah along with Chabon’s clear and inspiring singing. The evening ends after the appearance of three stars in the sky, the lighting of the special Havdalah candle with several wicks, the blessing of a cup of wine, and the sweet smelling of spices. The intention of “Kavanah” is to energetically make the week ahead one that is pleasing and peaceful.

This particular class was done just before the Jewish high holidays and had special meaning for many of the participants. Lisa Zeiler accompanies Chabon on the guitar.

“Hi, David – That was a lovely class. You and Jennie Chabon are a great match. I’d love to make this a regular part of my life. And thanks for adding the chair to mix things up. Haven’t used a chair in yoga for many years and it’s such a great prop. Happy Sunday.”

– Richard, Oakland

“The Havdalah class was wonderful. You did a great job of making the yoga both challenging and tranquil. Thank you.“

– Dorothy, Walnut Creek