Israeli Folk Dance Teaching Notes

Includes Introduction to Israeli Folk Dance, a Hebrew Word Study on Dance and Jewish Recipes
Praise Him with the timbrel and dance
Psalm 150:4

CONTENTS
These Notes are to be used in conjunction with the Israeli Folk Dance Teaching DVD which is currently available on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbGueJhzebw
Foreword..2 Acknowledgements..2 Israeli Folk Dance Introduction and brief history.3 Hebrew Word Study on dance..5 Bible References to Dance7 Dance Terms and Glossary8 Israeli Folk Dance Steps9 General Dance Steps.10 Israeli Folk Dances Nigun Atik11 Hora..12 Tsadik Katamar13 Hora Hadera.14 Ma Navu...15 Klezmer16 Tsur Mishelo Achalnu..17 Hine Ma Tov.18 Mayim Mayim..19 Halleluya Betzil Tzelai Shama.20 Holding an Israeli Dance evening and teaching tips you can do it!!!.21 Jewish Recipes..22

FOREWORD
Israeli Folk Dance is for EVERYONE!!! young, old, men, women. Its true to say that some people pick it up more quickly than others and that the dances vary in difficulty although all the dances on the DVD are classed as Beginner. ..but be ENCOURAGED: with a little practice - and above all enthusiasm - you will find that you have soon learnt enough steps and dances to teach others.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank the following people who have made this project possible: The Immanu-El Dancers (Carol Harwood, Sylvia Obourn, Mary Wartnaby and Margaret Young) who all gave willingly of their time to record the dances Tom Holder (for DVD/CD expertise and editing and production) Simon Zimmerman (for technical help with recording the CD) Don Fallon (for filming first 5 dances) Tim Fallon (for filming final 5 dances) The Park Hotel, Esplanade, Paignton, Devon, (for allowing us to use their Concert Lounge) Every effort has been made to trace copyright holders where applicable and any omissions I apologise for, and will be put right in future. All songs are in the Public Domain.

2.

ISRAELI FOLK DANCE

..AND DAVID DANCED BEFORE THE LORD. David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the LORD with all his might 2 Samuel 6 v 14
In both communal and religious life of the Jewish people, dance has always been regarded primarily as an expression of joy and it forms part of many religious, national, community and family celebrations, and Hebrew dancing down the ages is a term which describes the liturgical, worship, praise and social dances of the Hebrew people. Since the 1940's, Israeli Folk Dance has evolved as a newly developed art form, whereas in other countries it is fostered to preserve old rural traditions. It is an amalgamation of both Jewish and non-Jewish folk-dance forms from many parts of the world and is based on historic and contemporary sources and dance styles, as well as Biblical associations. When Aliyah began in earnest after the second world war, the Jewish people who returned to the land brought with them native dances from all over Europe which were adapted to their new environment. Following the first folk dance Festival in 1944 held at Kibbutz Dalia, a wider awakening and enthusiasm for folk dance followed which also incorporated a combination of styles and sources from Diaspora Jewish dances and traditions - for example the Arab debka (a foot-stomping dance of men linked in a row) and the Yemenite dances. Since 1948 when the State of Israel was declared a national homeland for the scattered Jewish people, Israeli dancing has grown and blossomed into a vibrant art form, and Israel's folk dances are usually in a social setting and are set to popular and sometimes traditional Israeli songs, and they incorporate a great variety of steps and forms expressing the vitality of a young country with an old tradition. However, when it comes to worshipping the Lord through dance it was primarily the Chassidic Jews which restored the joy of dancing as part of worship in the early 1700s. It is still an integral part of worship for Chassidic Jews today, and in Jerusalem and Synagogues around the world on the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles (Simchat Torah) Orthodox Jewish men will dance for joy as part of the their worship to God. Chassidic dance has also influenced Israeli Folk Dance in particular the Klezmer (which is instrumental music, not song). Chassidic music is primarily devotional, which is itself a form of worship. Israeli dance can therefore be a very suitable danceform on which to base worship dance to the Lord on. It is reverent and orderly, yet can be very joyful, or very worshipful.
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A good way to end an Israeli dance evening is to have some Jewish food as refreshments at the end, and some recipes are enclosed on page 22. While some of the choreography and steps of Israeli dance are cosmopolitan and multicultural (reflecting the dispersal of the Jews all over the world) the essence of Israeli Dance is strictly Monotheistic, focussing essentially on One God. It is interesting to note that there arent any Israeli dances to the many gods and goddesses sometimes embraced by general circle dances, because to do so Jews would be breaking the very First Command you shall have no other gods before me (Exodus 20:3).

