Israeli Dancing
With so much enforced time at home we will all be seeking ways to look after our physical and mental wellbeing. The IDI is delighted to be able to offer you a fun and very Jewish way to exercise. Please pass this programme to anyone you think might be interested or would benefit.
Here are a few Shabbat circle dances with simple steps. Your circle can be any size, even just you! They are accessible to all ages from pre-school to pensioners! They are danced to the melodies of prayers and songs sung from Kabbalat Shabbat (welcoming Shabbat) through to Havdallah (the conclusion of Shabbat). They reflect the mood of this special day, at once joyful and spiritual.
Each dance has a short explanation and a link to video instruction. We can send music files, sheet music, song lyrics and/or dance notation on request to our email address: info@idi.org.uk
Shabbat shalom everyone!
Shalom Aleichem – Welcome
Sung on Friday night in the synagogue and often at home, this welcome song illustrates the belief that on Shabbat angels accompany us. The verses ask the angels to come, stay, bless us and leave in peace.
https://vimeo.com/313675187/e31490cbd6
Yedid Nefesh – Beloved of the Soul
This is one of many Shabbat hymns. It is sung on Friday night and also traditionally at the Seudah Shlishit – the third Shabbat meal in the afternoon. The dance is in waltz rhythm.
https://vimeo.com/313675699/c06a0e8ee4
Here’s a link to a more complex version of the dance, created by Jonathan Gabai, done by folk dancers around the world
Brachot Lehavdala – blessings for Havdala
At the end of Shabbat, the separation of this special day and the rest of the week is marked with these blessings over wine, light in the form of a twisted candle and spices. There is a much more complex version of this dance, but not one easy to do in the confines of your kitchen!