Many community members have asked about learning how to lead services in a Sephardic tradition. Others have expressed interest in having community-led Shabbat services. We’ve heard you and are thrilled to announce that our veteran cantor Abe Safdie has offered to teach a series of classes on Syrian ḥazzanut (prayer chanting and leading) focusing on Shabbat prayers!

The classes will use the Friday evening service of Qabbalat Shabbat and ‘Arvit as a lens to explore the conceptual and practical elements of Sephardic prayer. Topics will include Sephardic pronunciation, prayer structure, traditional melody instruction, and approaches to chanting for unsung portions of the prayer. Students will actively participate in learning and reciting prayer, and resource materials will be shared for review and practice after each session. At the conclusion of the 4-week course, you will have all the tools needed to lead a Friday night Shabbat service, as well as a greater understanding of the Syrian liturgical tradition.

This is an opportunity to not only broaden your Sephardic knowledge on an individual level, but for our community as a whole to develop the capabilities and expertise needed to expand and sustain egalitarian, inclusive Sephardic and Mizrahi offerings for all!

The Details

The class will meet virtually on zoom for the first 3 weeks, and in-person (for those local in New York City) for the 4th and final week, as follows:

Monday, May 6th, 6:15pm-7:15pm (zoom)
Monday, May 13th, 6:15pm-7:15pm (zoom)
Monday, May 20th, 6:15pm-7:15pm (zoom)
Thursday, May 30th, 6:15pm-7:15pm (in-person TBD in NYC)

*The only prerequisite is the ability to read Hebrew.*

This course is FREE but we ask that those who register commit to trying to attend all 4 sessions.

Registration is extremely limited and on a first-come, first-served basis.