Israeli Folk Dance in the grounds of Dartington Hall, Devon UK

To be used for educational purposes only

4.

DANCE A HEBREW WORD STUDY

There are several Hebrew words in Scripture which are translated as either dance or leap in the King James Version. These words make an interesting study and give us an insight into the dance format and kind of steps used in Biblical days. Here is a brief look at some of them. 1) One of the root words for dance in Hebrew is the verb (CHUL) or (CHIL) (Strongs 2342) which means to twist or whirl in a circular or spiral manner (as use in Judges 21:23. The following forms come from the same root: (MACHOL) (Strongs 4234) a dance, or (MECHOLAH) (Strongs 4246) dancing : Then Miriam the prophetess, Aarons sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her, with tambourines and dancing ((MECHOLAH literally dancings MECHOLOT) Exodus 15:20. The word MECHOLAH here described a company or chorus of dancers (in this case female dancers) in a circle or round dance and this word appears seven more times translated as dance or dancing in the KJV: Exodus 32:19, Judges 11:34, Judges 21:21, 1 Samuel 18:6, 1 Samuel 21:11, 1 Samuel 29:5 and Jeremiah 31:4, and it is translated as company in Song 6:13 where it can also read: Why would you gaze on the Shulammite as on the dance (MECHOLAH) of Mahanaim (or double-camps)? This rendering possibly indicates a specially choreographed victory-military dance performed at weddings some commentaries suggest it was a sworddance!

However, this does not indicate that Hebrew dancing is for women only. The word MACHOL (Strongs 4234) is used six times in Scripture (Psalm 30:11, Psalm 149:3, Psalm 150:4, Jeremiah 31:4, Jeremiah 31:13, Lamentations 5:15) and it is a company or chorus of dancers of both men and women: Then the maidens will dance (MACHOL) and be glad, young MEN and old as well (Jeremiah 31:13) And of course King David himself danced before the Lord when he brought up the Ark. Three different Hebrew words are used to describe Davids dancing: the first word is derived from the verbal root (KARAR) which means to move round, to whirl (Strongs 3769) or rotate very nimbly. The second word is derived from the verbal root (PAZAZ) - meaning to spring strongly with great agility separating the limbs (Strongs 6339 These verses are the only ones where the words are derived from KARAR and PAZAZ are translated as dancing and leaping, which indicated that possibly David did a dance which involved choreography (as opposed to wild and random dance moves without any pattern or order to it). Interestingly, the verbal root PAZAZ also means refined in Hebrew (cf. 1 Kings 10:18 refined gold) certainly a fitting title for a dance to precede and herald the Ark of the Covenant. In the parallel account of King David dancing in 1 Chronicles 15:29 a more general Hebrew word for dancing is used from the verbal root (RAQAD) (Strongs 7540), which means to skip, jump, dance for joy.
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5.

