Special Events
Join chant leader Yaffah Schnitzer and friends for a Pre-Shavuot chant program led by Kol Zimra Chant Leader Judith Dack
Opening the Heart
Hebrew Chant Circle
Saturday, May 8th, 2010, 4:30–6:00 pm
Shavuot, the Festival of Weeks, is the second of the three major festivals with both historical and agricultural significance (the other two are Passover and Sukkot). Agriculturally, it commemorates the time when the first fruits were harvested and brought to the Temple and is known as Hag ha-Bikkurim (the Festival of the First Fruits). Historically, it celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, and is also known as Hag Matan Torateinu (the Festival of the Giving of Our Torah).
It is noteworthy that the holiday is called the time of the giving of the Torah, rather than the time of the receiving of the Torah. The sages point out that we are constantly in the process of receiving the Torah, that we receive it every day, but it was first given at this time. Thus it is the giving, not the receiving, that makes this holiday significant.
Join us as we prepare ourselves spiritually to be given the gift of Torah
Chanting is a form of meditation that can open the doors of the heart.
Repetition of a sacred phrase can clear the mind of clutter,
and connect us to each other and the divine.
Experience the power and potential of this pathway to soul healing.
No prior knowledge of singing, chanting, or Hebrew language is necessary.
