Israel Yoga Retreat in English

‘ Self  Transformation through Yoga ‘ 

  

Prasad Rangnekar teaching @ yogakulu vienna austria

Internationally renowned Yoga teacher, Prasad Rangnekar is in Israel to lead a retreat called ‘Self Transformation through Yoga’ organised by the Israel Yoga Teachers Association.  He will also lead classes in pranayama, asana, meditation and love and devotion in various locations around the country and both the retreat and the classes will be taught in English.  

The retreat, Prasad explains is a  correct mix of  Yoga movements, Yogic Trance, Silence, Meditations, Breath work and interesting discussions on the ancient Yogic Scriptures.  ‘The overall atmosphere of this retreat ‘ he says ‘ is non-competitive and relaxed. The emphasis being on enjoyment and understanding rather than effort, so there’ll be time for personal reflection and time too, to simply enjoy the beautiful nature of Israel’s north.’    

‘Classical Yoga is a truly wonderful system for inner exploration and personal evolution.  Hence, the basis of the workshop is to experiment and to learn from one’s own experience and sensations, cultivating a deep awareness and understanding of the mind and body, finally touching the depths of the Heart.  It’s a journey that brings you closer to the you as you are, generating self-acceptance and self-Love…. which is the basis of Yoga.’  

The weekend retreat is being held at Kibbutz Tuval, located in the heart of the Galilee region, in the breath takingly beautiful Karmiel Mountains.  Kibbutz Tuval has long been an immensely popular accommodation choice for both locals and international tourists due to its beautiful surrounds and tranquil atmosphere and if the kibbutz website photo gallery is anything to go by, it’s very easy to understand why.  The views of the area are delightful!  

If you are coming by car, there is a map on the Kibbutz website. If you are coming by train, you will need to catch a train to Acco, then a sherut ( yellow mini bus) to Karmiel which costs 13 nis, then catch a taxi to Tuval which costs about 40-50 nis. You can also catch a taxi straight from Acco to Tuval which will cost around 120 nis.  I understand that the organisers of the retreat, The Israel Yoga Teachers Association, are planning to organise a couple of pickups from the train station, so get in touch with them to arrange this.  

‘Explore yourself through the ancient path of Yoga, through movements of the body, rhythm of the breath, fullness of Heart and a deeper understanding of the ancient yoga scriptures. Through this retreat we seek to accept ourselves and generate joy in whatever we do to establish a strong conviction of the Love within and thus “Live” yoga rather than just “do” Yoga.’  

   

Retreat:                                        Self Transformation through Yoga  

Date:                                              Thurs 22nd July – Saturday 24th July 2010  

Start time:                                 Check in 3pm Thurs, retreat starts 5pm Thurs  

Location:                                    Kibbutz Tuval  

Price:                                             800 Nis (3 per room) includes food and accom  

                                                           900 Nis    (2 per room) 

                                                           1100 Nis single room    

Info/ Registration:              Call 04-637-2323    

   

Retreat Schedule  

   

Thursday 22nd July 2010  

15:00-16:30 arrival  

17:00-19:00 practice – asana, pranayama, meditation  

19:00-20:30 dinner and break  

20:30-21:30 discussion and meditation  

 Friday, July 23    

7:00-9:00 practice – asana, pranayama, meditation  

9:00-10:00 break  

10:00-12:00 lecture, discussion and reflection in the spirit of Yoga Sutra  

13:00-15:00 lunch and break  

15:00-16:30 discussion on Upanishad and practice of yoga nidra  

17:00-18:00 practice – asana, pranayama, meditation  

19:00-22:00 welcoming the Sabbath, dinner, satsang  

 Saturday, July 24    

7:00-9:00 practice – asana, pranayama, meditation  

9:00-10:00 break  

10:00-12:00 lecture, discussion and reflection in the spirit Bhagavad Gita  

13:00-14:00 lunch  

14:00-16:00 discussion, meditation, summation

 

If you have an event that may interest the English speaking community of Tel Aviv & Israel please contact me

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Hip Hop Rock & Pop Israel’s newest star plays one show only

One Show Only –  “The Johnny Show”  

December 22nd – The Barby

 

Singer songwriter Little Johnny has caught the attention of the ‘who’s who’  in the Israeli music world BIG  time. 

