Archive for 2018
What is an Aliyah and How Can You Participate?
Perfect for beginners, this clear article from Chabad.org explains the origins behind being called up to the Torah, as well as when and how this is practiced in Orthodox congregations, including the Hebrew, English,
The Hadar Institute: The Content, Meaning and Music of Lecha Dodi
This link will take you to a three-part online audio course exploring the content, meaning, and music of Lecha Dodi, as part of Mechon Hadar’s Tefillah Toolkit series. Three scholars explore what the prayer
Welcoming the Bride: Exploring the Songs of Kabbalat Shabbat
This link will take you to a six-part online audio course exploring the meaning behind the songs of Kabbalat Shabbat. Theologian, scholar, and educator, Rabbi Shai Held, examines each of the eight Psalms of
Syrian Song of Songs and Kabbalat Shabbat (Audio)
This post includes two audio recordings representing the Syrian custom and musical style, sung by Hazzan Faraj Samra. The first clip is a 20 minute long audio recording of the Song of Songs,
The Nava Tehila Ensemble: Dancing in the Glory – A Journey into Kabbalat Shabbat
This post features the first song from Nava Tehila Ensemble’s album, “Dancing in the Glory: A Journey into Kabbalat Shabbat,” made up of original Kabbalat Shabbat melodies. The Nava Tehila Ensemble is a Jerusalem-based
Kippalive: A Capella Carlebach Kabbalat Shabbat
This 9 and a half minute long video features the Israeli male a Capella group, Kippalive, singing harmonic versions of many of Rabbi Shlomo Calebach‘s most famous melodies for Kabbalat Shabbat. The group sings selected
A Kabbalat Shabbat Poem About Transitions
This poem by Rabbi Annie Lewis explores the cyclical, evolving nature of the physical world and human beings, focusing on the transition into Shabbat as a time of peace and rest. Rabbi Annie Lewis, a poet, activist,
Rituals for Turning Off Devices Before Shabbat
This post by Elana Bell presents a short blessing and a list of actions to add spiritual intention to the simple act of turning of your electronic devices before Shabbat. Elana Bell, a
The Sabbath Queen: A Poem by Hayim Nahman Bialik
This post presents the Hebrew, English and transliterated text of “Sabbath Queen,” a poem by Israel’s national poet, Hayim Nahman Bialik, about welcoming Shabbat. This poem is included in many alternative Kabbalat Shabbat
The Structure & Mystical Meaning of Kabbalat Shabbat
This post presents two approximately 4 minute long videos by Rabbi David Paskin introducing the basic structure and meaning behind the Kabbalat Shabbat service. The first video focuses on the first six Psalms