The Power of Communal Singing and God

February 21, 2018 in Hazzan Asa Fradkin

Have you ever davened in Israel ( at Shira Hadasha, Yakar…etc)

Have you ever sung in a High School Choir?

Have you ever attended a Jewish camp?

If so, you have experienced the power of communal singing, a force that moves us to feel something that is often missing. I believe when we sing together we experience the very essence of our being, we experience God. And it’s good for us!

In Daniel Pink’s new book WHEN, he says the following:

“The research on the benefits of singing in groups is stunning. Choral singing calms hearts rates and boosts endorphin levels. It improves lung function.
Several studies demonstrate that choral singing delivers a significant boost to positive mood. It also lifts self-esteem while reducing feelings of stress and symptoms of depression. In enhances one’s sense of purpose and meaning and increases sensitivity toward others. And these effects come not from singing per se but from singing in a group.”

Well, I want that to be us.

Have you ever been to a Shir Yachad service at Beth El? There are HUNDREDS of people in attendance every week!!

We have an enormous potential to bring God’s presence into the room and experience the magic of communal singing and prayer.

Here are 3 videos I recently uploaded to Facebook, the teach you how to sing the prayers in our Shir Yachad service and how their melodies came about. I’ll be posting twice a week until the next service on 3/9.

See you then and Shabbat Shalom!

Hazzan Fradkin