Q. Hi Rabbi, I am ba'al thuva for 5 years. I just got back from Israel to Toronto. I have been teaching yoga about 4 years and practicing for 9. I really want to get back into classes.
The thing is all the classes are mixed - This really doesn't bother me because my practice is very focused. I am just writing to see if there is a halachic issue.
The reason practicing alone is not a solution is because it means I will not be as motivated and also the teacher really helps the practice.
A. On question # 60 in this forum we wrote; "Rabbinical authorities of our times have addressed the permissibility of the practice of yoga. In essence, yoga involves a blend of physical and a meditative exercises. If done in a Halachik correct fashion there is no reason why it would not be permitted, as the Lubavitcher Rebeh Zt"l pointed out on Tamuz 5739. In practice however, that may be difficult to achieve. You require the proper instructor or teaching method, one that will not engage in religious mantras, meditative ideas or names of postures that identify with an avoido-zoro or their believes, even if one does not personally believe in them.(Bemaareh Habazak 2,56). It can not be done in a mixed group as there are issues of Tznius (modesty) too."
If you are a yoga instructor, you may provide a valuable service to those who seek a Halachic permissible environment. As mentioned above, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit"a opinion is that it should not be carried out in mixed groups.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit"a
Important Numbers
