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A Mitsve to be Joyful – Hasidic Dance, Song, and Storytelling, with Bruce Bierman
Ecstatic dance, nigunim (wordless melodies, pronounced ni-GUN-im), and the love for storytelling are at the center of the unique expression of mystic Judaism known as Hasidism. In Hasidic dance, we dance within a circle of community, in partnership with a chaver (friend). and, finally, with just ourselves. Symbolic hand gestures, meditative repetitive step patterns, and ways to access your own shayning (unique ‘shine’) will be taught with great care and context. We will also learn and sing a few nigunim that typically accompany the dance. Finally, Bruce will share several Hasidic tales that speak of the wonders of dance and song.
The Baal Shem Tov (1698-1760), founder of the Hasidic movement, was once asked, “Why is it that your Hasidim burst into song and dance at the slightest provocation? Is this really the behavior of sane individuals?” Join our celebratory gathering of song and dance and come hear the story the Baal Shem Tov told in response to this question. All are welcome.
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