[HANASHIR:6817] Re: to bow or not to bow

[Andy Curry <acurry...>]

Rachelle,

Bowing at certain points is an old tradition, probably older than the siddur itself.  Some have explained that "Baruch" and "Bar'chu" have the same shoresh as "berech" - KNEE - and that "bless" or "praise" is a poor translation for the real meaning of bet-resh-chaf, that there is also an element of acknowledgement of sovereignty, and that bending the knee is appropriate.

One reason it has seen a comeback in Reform practice is, I think, the ArtScroll Siddur, which gives explicit instructions on the choreography of tfila.  Another reason is the increased level of comfort people seem to have with demonstrative prayer.

Obviously, like any other ritual, it can become meaningless if done without kavana.  To my mind, if you're going to do it, you should think about what you're doing and why, and really do it.

The appropriate places are:

Bar'chu and its answering baruch

Opening and closing "Baruch Atah" of the Avot (not Gvurot)

"Modim anachnu Lach" and its chatima

"Gadlu Lashem iti" during Torah service

Of course "vaanachnu korim umishtachavim" of Alenu

Some also bow during the second paragraph of Kaddish

During the past two years, I've led worship at Sunday school in a Reform synagogue, where bowing was not previously done.  Without my SAYING anything about bowing, the congregation now does it.  I think people like to do it - it gives them something physical to do and anchors them to the service.

Have a good shabbos!
Andy

At 09:08 AM 9/1/00 -0700, you wrote: 
>>>>
> At the music workshop I was giving last night a question about bowing came  up.  This practice seems to have re-emerged in the Reform movement in  recent years.  From where does the tradition of bowing during Gevurot,  Bar'chu and other prayers originate?  Some rabbis and congregants do  it, others give a nod or don't do it at all.  Some bow to the ark, others  walk right by it.  Anyone have information to offer?  Thanks, Rachelle Shubert <mailto:notfranz (at) total(dot)net>notfranz (at) total(dot)net  Cantorial Soloist/Choir Director
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Andy Curry
Kansas City
acurry (at) cellnet(dot)com
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