Aleph-Bet Yoga: Embodying the Hebrew Letters for Physical and Spiritual Well-Being

by Steven A. Rapp, Tamar Frankiel (Foreword), Judy Greenfeld (Foreword)

Combine the ancient practice of hatha yoga with the shapes and mystical meanings of the Hebrew letters to enhance your physical health and deepen your spiritual life . This unique guide shows both the yoga enthusiast and the yoga novice how to use hatha yoga postures and techniques to physically connect with Jewish spirituality. "If you are curious about hatha yoga, Aleph-Bet Yoga provides a safe introduction to the basic yoga postures and techniques. If you are one of the tens of thousands of Jews who already practice hatha yoga, Aleph-Bet Yoga will connect your yoga to something explicitly Jewish. With its Jewish content and intent, Aleph-Bet Yoga will enhance rather than interfere with your religious identity."
― from the Introduction As we move our bodies through the Hebrew aleph-bet, turning toward the inner meaning of the letters, we can tap into the deep connections between our body, mind and spirit. Drawing on the sacred texts and mystical writings of Judaism, combined with the insights of yoga teacher Steven Rapp, Aleph-Bet Yoga is an East-meets-West experience for our whole selves. Aleph-Bet Yoga makes it easy for anyone to incorporate yoga into their life, and combines the physical and spiritual aspects of Judaism. It features step-by-step instructions, photographs clearly demonstrating each yoga pose, and insightful words to inspire and guide us in connecting the spiritual meaning of the Hebrew letters to our yoga practice.

128 pages, Paperback

First published February 5, 2001

About the author

Steven A. Rapp is a yoga teacher based in Boston with over a decade of experience as a practitioner. He explores the connection between yoga and Jewish spirituality, offering instruction that integrates traditional yoga practice with Jewish teachings. He is the author of Aleph-Bet Yoga: Embodying the Hebrew Letters for Physical and Spiritual Well-Being and coauthor of The Jewish Pregnancy Book: A Resource for the Soul, Body, and Mind during Pregnancy, Birth, and the First Three Months. In addition to his yoga teaching, he teaches religious school at Temple Beth David in Canton, Massachusetts, and provides personal instruction for those interested in the intersection of yoga and Judaism.