Hailed by top radio station DJ’s, famous Israeli musicians and the media as  ‘a boy who’s going places’, Little Johnny’s first album ‘The Johnny Show’ is flying off the shelves in music stores around the nation. Fans of Israel’s newest star cant seem to get enough of his funky upbeat tunes.  

‘The albums a wicked mix of rock pop and hip hop’ said reuvan visiting Israel from London for Hanuka. ‘I cant wait to play it for my mates back home’  Reuvans cousin Sara,  a student at Tel Aviv university adds ‘Every ones talking about his album on Campus..he rocks.. my favourite song  is Mesi Bat Kitah (class party).. ma mush!!’

To celebrate the release of his first album ‘ The Johnny Show’  Johnny, along with Shlomi Shaban, Hadag Nahash, Adi Ulmansky, Sagol 59 , Hadara Levin-Aradi and a host of other amazingly talented  artists who worked on the album will perform a ‘one show only’ concert at the Barby on the 22nd December. 

‘Its going to be a fantastic night, really up beat’ said Avi one of the lads in the music store on disengoff street. ‘It’s rare to get so many talented musicians under one roof  for a performance..its definately a concert you want to go to’ 

Avi explains that each song on Johhny’s album was written and performed with a celebrated Israeli musician and many of them are making guest appearances to perform with Johnny at the concert. ‘It will be a very special night. The diversity of  musical styles  being represented  is outstanding, its pure quality. This is an event  that showcases a super talented young 17 year old musician, but at the same time honours the immense  ‘across the board’ talent of the nation… for us amateurs its proof that dreams can and do come true’

To get a great taster of the incredible mix of music styles that have come together to create the first album of  Israel’s newest musical wonder ‘Little Johnny’  just browse through the myspace links attached to the various artists names throughout this post..  it will help you fully appreciate the diversity and quality of the artists performing on the night.  

See you there!    

The Johnny Show – One Concert Only

Where:  The  Barby –  52 Kibutz Galuyot Street Tel Aviv

When:  22nd December 2008

Time:  22:00 (10pm)

Cost:  70 nis at door     

PRE SALE  –  50 nis  call 03-5188123  OR buy at Abudabi Humus on King George St

GUEST MUSICIANS –  SHOLMI SHABAN… USELESS ID ..HA DAG NAHASH … ADI UMLENSKI..  AVISHAI COHEN .. SAGOL59 ..SABO & KUTI.. NOA FARAN .. COHEN & MUSHON..  TOM RAHAV.. SHAY 360.. HADARA LEVIN-ARADI..  SHAI MAESTRO.. KASHI .. PERFORMING WITH LITTLE JOHNNY FOR  ONE SHOW ONLY 22 DEC BABRY

Salon Mazal -Tel Aviv’s information centre for social environmental and political change.

 

Interested in the local social-environmental perspective on israel?  Then a visit to Salon Mazal should definately be on your ‘what to see and do’ list while in Tel Aviv. 

salon mazal library - literature in both english and hebrew is available

Salon Mazal located at 50 salame steet tel aviv (03 6297734) is a non profit registered charity that serves as an information distribution center for social, environmental and political change.  Established in Tel Aviv in 2001 by a group of social-environmental  activists, Salon Mazal functions as a store with books & magazines in both english and hebrew, a selection of fair-trade products, a lending library, artist gallery, vegetarian bar and community center where movie screenings, lectures, workshops and meetings take place.

The centres’ atmosphere is friendly and offers a wonderful opportunity to integrate with the local activist community through their various evenings and events. Whether you just pop in for a fair trade coffee and a browse through the vast and interesting information available in english or decide to join one of their many events or even to volunteer some of your time, your visit to the centre is sure to  be a fun and interesting one.

 Salon Mazal  – Monthly Events list 

6th Oct 19:30  – Community work in south tel-aviv

In Kiryat shalom and Shapira neighborhoods lives a group of young people, working to enhance the local community and build a more sharing and cooperative way of life.

The two will talk about the experience of the group in building and developing a community and about the success and the diverse activities, about the challenges and difficulties and about the connection between living a communal and sharing way, and working for social justice.

7th Oct 19:00   –  “Globalization” by Dov Hanan

Come and meet member of Knesset, Dov Hanin, candidate for Mayor of Tel-Aviv-Yafo, who is coming to Salon Mazal  to present and tell about his book “Globalization”.  
 
Sun 19th Oct 19:30 –  Welcome Night 

There is a group gathering and members of the salon will tell you about the secrets of how the center works and invite you to take part in it. Vegan snacks! 
 

