Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center and the Elat Chayyim Center for Jewish Spirituality
Elat Chayyim Center for Jewish Spirituality

Yoga and Jewish Spirituality Teacher Certification

Instruction and certification for teachers of
hatha yoga and Judaism.

Yoga and Jewish Spirituality Teacher TrainingThe Yoga and Jewish Spirituality Teacher Training Institute is a transformational, eighteen month program that will provide instruction and certification for those who want to deepen and integrate their own teaching of hatha yoga and Judaism. The course of study includes four one-week retreat programs which began June 2007, and interim periods for home-based study, teaching and practice in consultation with program instructors.

For those who find that working through our bodies with yoga can help open the gates of spirituality within, and who seek to do so in a consciously Jewish way, this program will provide tools to integrate yoga and Jewish spirituality with depth and sustained focus.

Students will be guided throughout each facet of this program to grow as teachers of both Judaism and of yoga. Most importantly, graduates of this program will be able to teach a way for their students to access the depths of Jewish spirituality through the wisdom and power of the physical body and the practice of hatha yoga. In its primary focus on teaching a body-based approach to Jewish spirituality, this program offers a unique training for those called to become teachers of yoga and Jewish spirituality.

What will we study?

We focus on the aspects of Judaism that yoga teachers are most often called to explore when in Jewish settings:

Each of these areas of study develops Jewish literacy, providing a strong basis for grounding yoga in a Jewish context. In addition, we spend significant time learning about middot, or inner qualities, that we will want to embody as we teach. We reflect on ourselves, understanding that cultivation of the inner life and self-awareness are necessary components of becoming a Jewish spiritual teacher and leader.

We will address essential aspects of yoga teaching and practice, and require regular and rigorous study and practice both in one’s own yoga practice, and in the art of teaching yoga.

How will we study?

Retreat Intensives

During each retreat, participants are immersed in yoga classes, partner work, Torah learning, and we work progressively towards more time teaching and leading each other, with mentoring from instructors. Between retreats, students work with instructors to design a personalized plan which includes regular yoga practice, Jewish learning, partner study, and communication and mentoring from the instructors.

Text study, Practice & Teaching

The interim periods are a core component of this work: the integration of the essential dimensions of learning take place upon reflection and in regular practice. The retreat intensives combined with the at-home learning and involvement allow each person to actualize their own synthesis of yoga and Jewish spirituality — with integrity, depth, and creativity.

Individualized Programs

Participants will receive guidance on teaching Jewish spirituality through Jewish yoga classes throughout this program. Students will be encouraged and coached to further their own growth in these areas, and to create their own synthesis of yoga and Jewish spirituality.

Who should apply?

This training program encourages those called to develop themselves as teachers of an integrated practice of both Torah and yoga, to join and connect with others who share that calling. Those with experience teaching yoga or Jewish learning should apply. Those who hope to teach in these areas will also benefit from the training. Diversity in approaches to both Judaism and yoga practice is honored. All interested persons are encouraged to apply and applications will be considered on an individual basis.

How do I apply?

Please answer all of the questions on our online application form.

Program Instructors

Rabbi Myriam KlotzRabbi Myriam Klotz is a certified yoga teacher and Phoenix Rising Yoga therapist. She is the Director of Yoga and Embodied Practices at the Institute for Jewish Spirituality, and a spiritual director. Myriam has written about embodiment and Jewish spiritual life in many venues, and her recordings include Preparing the Heart: Yoga for Jewish Spiritual Practice. She teaches and provides mentoring to teachers of this work nationally.

Diane BloomfieldDiane Bloomfield has been developing Torah Yoga in Israel, Europe and North America since 1990. Diane is the founder of the torah Yoga association, a Certified introductory level 1 Iyengar yoga teacher and a Phoenix Rising Yoga therapist. She is the author of Torah Yoga: Experiencing Jewish Wisdom through Classic Postures. She has been learning Torah in yeshivot in Jerusalem since the mid-80s, where she lives with her husband and daughter.

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Registration Information

Single Room

w/ private bath & queen-sized bed

1,600

w/ private bath

1,450

w/ shared bath & queen-sized bed

1,450

w/ shared bath

925

w/ hall bath

750
Double Room

w/ private bath & queen-sized bed

1,025

w/ private bath

925

w/ shared bath & queen-sized bed

875

w/ shared bath

725

w/ hall bath

700
Triple Room

w/ private bath

725

w/ hall bath

650
Tent/Commuter
  550
Children (Ages 3-14)

per night

35

Training Institute Tuition

The tuition for this institute is $1,400 ($900 deposit) and does not include the cost of Room and Board (see table on the right). Listed room and board fees are per week.

Room and board includes housing, meals, Shabbat services, evening activities, hot tub, yoga, meditation, and full use of our facility. All rooms are air-conditioned in the summer and heated in the winter.

Financial assistance for graduate students in rabbinic, cantorial, or Jewish education are eligible for aid through a generous grant provided by The Lasko Family Foundation of Philadelphia. Click here to apply.

Limited financial aid is also available through the Elat Chayyim scholarship fund.

Arrival and Departure

Please arrive between 2pm and 5pm on the day your retreat begins. Retreats end with brunch at 11:30am on the last day of the retreat.

Room and Board Cancellation Policy

The Elat Chayyim Center for Jewish Spirituality reserves the right to cancel any program at any time. In this event, you will be given a complete refund.

For transportation: A full refund of transportation fees is available if you cancel at least three days (72 hours) in advance. No refund is available if less than three days notice is given. For more information on getting here, please visit our Travel & Transportation page.

Tuition Cancellation Policy

In case of cancellation of the entire Institute, Elat Chayyim retains a $200 enrollment deposit, plus tuition for any weeks attended or partially attended. Any tuition paid in excess of these amounts is refunded.

Register now!

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