Hineinu? Betach!
When our new Movement for Progressive Judaism announced its inaugural convention Hineinu, combining the incredible music and ruach of Shirei Chagigah with the deep learning and community-building of the previous Reform and Liberal conventions, I signed up immediately.
I have been a big fan of Shirei Chagigah for many years, a highlight of my calendar that is restorative, inspirational and joyful. As a music leader and sh’lichat tzibbur, I’ve learned so much from the UK faculty and overseas guests – not only new melodies but also about leading prayer and holding space.
I remember an especially powerful moment of tefillah held by Cantor Rosalie Will where we brought to mind moments for which we felt profound gratitude, recalling them with gesture, song and prayer. I recall an important workshop with Merri Arian (from the Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music at Hebrew Union College) about the challenge of ensuring that, while you are juggling whatever is needed as the choir director, you are still in prayer. I have also been excited to teach at previous conventions – and of course teaching is always an important learning experience in itself.
Having worked across Reform and Liberal communities, I’ve been delighted to experience both Movements’ conventions in the past. I am always blown away by the incredible variety of sessions and opportunities for learning, and by the wisdom and knowledge that is so abundant within our community.
Liturgy, history, Torah and Talmud, current affairs, caring and community-building; when I attend a convention hosted by the Progressive Jewish community, I know that there will be more sessions I want to attend than those I do not. (As I write this, I am looking over the list of offerings at the previous MRJ and LJ conventions and regretting the sessions I didn’t get to…)
Services are always a particular favourite for me. These will be especially powerful this year as we come together to pray, sing, learn and create one Progressive community together.
So if you’re wondering whether to attend, I whole-heartedly urge you to join us! Our community seems to fill this lovely hotel that we have used on many previous occasions; I know that as I wander around the space, I really will have a sense of being surrounded by friends, with all the joyful serendipity of bumping into someone I haven’t seen for ages, and where spontaneous conversations often lead to new friendships across congregations.
So to sum up: the hotel is comfortable, the food is excellent, the learning is profound and the vibes are immaculate (as apparently the young people say!). I hope to celebrate with you at this, our community’s very special inaugural convention.
- Mich Sampson is Music Director of East London and Essex Liberal Synagogue.