Weds 22nd Oct 19:30 – lecture/discussion on situation of  work   immigrants & their children in Israel

discussions on the future plans of israel authorities to perform a mass deportation plan. Come to give your opinion about what can be done about this situation.   
 
Thurs  23rd Oct 19:00 – How to deal with social & cultural  structuring of body images

Most of us are not happy with our body. We don’t believe that we are beautiful. Its hard for us to look in the mirror. Most of us try to do something about it – diets, body shaping, muscle work, hair removal, makeup and more.

At the workshop we will try to think together – what are the messages that society is giving us about our body? What is political about them? And how can we fight the suppression and learn how to love ourselves?    
 

Mon 27th Oct 20:00 – An evening of social & political  animation   

Screening of a number of short animation movies and “Stop Motion”, dealing with subjects like Ecology, food, organic products, alternative sex and the separation wall around the occupied territories. The screening will be accompanied by some explanations. 

Tues 28th Oct 19:30 – A meeting to join a group forming against deportation of refugees & work immigrants                                        

The authorities plan in the near future is to execute a mass operation that will lead to the deportation of thousands of refugees, many with children.  Come and meet a joint group of Israelis, refugees and work immigrants to hear and think together what we can do.  
 

Weds 29th Oct 19:30 – The struggle against house  demolition in kfar Shalem & Jaffa.                                    

A binational forum about two population groups that are struggling against the authorities and the Real Estate sharks for the right to have a roof over their heads. A meeting with a representative of the people’s council of Ajame and a representative from the citizens’ council of Kfar Shalem.  

Thurs 30th Oct 19:00 – Mini Benefit a tasty night of homemade  vegan cakes & hot  beverages.                                                               

Every participant is asked to bring 30 NIS for the costs and to help Salon Mazal  maintain itself and its activities

 

Until next time loving tel aviv

Gurdjieff Movements Workshop in Israel September

Gurdjieff Movements Performance - Osho Meditation Centre

Interested in developing your ability to BE more in the present moment and quieten the constant chatter going on in the mind ?  Then take a few minutes to read on, a wonderful opportunity awaits.

The delightful Jivan Sunder, a highly acclaimed Gurdjieff Movements teacher will be in Israel to lead a Gurdjieff Movements Workshop in the beautiful 4000 year old city of Acre (akko) September 12-13th 2008. The course will be in English.

During the weekend workshop, whilst learning 4-5 of these simple and immensely graceful movements,  participants have an opportunity gain insight into the strategies of their personality.  ‘Personalities are often precisely mirrored in the individuals approach to working with the movements’ says Jivan. ‘Its an interesting and very profound experience to begin to know one self from this perspective.’

‘Working together, we learn to become aware of the energy within us that motivates the movements and can then witness the energy in action.  With a greater sense of presence, feelings of harmony between body mind and emotions are created which naturally enhance ones grace.’ 

Who is Gurdjieff and What are the Movements?  (excerpts from Jivan’s website)

‘Gurdjieff Movements are the work of enlightened Armenian mystical artist and teacher, George Gurdjieff (1870-1949).

Gurdjieff created the Movements as part of his teaching system, basing them on various religious dances and rituals he saw while travelling throughout Asia.

He created each of the movements, of which there are over 150, as exercises to develop in his students what he called ‘presence of being’ – being present –  being completely aware of the present moment & not slave to the unconscious mind.

With the focus on being in the present moment, the movements, unlike most dance forms today which are a purely artistic/aesthetic experience, are more concerned with the spiritual/mystical experience, to bring about a higher state of consciousness and awareness. Hence the dance becomes a meditation’

Gurdjieff Workshop Leader Jivan

Jivan teaches the Gurdjieff Movements throughout the UK and Europe and also leads Gurdjieff Movement Groups in the Osho Meditation Centre in Pune, India. 

The Indian Mystic Osho considered the Armenian mystics dance movements extremely effective  in encouraging a deep movement towards the source, towards the centre of being and towards greater consciousness.

The September workshop is a great opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of life for a weekend, learn something new and enjoy the peacefulness and beauty of ancient Acre (akko).

Nestled on a rocky cliff, with stunning views of the north & south coasts, the sea side fishing village atmosphere of Acre‘ is delightful.  Take a morning walk through the old city , visit the markets or take a dip in the ocean, theres a few lovely beaches.  And don’t miss eating at possibly the best  hummus restaurant in the whole of Israel.  Said’s Restaurant is a much loved local favourite. Just ask a local for directions.

