‘Laughter Torah Yoga’: Joyous Vulnerability as a Path to Radical Amazement
February 22, 2026
Laughter is a form of prayer that allows us to accept and forgive ourselves, each other, life and God.
Simeon Darwick Birnbaum, LMT, CHHC, RYT-500, is a licensed massage therapist, certified health and fitness coach and registered yoga teacher who has been supporting individuals in their joy and well-being since 2006. He helps clients overcome health barriers by cultivating vitality, joy, resilience and playful presence in both their personal and professional lives.Â
Sim integrates therapeutic movement modalities, bodywork and somatic coaching to support help people to process grief and embrace joy, appreciation, creative expression and sustainability. His work is grounded in the belief that through we can reconnect to our inherent wholeness and expand our capacity for intimacy, vitality and meaningful connection if we allow it.Â
Over the past two decades, he has shared his expertise in diverse settings, including hospice care, cancer resource centers, corporate wellness programs, and with collegiate and professional athletes such as the Cornell University Tennis Team and at national tennis championships. He has also taught and practiced at renowned retreat centers, including the Omega Institute in New York’s Hudson Valley Blue Spirit Retreat Center in Costa Rica, as well as Isabella Freedman, Ct.Â
Simeon is the founder of JYFLiving in Kalamazoo, Mich., where he offers integrative bodywork, movement education and men-focused life coaching. Above all, he is a devoted husband, father of two daughters and engaged community member who is passionate about inspiring others to thrive, connect and shine together alongside their PT journeys.
Laughter is a form of prayer that allows us to accept and forgive ourselves, each other, life and God.
Serving as central organization of the Reconstructionist movement
Training the next generation of groundbreaking rabbis
Modeling respectful conversations on pressing Jewish issues
Curating original, Jewish rituals, and convening Jewish creatives
