Specialities

Intentional Teachings:

Workshops & Seminars in Jewish Content, Kabbalistic & Chassidic Themes, Seasonal/Lunar Intentions & Inner teaching of Sacred Time

Dynamic Movement:

Gentle vinyasa flows, invigorating flow practices, sound-healing, authentic movement

Rabbinical Support

Rabbi Letter of Approval & Testimonial:

Jenna asked my opinion on the matter and although I am not a major Posek or Rosh Yeshiva, I am writing these words as someone who has known Jenna for over a decade. As her teacher, I can attest she has always been thoughtful, caring, bright and contemplative. Jenna was an impressive yet modest and inclusive leader, even as a teen. Her kindness and grace help others feel comfortable in her presence. I have seen her grow in her Torah journey in terms of passionate faith, profound thinking, and committed observance. She has truly built a beautiful and holy family, a Bayit Ne-eman BeYisrael.

The mitzvah to care for our health is obviously paramount in Torah (Devarim 4:9,15, Berachot 32b, Sefer Shemirat Haguf VeHanefesh has a lengthy discourse on whether the Mitzvah to care for our health is Biblical or Rabbinic, אכמל”ב). In a classic piece, the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (32:1) writes that a healthy body is part of Divine worship, and is a pathway to connecting with HaShem. For Chassidic perspectives, I recommend Anatomy of the Soul by Rav Chaim Kramer, Wings of the Sun by Rav Avraham Greenbaum, and Body Mind and Soul by Rav Yitzhak Ginzburgh

Today, emotional and psychological health is of critical importance. The great Rabbi and Dr. Moshe David Valle z.tz.l (a student-friend of Ramchal 18C) wrote that any good doctor knows that the spirit affects the body and vice-versa. His number one recommendation for Dr’s was that they try to find out what is worrying the patient and help calm them. This allows healing “spiritual joy” (שמחת הרוח) to permeate the entire body. I believe every Rabbi and educator would agree that this young generation is in desperate need of healing of the body, mind and spirit.

In an era of unprecedented depression and anxiety ר”ל, I can literally think of no more necessary cause than to provide a setting and tools for young girls that uplifts them from a world full of despair and self-loathing to hope and self-love. Movement and mindfulness exercises combined with deep spiritual teachings from the wellsprings of Jewish traditional sources, will be healing not only for the body, heart and mind, but will undoubtedly promote spiritual awakening and growth.

Regarding the permissibility of adapting movements from Yoga, this was permitted by the HaGaon HaRav Moshe Feinstein זצ”ל, and is clearly in line with Shulchan Aruch YD 150:2. See Alternative Medicine in Halacha by Rabbi Rephoel Szmerla. Jews may practice Yogic positions without chants or mantras from idolatrous traditions, and must refrain from specifically facing the sun for sun salutations. It is proper to be careful not to call the positions by their Sanskrit names.

I would add that I hope that movement meditations from the Jewish tradition will be studied and explored. Some of these include: the proper bowing techniques in prayer, rocking like a flame while studying Torah, when reciting shema moving to all directions at Echad (see Mishna Berura), “willing hands”- opening hands to receive Divine flow during Ashrei (Ben Ish Hai, Vayigash 1), Angelic Kedusha, etc., raising hands for Netilat Yadayim.

With blessings that Neshima succeeds with Heavenly help in its goal to RETOOL AND FUEL THE YOUTH, BREEDING A GENERATION OF HEALTHY, OPTIMISTIC LEADERS.

Rabbi Tuvia Aronson: Community Rabbi, Pardes Hanna, Israel: tuviaaronson@gmail.com

Press

Jenna Zadaka joins Elevate with Elisheva to share powerful and meaningful explanations about the divine spiritual rebirth during Shevat and the significance of Tu'Bshvat. Shevat is the bridge between winter and spring as we gently come out of hibernation and see the first signs of growth. In this episode, you will learn how to anchor the teachings of Shevat and deepen your understanding of the holiday Tu'Bshvat. To guide you in your transition outward, Jenna shares tools like movement and Kabbalistic meditation.

Curious about Judaism, but need help understanding its relevance to our lives today? This week's video features a very special guest: Jenna Zadaka (www.BreathandSoul.net). Jenna is a yoga and meditation instructor. We discussed what Jewish meditation is and how to begin meditating. The videos on Life's Cholent are my way of relating to each week's Torah Parsha and the Jewish holidays, laws, and customs. Judaism may be an ancient religion, but it remains germane to our lives today. 1:26 - What is meditation in general and what is Jewish meditation? 3:27 - How did you become involved in mediation and how did you end up teaching it? 7:23 - Is mediation something that Jews originated or is it something that other cultures and faiths started and the Jewish people made our own? 9:20 - What are ways that meditation might help people with their prayer experience? 13:33 - Do you recommend that people meditate on a specific phrase? 16:38 - What are some of the benefits of regular meditation? 20:50 - What are some beginner meditation practices that you suggest? 23:53 - Why might different meditations be more effective during different times of the year? 25:27 - Is there anything else you would like to add? 27:22 - How do Hasidim place such a high value on meditation?

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