How to Learn Davvenen from your Teacher

How to Learn Davvenen from your Teacher: From Teachings Study the prayers and Hassidic and Kabbalsitic writings so that you know the scope of what's involved. For example, the Baal Shem Tov taught that the object of our prayers should not be just ourselves but the Shekhinah. What does it mean to pray for the Shekhinah?This teaching expands the game, as do many others. From Tales Read the stories that tell of how the great DavvenersDavvened. Some repeated the same word over and over again. Some sang softly, their head wrapped and hidden behind their Tallit. There are as many styles as people and gaining an appreciation of the variations will help you feel free-er and entitled to explore the edges of your own idiosyncracies. Ask your teacher for specific stories of their Davvenenteachers, and of special Davvenensthey can share with you. FromNiggun Listen to the taped recordings of Jewish Renewal Music. There is often Davvenenhidden within the tunes. From Nusakh (Mode of Prayer) Listen to the taped recordings of Davvenersyou respect. Try out different tunes and notice how your heart and voice respond to the variations. Ask your Davvenenteacher to make tapes for you of the parts of the Davvenenyou are struggling with. The goal is not to study so as to imitate their mode of prayer, but to limber up your heart and soul that you may find your own. Wlien one tal(espains to o6seroetfie various aspects6rouglit to 6ear on prayer one rea[isestliat 'Bocfy,:J-{eart, %ind; ancfSpirit eaclicontribute to effective prayer ancfone sees its symplionicnature. !Rs,bZa[man.