Meditative Shabbat Service
In Hebrew, the word for “intention” is “kavvana”. Sometimes in a regular prayer service, the kavvana can get lost in the rush to say all the appointed prayers at the appointed times and finish everything so we can all go home. This month, we’re going to have an opportunity to slow down, get deep into the meaning of each prayer, and focus our kavvana with guidance from traditional Jewish mystical sources.
This service, inspired by the Jewish Renewal movement and a practice some call Neo-Chassidism, follows the traditional service structure but takes more time for breath, inner work, and deep connection. There will be wordless niggunim (melodies) and times of silence. You will learn some of my favorite traditional kavvanot — meditative imagery that goes with the words and sounds of our prayers — from ancient and modern rabbis.
Come wearing comfortable clothes that you might wear for a sitting meditation practice. If you have a large tallit, bring that as well. If you have a practice to NOT wear a tallit, consider bringing a large rectangular scarf that you can put over your head and shoulders to create a private prayer space. (I will bring extras for those who do not have their own.)
If you are interested in exploring the idea of traditional and modern kavvana in Jewish Prayer, I highly recommend the book Kavvana: Directing The Heart in Jewish Prayer by Seth Kaddish which is free to read or download on OpenSiddur.org