Posted on June 1, 2018
There is so much beauty to enjoy living in Southern California. We can almost always enjoy being outdoors. We feel the sun’s warmth on our faces, smell fragrant herbs and flowers, see ragged mountains in the distance, and experience the cool waters of the ocean. Going outside and appreciating nature as we move our bodies can be rejuvenating. Now, add the holiness of our day of rest and we have our Body, Mind, and Spirit Shabbat.
This creative program is a novel way of celebrating our Sabbath. The seventh day of the week has for millennia kept the Jewish people together and provided a respite from the burdens of the week. Body, Mind, and Spirit strives to get us in touch with the wonders of creation, connect us with one another, add some sanctity to our day, and hopefully have a Shabbat experience that leaves us feeling refreshed. We all need a break from chores, stress, and endless projects and Shabbat can be exactly what one needs.
For those of you have haven’t experienced one of our Body, Mind, & Spirit Shabbatot, I’ll catch you up. We meet at 9:00 a.m. for a breakfast of fresh bagels, lox, hard boiled eggs, fruit, coffee, and veggies as a great way to start our Shabbat experience. With an opening prayer, we leave for our separate activities. On Saturday, June 9, you will have a choice of taking a walk in El Dorado Park with Larry Matalon or kayaking/stand up paddle boarding in the harbor with me. For each of our activities, we take seven breaks for prayer, reflection, and appreciation for the world around us. We need you to RSVP by the Thursday prior to our program. If you are in your 20’s and 30’s, breakfast is on me. Just mention this when you call or email the office.
Over the past few years, we have hiked through many nature reserves, walked through parks and beach; done yoga, Tai Chi, Zumba, stretched, kayaked, paddle-boarded, sketched, collaged, painted, and meditated. Our programs strive to include both those who want to be physically challenged and those who need gentle movements. The purpose, of course, is to experience Shabbat with our bodies, mind, and spirit.
I hope you consider joining us for one of our great Shabbat experiences.