Like many in Boulder, Erin Masket found a spiritual message in her regular yoga practice. Yet the inspiration she discovered didn't just connect back to the Buddha, but to the wisdom of the Torah.

Masket, a yoga instructor, hosts a summer Torah Yoga class in the hopes of drawing in Jewish people to the world of yoga while exploring how the Torah and yoga's Eastern principles intersect. The classes take place 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Prana, 1147 Pearl St.

"There are so many parallels between Torah teachings and yoga, so many connections," she said.

The event is part of Flatiron Tribe, a networking and socializing group through the Jewish Community Center meant for people ages 21-45.

Michael Rosenzweig, an organizer of the group, said Flatirons Tribe's main focus has generally been to connect young Jewish Boulderites through happy hour events. The group also has hosted an Ignite Chanukah party and a "Persian Shore"-themed Purim party.

"I just want people to be welcome whenever and wherever they feel comfortable. For a lot of people, that's at a bar with a beer," Rosenzweig said.

Yet after meeting Masket and hearing about her ideas for a yoga class, Rosenzweig said Flatiron Tribe saw the potential to expand their social programs outside the bar scene.

"For some, maybe they don't like to drink, maybe they already do yoga or want to start," he said.

With help from a grant from the Rose Community Foundation, Masket will lead the Torah Yoga sessions through July.

Masket began intertwining yoga and Torah studies after graduating college with an architecture degree. Wanting to take some time away from architecture, she got an instructor certification and began teaching classes.

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