[HANASHIR:2493] Re: Dancing Prayers

[Rachelle and Howard Shubert <shubert...>]

In response to Jess's musings regarding dance as spiritual expression, it is
my understanding that it is very much in our traditions. (Can someone more
knowledgeable than I comment on this?)  However, I think if the whole
congregation were invited to dance, without instruction, it would intimidate
and alienate many (including me).  I would suggest it start as an activity
for a synagogue group -- e.g. sisterhood, brotherhood, Rosh Chodesh or study
group  -- who could invite a dance specialist to devise and teach easy
steps/body movements to the music or help participants improvise within a
certain structure.  There was a similar activity at one of our temple's Rosh
Chodesh groups and it was wonderful.  It reminded me a bit of a cross
between folk and sufi dancing.

 I have never thought that  holding oneself stiffly contributed to any kind
of spiritual feeling.  I am encouraging my new adult volunteer choir (who
will be singing for the first time tonight) to sway and express joy while
singing.

Rachelle







------------------------ hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org -----------------------+
Hosted by Shamash: The Jewish Internet Consortium  http://shamash.org
------------------------ hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org -----------------------=