Part spiritual practice & part instructional learning, students will explore how to participate in and lead traditional Jewish prayer, with an emphasis on musical lineage. We will delve into the concept and modes of nusach, the organizing system of musical motifs, scales, and vibes that accompany our traditional prayers. After outlining the basics of the Jewish prayer practice arc, we will embark on learning and leading weekday shacharit (morning) services. Each class will begin with a morning meditation and a participatory shacharit service, initially led by the instructor, followed by detailed instruction into the prayers and modes. In the final weeks of our course, students will take turns leading the Shacharit service.
A basic level of Hebrew reading comprehension is recommended, but not required. If you cannot read Hebrew, I recommend completing chapters 1-3 of the First Hebrew Primer (& answer book) before we begin our course, available here.
All of our learning is dedicated to my teacher Hazzan Jack Kessler Z’’L.