If you enjoy zumba, you might not want to live in Beitar.
The rabbis of Beitar Ilit have decided to ban zumba from within the confines of Beitar. They have publicized a letter saying that recently exercise groups have started in Beitar using the Zumba method.. which is in opposition to the ways of the Torah and to the holiness of Israel.. so it is prohibited to participate in such groups and any questions and doubts should be directed to the beis din.
(source: Bechadrei)
Truth is that I did not really know what zumba was until just now.. I just thought it was a highly intense exercise dance that all these women like to go (based on the local advertisements I see) to nowadays to burn some calories.. but after seeing the news item about the ban I was curious why it would be banned - what could be so bad?
Here is a [men's only] zumba video I found.. I see why they do not approve.. some of those moves can easily be described as inappropriate for Bais Yaakov girls and yeshiva bochurim (though I doubt there are too many zumba chugs for guys in Beitar).. There are plenty of other types of exercise the good girls of Beitar can still do while keeping their neshamos holy and pure.
I would surely fall on my face if I even attempted this exercise class and dance... I am not nearly coordinated enough for this..
I do not know if banning is the way to go about these things. Bans don't often work - they cause more resentment. They would probably do better teaching their residents why zumba is inappropriate (in their opinion) and should be avoided. I do "get" what their problem is, and while I am not sure I agree with the approach, I do not think they are too far off the mark on this one.....
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