 

Gurdjieff Movements Workshop – Israel 2008

When: 12-13th September  (fri/sat)      Time: 10.00am – 17.30pm daily

Where:  Acre(akko) Theatre Centre, 1 Weizmann Street Acre (edge of the city, near the old Citadel)

Cost: 550 NIS (lunch not included)

Bookings/Information:  lila 0507 432939  Jivan (from 6th sept ) 0524 862125

                                           OR EMAIL Jivan jivansco@hotmail.com

What to wear:  Loose comfortable clothes that allow you to move freely.

How to get there:  National Rail have regular trains to Acre. (Check for friday timetable.)

Accommodation: Is not provided. (link for budget accom details below)

Hostel Accom Link: http://www.hostelpedia.com/countries/israelhostels/akko.html

Israel Travel Iinformation: http://www.aguide2israel.com

Until next time

loving tel aviv

Tel Aviv Osho Mystic Rose Course

Osho Mystic Rose 10 - 30th August

OSHO MYSTIC ROSE IN TEL AVIV

Osho House located in the centre of Tel Aviv, just off Ben Yehuda Street, will soon host the world renowned Osho mystic Rose Course.  All interested in personal development, self discovery and encouraging more spontenaety and natural joy in their lives are invited to join.

A lecture explaining the course and a ‘small taste’ of the Mystic Rose process will be held at Osho House on Wednesday 6th August at 8.30pm.  A small charge of 30 nis for the evening will be asked.

The course is structured to run in the evenings from 8pm during the week, allowing people to fit it in around regular work schedules. On weekends, sessions start at 2pm so morning sleep in are not lost and  evenings are free.  

With a large choice Restaurants, cafes,cheap eateries bars and pubs in the area, grabbing a quick bite before or after the daily courses will be easy.   Bus number 4 goes along Ben Yehuda, ask them to stop you off at eidelson and then its a few minutes walk from there.

courtesy of oshophotos.com

Mystic Rose is a powerful meditative therapy created by Osho, one of Indias finest mystics and possibly one of the most most teachers of the 21st century.   

When Osho created this powerful therapy he is quoted as saying ” I have invented many meditations, but perhaps this will be the most essential and fundamental one. It is the first major breakthrough since Vipassana 25 centuries ago”   

 MYSTIC ROSE  is a  3 week course, which runs every day for 3 hours.

 

Week 1: Laughing for 3 hours for seven days. This removes all the inhibitions and repression that hinder our spontaneous laughter and natural joy.

Week 2: Crying for 3 hours for seven days. This uncovers the next layer of repression. All the agonies and tears, allowing a great unburdening and release of pain and suffering.

Week 3: Observation for 3 hours for seven days . Be the “watcher on the hill.”  With a thoroughly cleansed heart, one sits silently in meditation.

 

What:  Osho Mystic Rose Course

When: 10 – 30th August 2008

Time:  Sun – Thurs  8 – 11pm,    Fri – Sat 2-5pm 

Where: Osho House 5 Eidelson Street Tel Aviv 

Course costs & Further Information: Call Korah on 052 888 30 40  

                                                                         email info@oshoisrael.com

UPCOMING EVENT: NOV 20-22 PASSION FOR MEDITATION WEEKEND WORKSHOP

    

* NB: Korah’s english is perfect, so feel comfortable to call him with any questions. If you decide to join the course, let him know you are english speaking and he will be happy to accomodate you.

click here for tel aviv city map

Until next time

Be healthy be happy

loving tel aviv

 

Israeli Cinema for English Speakers

The bubble - released in 2006 received a number of highly respected awards in world cinema

For quality entertainment, venture into one of Tel Aviv’s  airconditioned cinemas, Israeli movies are fantastic! 

There is nothing more blissful than waking up to another sunny day in paradise, its heaven. Though truth is, in a glorious mediteranian summer in Israel, there are also moments  when escaping the heat is a priority on all our minds.

For these occassions as well as the balmy evenings when you simply feel like a light meal and an easy night, the cinema is the perfect solution. 

Recently, Tel Aviv cinemas have begun providing english sub titles with many israeli movie screenings allowing non hebrew speakers to join locals, relax in  the airconditioning and enjoy the quality entertainment on offer.

