Mishmar Ruach (Spirit Cycle)

Every Thursday evening members and friends of Shearith Israel gather to enrich the spiritual and musical culture of our community. The schedule alternates between the Singing Circle – when we meditate together in song, and the Tefila Leader Cohort – a prayer lab in which we will share tunes, study Nusach (traditional chanting) and build up the group of Shlichei Tzibbur – Prayer Leaders.
SINGING CIRCLE

Following the teachings and methods of Joey Weisenberg, we simply gather in a circle to sing, tuning in to those around us. We sing familiar and unfamiliar tunes in a meditative group experience which opens the heart and warms the soul. We juxtapose Nigunim (tunes) that are hundreds of years old that take on fresh meaning, alongside brand new tunes that capture and inspire our hopes for the future.

TEFILA LEADER COHORT

This time is dedicated to building a cohort of prayer leaders in our congregation and for enhancing our abilities to lead with joy and musicality. Each gathering will begin with a short study into a tune and a text. Then we’ll break into pairs and smaller groups to share our knowledge and shore up areas in which we are not as confident.

WHAT IS MISHMAR?

In many traditional Jewish communities, including Yeshivot (academies) and institutions of study, Thursday nights are devoted to learning programs called Mishmar – an opportunity for enrichment and spiritual growth – featuring a traditional meal of chulent. Mishmar literally means ‘guard’ based on the idea that, similar to a military rotation for watch, a community appoints people to keep the spiritual life going. Our Mishmar Ruach or Spirit Cycle, led by Spiritual Music Innovator Ori Salzberg, is an opportunity to enrich ourselves and our communal spiritual life.

To learn more, contact Ori Salzberg at orisalzberg@gmail.com.