Avodat Lev (Heart Work) is a contemplative chant-based practice based on one of the three Jewish services to honor the passing of the day. We will follow the core structure of the evening/Maariv service. Our avodah/service will include Hebrew and English chanting, guided meditation and meditative silence. The practice is meant to guide us in greeting the morning and cultivate connection. Avodat Lev was initially crafted by Adamah housed at Isabella Freedman Retreat Center.
No matter where we are at in the season, this is a time for us to come together with intention as a community.
No experience/familiarity with any sort of prayer or liturgy necessary.
ABOUT YOUR FACILITATOR
Simcha Halpert-Hanson (they/them) is a teacher, song facilitator, farmer, drummer, ritual leader and fourth year rabbinical student at Hebrew College in Newton, MA. Simcha has led tefillah (prayer) workshops, klaf (animal-based holy parchment) production workshops, text study sessions and facilitated rhythmic and songful prayer experiences in many communities across the Northeast. They founded Avodas Lev Western Mass and co-founded the projects Nishmat Shoom, Queer Jewish Farmers and TransHallel. Additionally, they have been working both large and small-scale organic vegetable farming for the last five growing seasons.