Shlichei Tzibur Training Program

This program is made possible by the Center for Small Town Jewish Life, Central Synagogue, Park Avenue Synagogue, Congregation Rodeph Sholom, and the World Union for Progressive Judaism.

Empowering Prayer Leaders, with Cantor Sheila Nesis

January-June 2023
 

This six-month experience is designed to empower individuals to lead worship services, shiva minyans, singing circles, and more within their own communities. Through online classes and coaching sessions with Cantor Nesis, participants will build the skills needed to succeed as prayer leaders. Basic prayer book Hebrew is helpful but not required.

 

The training program is designed to:

  • Explore our understanding of liturgy
  • Renew and refine our perspectives on our prayers and what it means to lead them
  • Share prayer insights, practices, and melodies
  •  

What specific areas and practical skills will be covered?

There will be three main tracks: Davening, Song, and Spirituality

Davening:

Understanding the structure of Friday evening and Shacharit Shabbat worship
Understanding the role of the Shaliach Tzibur (emissary of the congregation)
Learning Nusach (traditional liturgical motifs)
How to outline and lead a worship service (Kabbalat Shabbat and Shacharit Shabbat)
Gain confidence in offering creative Kavanot (intentions) 

Song:

  • Learn a range of melodies and niggunim for worship, shiva visits, song circles, including non-liturgical music
  • Learn basic techniques to engage others in communal singing
  •  

Spirituality:

  • Studying traditional and creative liturgy
  • Exploring personal prayer practices
  • Exploring meditation
About the Instructor

Cantor Sheila Nesis has served congregations in Denver, Phoenix, and New York City and is currently Cantor in Residence at Etz Chaim Synagogue in Portland, Maine. She is the creator and educator of the Prayer Leadership Training program at the Center for Small Town Jewish Life. She has been selected to be part of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality’s Clergy Leadership Program beginning in January 2023. Her writings appear in various Jewish publications, including The Times of Israel, Kveller, The Forward, and Ritualwell. Originally from Argentina, she lives in Cumberland Foreside, Maine, with her husband and two children.

Class Readings & Resources Winter-Spring 2023

Music and Davening Resources
Class #1: Sunday, Jan. 15, 9-10:30 a.m. or Tuesday, Jan. 17, 7-8:30 p.m.

Welcome and introduction. The role of the Shaliach Tzibur in Jewish tradition: its history, and its present role.
Class #2 Sunday, Jan. 29, 9-10:30 a.m. or Tuesday, Jan. 31, 7-8:30 p.m.

Understanding Kabbalat Shabbat: The study of its structure, davening, and sharing melodies and creative kavanot.
Best practices and tools for leading with confidence.
Class #3 Sunday, Feb. 12, 9-10:30 a.m. or Tuesday, Feb. 14, 7-8:30 p.m.

Kabbalat Shabbat, continued. How to build a cohesive worship experience.
Class #4 In-person sessions.

Practice leading Friday evening services.

Feb. 19: Beth Israel, Waterville, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
March 11: Ahavas Achim, Newburyport, MA, 12:30-2:30 p.m.
March 12: Bet Ha’am, South Portland, 1-3 p.m.
Class #5 Sunday, March 5, 9-10:30 a.m. or Tuesday, March 7, 7-8:30 p.m.

Understanding Shabbat Shacharit: The study of its structure, davening, and sharing melodies and creative kavanot. Best practices and tools for leading with confidence.
Class #6 Sunday, March 26, 9-10:30 a.m. or Tuesday, March 28, 7-8:30 p.m.

Havdalah ceremony and song circle gatherings: exploring Jewish liturgical and non-liturgical songs, secular songs, niggunim, and best practices to get people to sing both known and unknown new melodies.

Guest teacher: Cantor Shayna De Lowe (Rodeph Sholom, NYC)
Class #7 Sunday, April 9, 9-10:30 a.m.
Note: both cohorts will meet together on Sunday this week due to Passover.

Shabbat Shacharit, continued. How to build a cohesive worship experience.
Class #8 Sunday, April 30, 9-10:30 a.m. or Tuesday, May 9, 7-8:30 p.m.

Introduction to Jewish spiritual practice: What is it? How is it valuable? How can prayer be a spiritual practice?

Guest teacher: Cantor Ellen Dreskin (Westchester, NY)
Class #9 Sunday, May 14, 9-10:30 a.m. or Tuesday, May 16, 7-8:30 p.m.

Visiting the Mourners’ Home: How to prepare for your visit. The study of the Arvit Shiva: the study of the weekday Arvit davening, and the special prayers to be recited at a house of mourning. How to prepare oneself to visit a house of mourning.

Guest teacher: Rabbi Silvina Chemen (Beth El, Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Class #10: In Person Sessions

Practice leading Shabbat Shacharit.

April 22: Ahavas Achim, MA, 12:30-2:30 p.m.

May 21: Etz Chaim, Portland, 2-4 p.m.
June 9-11: Maine Conference for Jewish Life, Thomas College, Waterville, Maine

Participate in leadership of Friday-night service for the statewide community.