Thursday classes to focus on prayers Sephardi style

By Jewish Review

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As part of its effort to expand knowledge of Sephardic traditions, Congregation Ahavath Achim will hold a series of classes focusing in Jewish prayers—Sephardi style.

Understanding the Shabbat Morning Service will meet 7-8 p.m., Thursdays, Oct. 11-Nov. 1.

The first program will concentrate on Shabbat Morning Service Sephardi style.

Moreh (teacher) Shmuel Eden will lead the tour of the Shabbat Morning Service. The tour begins with selected psalms, on to Shirat Hayam—the song that was sung at the crossing of the sea, then arriving at the Shemah, V’ahavta. The journey continues with Nishmat Kol Chai—the breath of everything living, winding up with the Amidah. The Torah service will be included in this tour.

This class is an excellent way to harvest an understanding of the main sections of the Shabbat Shacharit service, according to Eden. Ability to read Hebrew is helpful, but not a requirement.

Tuition is free. For more inforation, call Ahavath Achim at 503-227-0010.

Eden has a master’s degree in Jewish studies & Hebrew literature and a bachelor’s degree in Jewish studies and education, both from the University of Judaism/American Jewish University in Los Angeles.

He was a teacher in Israel and a founder of the Albert Einstein Hebrew Day School in Las Vegas.

Eden said that his parents were from Yemen, where the Jewish community continued to speak Hebrew throughout the Diaspora. He said the Hebrew he grew up hearing in his home in Israel was the original, endemic Hebrew of biblical times.

Eden said he has been exposed to Jewish traditions from those originating from Morocco to Eastern Europe and feels he can “swim as a fish in any synagogue.”

Eden said he is teaching the class to “enhance participation in Ahavath Achim.”