Directory

Elat Chayyim Center for Jewish Spirituality

Tara Tayyabkhan

Have you always wanted to bring your drum into holy space? Do you dream of drumming with people at prayer? Elat Chayyim invites you to take part in the world's first two-year Holy Drumming Intensive. Led by popular Master Drummer Akiva The Believer Wharton, this four-week training program is conducted over the course of two years. Each participant will graduate as a Holy Drummer - a title that conveys respected musicianship and familiarity with the role of the drummer during Jewish prayer services. The four weeklong retreats are designed for beginners and experienced drummers alike, for people studying to become professional drummers and for those who want to accompany and co-create with prayer leaders at synagogues or havurahs. Learn how to bring thoughtful musical drumming into weekday, Shabbat, Festival and High Holiday prayer services. Gain or hone basic and advanced techniques with an array of percussion instruments that can be artfully used to deepen people? experiences during prayer. Discover secrets for accessing healing drum energy and prepare yourself to play for dance celebrations, drum circles and special events. Retreats will feature guest appearances by professional drummers and prayer leaders. All participants will have opportunities to accompany people at prayer. Knowledge of Hebrew is not required and all instruction will be tailored to accommodate a wide range of familiarity with Jewish prayer. Just bring an open mind, a willing heart, a drum and one additional percussion instrument. A variety of drums and other percussion instruments will be available for purchase during the first weeklong retreat.