The Journey of the Yoga Teacher: From Studio to Spirituality

For years, Merav Solomon sought answers to the intriguing feelings bubbling within her. Raised in a secular household in the Bakaa neighborhood of Jerusalem, Merav had never held a siddur or known what prayer was. "My father would make kiddush on Friday nights, but that was about it. We celebrated holidays as we saw fit, sometimes even having bread alongside matzah on Passover. We had no connection to Judaism, which didn't interest me. My life was ordinary and lacked for nothing, but today I realize that something inside me was searching for the truth."

To Heal the Heart

Merav continued her search, exploring various subjects in hope of finding answers. She studied extreme art, traveled widely, and by age 18, sold paintings in Japan. She went to India and met with Hindus discussing consciousness. Yet, she quickly realized that the truth wasn't there and returned to Israel.

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However, the East imparted a desire to master yoga, a discipline incorporating body and mind that seemed particularly suitable for her. "I enrolled at Wingate Institute for studies, and from the first class, I was captivated by this world. After three years, I became one of the leading teachers and opened a yoga center in Tel Aviv with two friends. Despite yoga's inherent spiritual connection, my focus was entirely on earning and materialism, leaving no time to seek spiritual answers. In retrospect, it's surprising that from such a place, I found a path to return to faith."

How did the transformation happen then?

"If you expected me to say an event shook my life, you'd be wrong. Friends asked if a crisis prompted it, and I always said no. My life was good and fulfilling. One day, a nice girl came to my studio for an internship. She was in the process of returning to faith but didn’t show it outwardly. Our bond progressed to sharing personal topics. I shared my quest for truth and answers, and she suggested visiting a unique person she knew, describing him as offering 'heart healing.' The words resonated with me. After years of searching, I felt I found someone addressing my core issue: a longing for truth and connection."

Merav got the therapist's number from her friend, who cautioned, "He’s very religious." This initially shocked Merav, but curiosity drove her to meet him.

At the meeting, the rabbi cited Psalms: 'As a deer longs for streams of water,' and the words hit home. Her journey of spiritual return began there. Her parents were not opposed, treating it initially as another of her fleeting interests. But as her conviction grew, she found support in her studies and environment.

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"Don't Take Yoga Away From Me"

Merav notes that returning to faith wasn't hard, but the integration with her life, including yoga, was challenging. "It dawned that teaching men's classes was incompatible, so I asked male students to leave. This was tough, as I had taught some for years. Losing students due to my new approach was equally difficult, but I understood the necessity."

She prayed deeply to retain yoga in her life amidst changes. She moved to Bnei Brak, married, and discovered a demand for spiritually enriched yoga. Consulting with rabbis affirmed her practice's alignment with Judaism.

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Transforming Lives

Shaping 'Jewish Yoga' was arduous but fulfilling. "Maintaining commitment is sustained by feedback from ultra-Orthodox women students," says Merav, citing a testimonial: "You transformed my life," writes Y., a mother from Bnei Brak, recounting her journey to health and self-discovery through Merav's classes.

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Spreading the Method

The 'Jewish Yoga' development advanced when a rabbanit from Bnei Brak joined Merav’s classes, providing important feedback. "With her guidance and her rabbi husband's, we shaped and refined our approach."

Merav pursued formal recognition, confirming Jewish Yoga's distinction, involving scriptural elements and spiritual focus. After diligent effort, Merav secured approval from Rabbi Amram Fried’s court.

Why was official certification crucial?

"Current yoga instructor organizations impose requirements that sometimes conflict with our faith. My vision is for educators wishing to teach Judaism-based yoga to find alignment with us, bypassing external approvals. I'm expanding this vision across Israel."

Contact Merav: meiravyoga@gmail.com