The word RAQAD also appears eight other times in the Old Testament (Job 21:11; Psalm 114:4 & 6; Psalm 29:6; Ecclesiasties 3:4; Isaiah 13:21; Joel 2:5; and Nahum 3:2) and interestingly it is often used to describe Gods creative works skipping and dancing for joy as well as men and women: The mountains skipped (from RAQAD) like rams, the hills like lambs (Psalm 114:4) There are some other words which are used in the Old Testament related to bodily movement which are of interest: 1) The verb (CHAGAG) (Strongs 2287) means to move round in a circle in sacred procession; to keep a festival. It is related to the word (CHAG) meaning festival or feast. While there are other Hebrew words in Scripture meaning feast (such as MO-ED appointed meeting or MISHTEH feasting and drinking) the word CHAG is the most commonly used to describe the Feasts of the Lord and is used 62 times in the Old Testament. 2) The Hebrew verb (DALAG) (Strongs 1801) means to spring or leap. It is used five times in the Old Testament (2 Samuel 22:30; Psalm 18:29; Song of Songs 2:8; Isaiah 33:6 and Zephaniah 1:9) and is more descriptive of the bodily movement of leaping with height, rather than specifically related to dance; for instance .with my God I can scale (from DALAG) a wall (Psalm 18:29) 3) In the Song of Songs 2:8 the verb DALAG is used alongside another Hebrew verb (QAPHATS) (Strongs 7092) meaning to draw together (eg: draw together the limbs in order to make a spring or jump). Hence in the Song of Songs 2:8 we hear the Bride (representing all true believers) saying of her lover (the Messiah): Listen! My lover! Look! Here he comes, leaping (from DALAG) across the mountains, bounding (from QAPHATS) over the hills. 4) The Hebrew verb (GIL) (Strongs 1523) means to rejoice greatly and to spin around from a joy which expresses itself physically in gestures of the body in response to an emotion. To conclude therefore, dance as worship is principally a response to God and to others.

To be used for educational purposes only

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BIBLE REFERENCES TO DANCE

MACHOL (masculine) MECHOLAH (feminine) MECHOLOT (plural) A company of dancers in a circle. Scripture reference using these words are: Exodus 15:20 (mecholah) Exodus 32:19 Judges 11:34 Judges 21:21 1 Samuel 18:6 1 Samuel 21:11 1 Samuel 29:5 Jeremiah 31:4 Song of Songs 6:13 Psalm 30:11 (machol) Psalm 149:3 Psalm 150:4 Jeremiah 31:13 Lamentations 5:15 To move round, to whirl. 2 Samuel 6:16 To spring strongly with great agility, separating the limbs. 2 Samuel 6:16 To skip, jump, dance for joy. Job 21:11 Psalm 114:4,6 Ecclesiastes 3:4 Isaiah 13:21 Joel 2:5 Nahum 3:2 To move round in a circle in sacred procession; to keep Festival. Exodus 5:1 To spring or leap. 2 Samuel 22:30 Psalm 18:29 Song of Songs 2:8(a) Isaiah 33:6 Zephaniah 1:9 To draw together (the limbs in order to make a jump. Song of Songs 2:8(b) To spin round for joy. Isaiah 65:19 Zephaniah 3:17 (translated as rejoice) 7.

KARAR PAZAZ

RAQAD

CHAGAG

DALAG

QAPHATS

GIL

DANCE TERMS AND GLOSSARY

HH CW R Holding hands Clockwise Right foot NHH Not holding hands CCW Counter-clockwise L Left foot

STEP Full weight on foot

HIGH IMPACT This means that the steps are very bouncy with both feet leaving the ground.

HAND HOLDS
This is not essential, but its good to hold hands correctly as everyone does the same: to get a united hand hold everyone should put the palm of their left hand over the palm of their right hand then part hands. The palm of everyones left hand goes over the palm of the right hand of the partner on their left, and everyones palm of their right hand goes under the left hand of the partner on their right (and easy way to remember is left hand gives, right hand receives). V-HOLD All hold hands down low (at hip level) W-HOLD All hold hands up at shoulder level (with elbows bent)

8.

