This new spiritual approach to physical
health introduces us to a spiritual tradition that affirms the
body and enables us to reconceive our bodies in a more positive
light. Using Kabbalistic teachings and other Jewish traditions,
it shows us how to be more responsible for our own spiritual
and physical health.
Each chapter explores the meaning of
traditional Jewish prayers, providing a framework for new
thinking about body, mind, and soul. Simple exercises and
movements help our bodies "understand" prayer, and
show how the body's energy centers correspond to the
Kabbalistic concept of the ten divine "rays of
light," the Sefirot. And meditations and visualizations allow us to
further enhance our spiritual awareness.
Using the structure of the Prayer Wheel,
readers can move step by step toward wholeness of body, mind
and spirit:
Modeh Ani Awakening our body and our soul
Mah Tovu Creating a temple for our soul
Asher Yatzar Focusing on the gift of our body
Bircat HaTorah Balancing our mind through the gift of Torah
Elohai Neshamah Connecting with the soul using the Sefirot
Elu D'varim Walking on a God-centered path
Clearly illustrated with photos and
diagrams to guide readers, this active, creative approach
allows us to tap the power of the Jewish tradition—to
awaken the body, balance the mind, and connect with the soul.
"A brilliant roadmap into the power
of prayer as it was meant to be understood....This book belongs
in every health spa and at every retreat center in this
country.... Magnificent."
—Caroline
M. Myss, PhD, author, Anatomy of the Spirit; co-author,
The
Creation of Health
"A fine source of Jewish wisdom for
those who wish to learn, apply and practice this ancient wisdom
in everyday life."
—Bernie
S. Siegel, MD, author, Love, Medicine & Miracles
"A fascinating and creative work,
this book clearly teaches us how to practice an embodied Jewish
mysticism."
—Nancy
Flam, Co-founder, The Jewish
Healing Center
"I was amazed and delighted... Bodily
exercises and dances by which the body, the breath, and the
soul can teach each other how to walk a sacred path."
—Rabbi
Arthur Waskow, Pathfinder of ALEPH,
Alliance for Jewish Renewal; author, Godwrestling—Round 2