Yearning Tunes
Eastern European Ashkenazi Nigunim

Hasidic nigunim are a form of sacred labor. They are offerings that work with and through joy, mourning, and yearning to connect to being. In this workshop we’ll learn short and long nigunim from various traditions including Breslov, Rhuzin, and nigunim from the Carpathian mountains where orthodox and hassidic Jewish worlds mixed. We’ll learn to listen to the details that make this tradition of Eastern European Ashkenazi music distinct, rich and soul nourishing. No previous or religious experience necessary. As part of the course we listen to field recordings, read some texts to contextualize the role of the nigun in private and public worship, and most of all sing! 

hadar ahuvia has been studying with Hankus Netsky-multi- instrumentalist and ethnomusicologist, one of the figures who catalyzed the klezmer revival through his Klezmer Conservatory Band, and with Esther Leah Marchette, singer, songwriter, and organizer of the Boston Breslov Connection. hadar is passionate about recovering roots based Ashkenazi culture as a spiritual and political diasporic project.

The cost of this workshop is a sliding scale of $18-$36, payable directly to hadar ahuvia at her workshop via her venmo or cash.

Masks are required for this workshop.

*Our home at 333 Cortland Ave is a building which requires climbing 21 steps to access. If this poses a barrier to entry for you, but you wish to attend any of our events, please email rabbifaryn@orshalomsf.org with at least 5 days' notice. We will seek a change of venue.