[HANASHIR:2907] Performance vs. participatory

[EcoKosher1 <EcoKosher1...>]

now for my two cents: I am usually not in the songleading role, however I 
lead chants with dumbek & percussion accompaniement now and again. For me to 
feel the prayers it is important to experience the prayers with voice and 
body. The most transformative prayer times I have experienced has been when 
the group is engaging in song and dance.  

I have experienced guitars as an inspiring uplifting accompaniment to helping 
engage the congregation in song. I have also experienced musical 
accompaniment that does not. It really depends on the prayer/song leader. 

There are different methods to lead rituals. One way is to have a 
performance/observer mode.   Another way is community participatory mode. The 
leader sets this tone. Community participatory mode can be extremely 
effective without professionally trained voices or instruments.  However, if 
you happen to be able to have professionally trained high spirited leaders 
who can help us to move and sing, all the better.  

Also I have noticed when we lead uplifting songs and chants and the 
congregation remains seated, the energy is very different than when we invite 
the congregation to rise and sing with their whole bodies.  It is my 
understanding, that the prayers were originally meant to be sung(psalms 
especially)and there was dancing and rejoicing in Temple times(particularly 
psalm 150 Halleluyah). My personal preference is for good rhythm to move. OUr 
bodies are connected to our emotions and spirit, and mind. It is amazing 
freedom when we can gather them all together and rejoice. I also sing and 
dance the grief and sorrow. It sure helps to let it go.
For me it's time to turn mourning into dancing.
Kol tuv
Yehudit Steinberg
 

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