Study Shabbat ~ "The Hokey Pokey of Shabbat: Movement & Prayer”

Join us for another participatory Study Shabbat with the Prayer and Practice Committee! It's Elul and September: the time of year when our minds turn towards learning, as we go back to school and prepare for the High Holidays.

“The Hokey Pokey of Shabbat - That's What It's All About: Movement & Prayer”

This time we're exploring the movement of the Kabbalat Shabbat service. Why do we stand, sit, bow, or perform other actions? How does movement embody or affect our experience of the prayers and songs? How has the role of movement in Jewish prayer varied over the centuries, and what lessons can we take from it to carry into the High Holydays? What movement can we bring to these familiar and new prayers?

Each small discussion group will focus on one prayer or song, studying it in depth and creating a "kavanah" or intention based on it. Then we will cooperatively lead the service with the "kavanot" (intentions or movements) that we have created together.

Attendees will learn about and create intentions to read during the service for: Shabbat Psalms and L'cha Dodi, the Amidah, and the Aleinu, presented by Prayer & Practice leaders Becky Slitt, Rissa Frigeau, Lisa Prolman and Rabbah Riqi.

Please RSVP to: YmVpdGFoYXZhaCB8IGdtYWlsICEgY29t. All ages are welcome - adults, youth, families and teens.

Friday, Sept 5, 2025, 7:00 - 8:15 p.m. (doors open 6:30 p.m. after Tot Shabbat) 🕍

Stay afterwards for a festive Dessert potluck Oneg reception in the Peacock Room. Shabbat Shalom! 🎶

You may also like the following events from Beit Ahavah ~ The Reform Synagogue of Greater Northampton:

• Next Sunday, 24th August, 03:30 pm, New Year for the Animals Celebration & Slide Show in Florence
• This month, 31st August, 06:00 pm, Challah Back Kitchen! Celebrate the Summer in Florence
• Next month, 5th September, 05:15 pm, Tot Shabbat September Family Service & Tot Sha-picnic ☀️ in Florence

Also check out other Food & Drink events in Florence.