Praying - Music Kavannah

“Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” - B. Auerbach

Teen Shabbat Jam

The monthly Friday night services led by youth band Kavannah seek to wash away the anxiety, the hurriedness, and the disunity of our everyday lives.

To achieve this, Kavannah creates an environment where relaxation, beauty, and connection come naturally. In Teen Shabbat Jams, the lights are turned low, most instruments are unplugged, and band members sit together with non-band members in the cozy couches of the Youth Lounge.

Everyone then gets to experience the beautiful music of Kavannah, which has recorded multiple CD’s and performed throughout California. Some songs get everybody clapping along or adding to the energy by picking from an array of percussion instruments. Other songs, softer and slower, leave the room in awed silence after the final chord fades.

Near the end of the service, we take several minutes to relax. Our meditation begins with silence, and it is then enriched by the moving improvisation of Craig’s guitar, which leads into the last few songs.

Following the musical part of the service, we have an open and honest discussion about an issue which affects many of our daily lives, yet is often difficult to discuss.

The night ends with everyone hanging out and having dinner at the Youth Lounge.

In the 2018-2019 school year, Teen Shabbat Jams will be held on the second Friday of every month from November to June (with some exceptions). They begin at 7:00pm. High schoolers from all congregations and faiths are welcome.

Kavannah

For those interested in joining:

Membership in Kavannah is open for free to all high schoolers who are members of Temple Solel and proficient in playing an instrument and/or singing. Members rehearse from 4:00 to 6:00pm every Monday and play at all Teen Shabbat Jams, as well as in some other events. The repertoire of Kavannah mostly comes from Jewish prayers, which are arranged in a variety of styles. Last year, 15 people were a part of Kavannah.

For more information contact Director of Youth Programming Craig Parks, solelyouth@yahoo.com or call 760.557.0101. Or check us out on Facebook under Teen Shabbat Jam.

For more information contact Director of Youth Programming Craig Parks or call 760.557.0101. Or check us out on Facebook under Teen Shabbat Jam.