creative worship-beyond Our Prayer Books
02/02/2020 09:44:18 AM
Amy Hersh
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Maybe you agree – I don’t think Reform Jews like to talk about how to praise God.
Some of you might have jumped out of your chair just reading the previous sentence. The term “praising God” is foreign and frankly embarrassing to some of us. “It’s not what we do” as Reform Jews, especially for individuals who don’t believe in God, a Higher Power, a Creator or similar concepts.
Sure, we read praise liturgy such as Psalm 145, and we begin many prayers with the words, “Baruch atah, Adonai,” which means Blessed are You – words of praise. We have pre-written prayers and blessings for just about every occasion, as Rabbi Jaech points out. But beyond reading what has been written sometimes generations ago, how do we personally offer our praise? Can we go beyond our prayer books and find new, more personal, innovative ways to be worshipful?
In the years ahead, that may be one of our most important tasks as Reform Jews. To keep our movement and TINW growing and thriving, we will need to engage in “creative worship.”
Creative worship is the subject of discussion on Reform Judaism’s websites and blogs, as well as Rabbi Jaech’s sermons. What exactly is creative worship? It means being open-minded to different forms of prayer. Prayer isn’t just sitting in our temple reading the same words every week or every year. Any act of tikkun olam outside of synagogue, no matter how small or large, is creative worship. Singing, writing, dancing, and building a physical object can be worship too. We are limited only by our imaginations and by our courage to share our thoughts!
Reform Judaism has always been dynamic and changing. We keep tradition, but we also depend on innovation. Change is never easy – but neither is staying stuck. We are so lucky to be part of a community that welcomes diverse ideas. Please share your ideas about creative worship with Rabbi Jaech, our temple leaders and the Ritual Committee.
Wed, April 14 2021
2 Iyar 5781
TINW Happenings
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Thursday ,
AprApril 15 , 2021Adult Education - My Dual Career Featuring Jack (Jacob) Judd
Thursday, Apr 15th 10:30am to 12:00pm
Past TINW President, and long-time member, Jack Judd will discuss his dual career as a researcher at Sleepy Hollow Restorations, now known as Historic Hudson Valley, and as a professor of history, two careers that overlapped in many distinct ways. -
Thursday ,
AprApril 22 , 2021Brotherhood Lecture - Judy Altmann, Holocaust Survivor
Thursday, Apr 22nd 7:30pm to 9:00pm
Join us as Judy Altmann, Holocaust Survivor and Vice-President of the Holocaust Child Survivors of Connecticut, shares her fascinating story of survival. -
Friday ,
MayMay 7 , 2021Celebrating our CJL High School Seniors
Friday, May 7th 7:00pm to 8:00pm
During our Friday night live-streamed service, we will be recognizing and celebrating our CJL graduating seniors -
Sunday ,
MayMay 9 , 2021Brotherhood Breakfast Lecture Featuring Eddie Pleasant
Sunday, May 9th 9:30am to 10:30am
Edward Pleasant is recognized as one of the most versatile performers of his generation. Join us to hear the story of his unique American journey including growing up in Texas, how music became so central to him, the challenges and triumphs pursuing a professional performing career, his association with Temple Israel and how his connection to Judaism through the Temple has shaped his views on music and life!
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