ISRAELI FOLK DANCE STEPS

For the dances on this DVD you will need to practice the following steps. They are all demonstrated on the DVD:
1) MAYIM This is a Hebrew word meaning "water" and is a four-count step (1) Right leg crosses over in front of left leg (2) Step to the side with the left leg (3) Right leg step behind left leg (4) Step to the side with the left leg (Tip: It looks good if your head can turn in the same direction as your right knee is facing) FLYING MAYIM These are fun to do if anyone in your group is able to. The steps are as the Mayim above, but on (2) you leap to the left side. MAYIM LIFT Steps (1), (2) and (3) as above, then (4) lift left leg up in front of right leg. Reverse for Mayim Lift to the right . OPEN MAYIM For an Open Mayim to the right1) Step R to side 2) L crosses in front R 3) Step R to side 4) L crosses behind R 2) COUPE This literally means "Cut" and it is as if you were cutting short a Mayim: Coupe to the left: Right leg steps across left leg (with full weight on it), then comes back into place Coupe to the right: Reverse the above. 3) CHERKASSIA Step forward on R, rock back on L, step backwards with L, rock forward on L 4) THE YEMENITE STEP Many Hebrew dances use the "Yemenite" step. There are four Yemenite steps to learn. The steps will come naturally with lots of practice. On the DVD they are demonstrated using a visual aid of two triangles and this should help make the steps clear. They are also demonstrated without the visual aid. RIGHT YEMENITE 1) With right leg, step to the right 2) Step backwards with your left 3) With right leg, step back into place 4) Bring left leg back into place 9.

LEFT YEMENITE 1) With left leg, step to the left 2) Step backwards with your right 3) With left leg, step back into place 4) Bring right leg back into place BACK RIGHT YEMENITE 1) With right leg, step backwards 2) Step backwards with your left to join your right foot (ball change) 3) With right leg, step forward into place 4) Bring left leg forward into place also BACK LEFT YEMENITE 1) With left leg, step backwards 2) Step backwards with your right to join your left foot (ball change) 3) With left leg, step forward into place 4) Bring right leg back into place also

GENERAL DANCE STEPS

The following general dance steps are also commonly used in Israeli Folk Dance: 1) THREE POINT TURN A three point turn to the right would be as follows: (1) With right leg step sideways. (2) Turn to the right and bring left leg round (using right leg as a pivot) (3) Continue turning to the right on your left leg and bring your right leg back round so that you are facing the way you started. NB: You will actually travel three steps to the right when you do a three-point turn. 2) SLIP STEP For a right slip step:1) Step forward (or to the right) with your right 2) Bring your left leg close to your right leg and change your weight to your left leg 3) Step forward (or to the right) again with right For a left slip step: reverse above 3) SWAYS (OR BALANCE) This is simply a change of weight from one leg to another - with legs slightly apart (usually R L R L) on the spot. 4) STEP-HOP (OR SKIPS) Put your full weight on foot (either R or L) and then hop on that same foot. Just these few steps form the choreography of the dances that follow............so, let's dance!!!
10.

NIGUN ATIK
(Ancient Song)
Background info: The essence of this is all about joy joy to eyes and hearts, lifting the cup in a pledge. It contains a reference to a blessing made upon Israel by Balaam in Numbers 24: How goodly are your tents, O Jacob, your dwelling places, O Israel! Balaam had been asked by Balak to curse Israel but he couldnt: he could only speak blessing after blessing! Both chapters 23 and 24 of Numbers make fascinating reading. The remembrance of Balaams oracle continues however, as Jewish daily prayer and Israel Radios daily broadcast often begins with the words of Balaam How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, thy dwelling O Israel. The original dance is choreographed in four parts (but Parts 1 and 2 make a simple dance by itself). Parts and 4 go into partners, and it is very stately and gracious with bowing to each other and lifting up hands together (as if lifting a cup in a pledge).

Composer: Unknown (ancient melody)

Choreographer: Rivka Sturman - 1955 Translation: Again we'll return to an ancient song And the melody will be pleasant The cup we'll lift in a pledge Bringing joy to our eyes and hearts Goodly are our tents Because the dance (MACHOL) is breaking out Again we'll return to an ancient song
None!!! It is just like walking and

Od Nashuva el nigun atik Vehazemer yif vaye'erav Od gavia meshumar nashik, nashik Alizei eynayim v'lei-vav Tovu, tovu ohaleinu Ki MACHOL hiftsiya Tovu, tovu ohaleinu Od nashuva el nigun atik

STEPS YOU WILL NEED TO PRACTICE FOR THIS DANCE: this is as easy as it gets!

