Shabbat

We arrived in Tel Aviv, just before the beginning of Shabbat and went to bed with the sounds of Marisa our hostess friends enjoying the Shabbat meal.

One of the things we had hoped to do on the sabbath was visit a synagogue.  Our hostess told us that there were two within walking distance.  Assured that is would not be a problem to come and go, she suggested that we visit both services to get a feel of two different congregations. As well the second service would have an English copy of the readings. Services can last up to three hours and when you don't understand the language, that is a long time to observe.

​The readings for the day, which are the same in all synagogues in the world, were Exodus 21:1 - 24:18; Jeremiah 34:8-22;Jeremiah 33:25-26.  

—Nothing is amplified.  The resonant space and good projection make it unnecessary.
—A large part of the service is chanted or intoned and one portion is sung. In the second synagogue that part was sung by "wonder boy' as the posture indicated.  With a beautiful tenor voice and charismatic leadership, the young man (boy?) spurred the congregation to response with enthusiasm, good rhythm and tempo.

—The Torah is shown great respect when brought from its storage place on the wall that faces Jerusalem.  A call and response song is sung, the Torah makes its circuit as many touch it reverently.
—Young boys have a special place in the service where they enthusiastically sing
—A meal will follow and the young boys are seen carrying out a variety of drinks and food.
—Men and ladies sit separately—the ladies in a separate partition.
—Spoken responses of agreement are common throughout the intoned portions of the service.
—Although parts are more informal with some discussion taking place, the time of personal prayer time fills the room with a holy hush as all face Jerusalem.  
—Rocking back and forth is common in prayer.  The term for this is shuckling. A number of reasons are given for this practice. 
1) Psalm 35,10, we read, “All my bones shall say: ‘O Lord who is like unto Thee”.  This is interpreted as an appeal to involve one’s whole body in prayer.
2) Another explanation explains rhythmic movement as a way to concentrate on praying and learning, and ward off distracting thoughts.
3) According to the mystical text Zohar, a person’s soul emanates from divine light. Every time a Jew engages with the Torah, the light of his or her soul ignites, which is why he or she moves like the flame of a candle. This striking image illustrates the desire of many religious Jews to connect directly with God by learning and praying.

TAKEAWAY ITEMS
—high respect for God's Word
—working at total concentration
—working at continuous engagement of the congregation