“Psalms for Shmirah – Resung/Recited in a Musar Mode”

An interactive workshop sponsored by the Boulder Chevra Kaddisha with Rabbi Jamie Arnold

Part text study, part poetry workshop, part spiritual practice

In this workshop, we will bring (and co-create) accessible, contemporary English translations of the Hebrew Psalms for the sacred practice of shmirah.

The recitation of biblical psalms has long been associated with the mitzvah of attending to the body (and accompanying the soul) between bodily death and its return to the ‘dust of the earth.’ Sadly, for many of us, the beauty and power of these sacred, poetic songs are rendered inaccessible by antiquated translations and fraught theological imagery.

Join us in breathing new and meaningful life into ancient songs and adding yet another layer of depth and meaning to the sacred task of accompanying the dead on their journey from the struggles of this world to the rest of the next.

Why Attend?

• Deepen your understanding of the Psalms for shmira

• Schmooze with other dedicated volunteers

• Enjoy some bagels and gluten free goodies

Rabbi Jamie Arnold came to Colorado in 2005 to serve as the first fulltime rabbi of Congregation Beth Evergreen (CBE).  Drawing on his experience with this holy work in Philadelphia, PA and Buffalo, NY,  and with the support of the Boulder Chevra, Jamie founded the CBE Hevra Kaddisha.  Partnering with JADE and Kavod v’Nichum, he has also been leading an effort to expand awareness of and access to this holy work across the front range.  Rabbi Arnold is also a longtime student and teacher of musar, an award winning educator, and a core faculty member of the Kabbalah Experience since 2011.  Mystics and humanists alike have been drawn to his creative and inspiring psalm translations, which you can preview at https://substack.com/@rabbijamiearnold.