DANCE FORMATION: Circle CCW. Hand Hold: Your left hand should be touching your left shoulder with the palm facing upwards. Place your right hand on the left palm of the person in front. There is a 4 bar intro before dances begins. Meter: 4/4 DANCE NOTATION (Simple Version): Part 1 (1) Starting with right leg, walk forward four steps (R L R L) (2) With right leg step forward slightly to the right, clap to the right, step on left, clap to the left Repeat above three more times Part 2 (3) Face centre and with right leg step forward, click fingers up to the right, step on left, click fingers up to the left (4) Starting with right leg step backwards four steps (R L R L) and bring arms down A simple way to remember the above is: "Walk, two, three, four, Step, clap, step, clap (x 4) Right, click, left, click, Back, two, three, four" (x 4) Variation: Do two quick claps to the right at (2) Parts 1 and 2 form a lovely dance in itself. However, in the original dance there 4 Parts. Parts 3 and 4 are demonstrated on the DVD for any group which would like to have a go at the complete original dance.
For Educational Purposes only

11.

HORA
(Traditionally danced to Hava Nagila)
NOTE: There are several versions of this dance! The version below is the one most commonly known. Composer of song: Traditional Choreographer: Unknown (traditional dance) Translation: Come let us rejoice and be happy Come let us sing and be happy Arise brethren with a joyful heart

Hava Nagila, V'nis-mecha Hava Narenenah, V'nis-mecha Uru Achim, Uru Achim Belev Samei-ach!

STEPS YOU WILL NEED TO PRACTICE FOR THIS DANCE: None!! Just a bit of slow practice without the music at first will help to get the steps in your mind.

DANCE FORMATION: Circle (or Line Dance with leader) - Face Centre - HH/or link arms. (There is a 4-bar intro before dance starts). Meter 4/4 DANCE NOTATION: 1) Starting with left leg, step to the left 2) Bring right leg behind left leg and put full weight on right foot 3) With left leg, step to the left 4) Kick right leg out in front 5) With right leg, step to the right 6) Kick left leg out in front

VARIATION: Leader breaks away from circle half-way through and leads the dancers around, then back into circle formation.

For Educational Purposes only

12.

TSADIK KATAMAR
(The Righteous are Like a Palm Tree)
Background info: This lovely flowing dance is set to a song which is a direct quote from Scripture. In Israel the palm tree is a very useful tree: it bears fruit (dates or coconut) for food and drink; it offers shade from the heat of the day and the roots are so strong that they can penetrate rock and they are never blown down in storms. And so the dancers are reminded and exhorted that those who are righteous will provide sustenance for the spiritually hungry, they will provide comfort for those in need, and they will weather lifes storms and never be shaken or moved because their roots are firm in the Lord. An instrumental version of this song is used for this DVD, but there are also sung versions and the meaning of the words are given below.

Words: The Bible, Psalm 92 v 12 Music: Neeman

Choreographer: Jonathan Gabay Translation: The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon.

STEPS YOU WILL NEED TO PRACTICE FOR THIS DANCE: Open Mayim, Three Point Turn, Coupe, Sways. There is a 4-bar intro before dances starts. Meter 4/4 DANCE FORMATION: Circle. Facing CCW. HH (V-Hold to start with) DANCE NOTATION: Part 1 1) Walk R L R L 2) Face centre Sway R L R L (arms in W-hold, swaying effect) Repeat Part 1 Part 2 1) (Arms down V-hold) Open Mayim (to the right) let go hands 2) Three point turn (to the right) - NHH 3) Coupe (right), Coupe (left) - keep arms open, not crossing the body 4) (arms up waving like palms!), Sway R L R L Repeat Part 2 NB: The swaying movement is not in the hips

For Educational Purposes only

13.

HORA HADERA
Choregorapher: Yankele Levy STEPS YOU WILL NEED TO PRACTICE FOR THIS DANCE: Cherkassia (for simplified version only); Three Point Turn (to the right AND to the left) for the original version. DANCE FORMATION: Circle. Facing CCW. HH: W-hold. There is a 4-bar intro before dance starts. Meter 4/4 DANCE NOTATION: Part 1 1) Walk R L R L, R heel out (in front), Step back with R, close L 12 3 4, 1 2 3 4 Repeat above 3 more times Part 2 1) Face centre - hands down Walk into centre of circle R L R L, 1 2 34 Walk back out of circle R L R L, 1 23 4 Repeat Part 2

