Chevrei:
As we have prepared to make the transition into this new home of ours, there have been all sorts of ideas crossing my mind about things I would like to do. One of them is to be quiet.
Starting April 28, I would like to invite members to a monthly chanting and meditation pre-service at 8:45 a.m. The idea will be to build on the little bit of quiet time we already have in our service. We will use traditional liturgy, taking time to meditate, and perhaps even move, preparing ourselves for the full Shabbat service which begins at 9:30 a.m.
I admit this idea came to me for very personal reasons--mainly that I am a different person when I am quiet before our service begins, rather than hurrying around tuning my guitar, conferring with whomever, fixing my kipah, etc. (I will have to make time for all that mishugas before 8:45am!) As I thought about all this, I was reminded that the practice of meditating before praying comes right out of our tradition, dating back to Mishnaic times (about 2000 years ago.) I am interested in experimenting with ways of reconstructing this practice for our own community.
In order to participate, you need an open mind and a willing heart--no expertise with meditation is necessary. This will be a work-in-progress; I will welcome your input.
Shalooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooom
Rachel
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