|
|
March 18, 2005/Adar II 7 5765, Volume 57, No. 29
JCC drumbeats
HANK NEYER
Contributing Editor
People interested in the ancient art of hand drumming can learn how to drum at "Drum Shalom," a new Jewish drumming group.
The group meets 2-4 p.m. Sundays in March at the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale.
The JCC and the Board of Rabbis of Greater Phoenix sponsor the four-session class, which is being taught by local drummer Keith Johnson.
Johnson told the 30 people who attended the first session on March 6 that "drumming is communication."
Rabbi Irwin Wiener of Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation started the session by leading a meditation, telling students that drumming is spiritual.
"The sound of the drum draws our attention to who we are," Wiener says, "and also draws attention from God. We're here to communicate, to talk and to listen."
Rabbi Ayla Grafstein of Ruach Hamidbar - Spirit of the Desert organized the program after several years of drumming with Johnson.
According to Grafstein, Jewish people are a tribal culture with an ancient musical tradition. As Jews have wandered in the Diaspora, "we have gathered and incorporated traditions from local and host cultures," she says.
Today, Grafstein explains, there is a "resurgence of interest in hand drumming ... inspiring Jews to pick up their drums and reconnect with this most basic primal biblical instrument."
In a flier promoting the drumming circle, Graftsein quoted from Exodus: "And Miriam the prophetess took her drum and tambourine and led the women in dance."
The rabbi also wrote, "As Jews search their musical roots and are drawn to the drum, why should they be forced outside of the Jewish community to satisfy this need?"
The program, according to the flier, will reintroduce the tribal rhythm into the Jewish community.
The Drum Shalom Circles combine drumming, singing, chanting, healing, dancing, meditation, teachings and prayers.
Victoria Mogilnar - Ruach Hamidbar member and local healer, acupuncturist and teacher of Chinese medicine - adds tai chi and kabbalistic healing to the drumming circle.
Adults are asked to donate $10. Children are free.
Drop-ins welcome.
|
|