Israeli cinema is wonderful.  Brilliant actually, in my opinion. Talented script writers, directors, actors and actresses bring the uniqueness of Israeli life to the big screen with style, passion and a sense of realism thats rarely experienced with hollywood flicks.

Whether a new resident, visiting business man/woman or tourist, the cinema experience not only provides an hour of great entertainment its a gentle unintimidating way to connect with the local community and experience Israel and its people from a different perspective, a more subtle level. 

The Bands Visit - released to the big screen in 2007 won world wide acclaim and a number of international cinema awards

 The insights available are truly incredible. While its common knowledge the majority of the populaton are connected by religious heritage, lesser known are the vast differences of cultures within this united whole.  

Israel is one huge and deliciously interesting melting pot of characters from every corner of the world. The moroccans, russians, ethiopians, polish, georgians, argentinians (just to name a few) are all little sub communities within the nation. 

Each with their own deeply loved traditions, habits and ways of being, doing, living, eating, making music and even dancing, they create a unique identity for themselves within the greater community and for the past 60 years they have together, been building a nation that respects and honours all, enabling co existence with dignity and joy. 

Its not the easiest of tasks. Many challenges have and continue to, present themselves along the way and cinema is a way these are expressed and shared.  It could take years of living in Israel to distinguish the many different sub communities, however, cinema in many senses, offers a fast track. 

Turn Left At The End Of The World released 2005 also won the hearts of international movie critics winning numerous international cinema awards

Local movie story lines, sometimes heartbreakingly serious other times absolutely hilarious, but always creatively expressed, often revolve around community issues. Offering thought provoking messages, they are a fantastic way to begin to grasp the challenges faced by this young nation.

The Israeli’s are magificent movie makers. Brilliant at depicting the characters of their nation, their ability to both laugh at themselves and lovingly accept the unique differences of the sub communities are qualities that transform beautifully into movie scripts. 

Vibant, colourful and very real, proud fiery moroccans, loveable yet meddlesome polish mothers, penny pinching persians and ostentatious Arse-im are just a few characters portrayed on the big screen over the years.   

Israeli cinema is a way to connect to the people, the families, the tragedies, the unique israeli characteristics and indeed the very heart and soul of the people of the holy land.

Treat yourself. Its Highy Reccomended!

 Click here to find a Tel Aviv Cinema near you.  Give them a call to confirm when there is an english sub title screening. There are numerous cinemas in Tel Aviv and all are accessible.

For more information on Israel visit www.aguide2israel.com

Until next time

Be healthy be happy

loving tel aviv

Employment for English Speakers in Israel

For the ever growing number of English mother tongue speakers choosing to make Israel their home, the process of finding  employment can be a slow, arduous, challenging and often frustrating task.

English speakers often feel ‘unemployable‘, whilst learning Hebrew, the nations primary language, creating feelings of inadequacy and in some situations, a sense of isolation in the very community they are trying  to become a part of.

Doubts often arise as to whether the move was a good decision and this can really put a dampen on an otherwise exciting and courageous journey of settling in the holy land.

‘Dont be dismayed’ says local employment officer Aviram. ‘While its true that many professionals have difficulty in the beginning, to find  employment in their field of expertise,  there are many many opportunities available for english speakers.

Its important to remain positive and to remind yourself that you bring with you, many wonderful skills from your previous country of residence and are, very much an asset to the country.  

The very fact you that you have made the move to live in a new country is a great indication of the strength of your character. It takes courage to go on such an adventure and more than that it takes both patience and humbleness to deal with the seemingly endless challenges naturally presented to all who make such a move.

The most important thing you can do to help yourself is to remain positive. Keep up with your Hebrew studies, practise your conversation skills at every opportunity and perhaps consider getting  involved in charity and volunteer organisations.  This is a fabulous way to begin integrating into the community and to make new friends.

Life has a wonderful way of surprising us. Fantastic opportunities often come in the most unusual of circumstances and from the most unlikely  sources.  Hold your head high, know you are able to offer a meaningful contribution to Israeli society and trust that life will take care of you, bringing you all that you need.

Visualise the ideal outcome that you would like for yourself and then commit to doing what is needed for this to happen with a calm and positive attitude.

To help you make contact with the various employment agencies and information sites in English that specialise in job placements for English mother tongue speakers please find below a list of links.

Full List Of Links To English Employment Websites…