R heel out (in front), R heel out 1 2 3 4 R heel out, R heel out 1 2 3 4

Part 3 1) Step R, L behind, Step R, touch L (out to side) Step L, R behind, Step L, touch R, Step R , touch L, Step L, touch R (NHH) Three Point Turn (to the right), feet together. 2) Reverse above (do Three Point Turn to the left when steps are reversed) Simplified Version for Part 3 Two Cherkassias followed by a four-point turn on the spot with LH on hip, with right hand pointing upwards and out bobbing up on each beat (Chassidic-style!). Repeat. On the DVD the original version is demonstrated first, followed by the simplified version.

For Educational Purposes only

14.

MA NAVU
(How Beautiful)
Song: Rabbi Moshe Horowitz Verse Ma navu, al he-he-rim Raglei ha-me-va-ser Ma navu, al he-he-rim Raglei ha-me-va-ser Chorus Mashmiah Yeshua Mashmiah shalom Mashmiah Yeshua Mashmiah shalom Choreographer: Raya Spivak - 1975 Translation: How lovely on the mountains Are the feet of him bringing good news How lovely on the mountains Are the feet of him bringing good news

Tidings of salvation Tidings of peace Tidings of salvation Tidings of peace

STEPS YOU WILL NEED TO PRACTICE FOR THIS DANCE: Back Right Yemenite and Back

Left Yemenite, Right Yemenite, Slip Step DANCE FORMATION: Circle. Facing Centre. HH: V-hold. There is a 4-bar music intro before dance starts. Meter: 4/4 DANCE NOTATION: Part 1 - Verse: 1) R points in front, R pointsto right side 2) Back Right Yemenite 3) Rock back (on L) Rock forward (on R) Rock back (on L), then bring R to join L on tip-toes, then place heels down. 4) (Reverse of aboves) L points in front, L points to left side 5) Back Left Yemenite 6) Rock back (on R) Rock forward (on L) Rock back (on R), then bring L to join R on tip-toes, then place heels down. Part 2 - Chorus: 1) Right Yemenite 2) Pivot on R and face to the right (CCW) 3) Left Slip Step Do Part 2 four times.

For Educational Purposes only

15.

KLEZMER
Background info: Klezmer is the traditional instrumental music of the East European Jews. However, the word 'klezmer' comes from two Hebrew words: 'kley' meaning 'vessel' (or 'tool') and 'zemer' meaning 'song' and originally in the 16th century, the word was used to describe the professional itinerant Jewish musicians (plural - 'Klezorim') who would work a territory around the town or city where they lived - the idea being that the musician was only the 'vessel' through which the music was heard. At the heart of the Klezmer tradition is the Jewish wedding - a rite which ensures the continuity of the Jewish people for generations.

Composer: Unknown (traditional) INSTRUMENTAL - No words

Choreographer: Yoav Ashriel

STEPS YOU WILL NEED TO PRACTICE FOR THIS DANCE: Step Hops, Mayims, Coupes, Slip Steps

DANCE FORMATION: Circle. Facing Centre. HH/or Palm to Palm - There is a 4 bar music intro before dances starts. Meter 4/4 DANCE NOTATION: Part 1 - Starting with right leg: 1) Heel step*, heel step, heel step, heel step 2) Step into centre of circle R, L, Step hop (on right) Step backwards on L, R, Step hop (on left) 3) 2 Mayims (left) 4) Coupe (left) Coupe (right) Stomp (with right foot) Repeat above sequence. * Heel step: Put right heel out, put weight on right fool and bring left foot close to right foot and transfer weight onto left foot. Part 2 (Quarter turn right facing CCW) starting with right leg: 5) Walk R L R L (with hands behind hips) R Heel (out in front) and hands up R Toe (behind) and put hands back behind hips KEEP WEIGHT ON LEFT LEG 6) With hands behind hips do a Right Slip Step OUTWARDS to the right (ie step R together R)and then put left heel out and arms out with palms facing upwards 7) With hands behind hips to a Left Slip Step back into the circle (ie step L together L), and then put right heel out and arms out with palms facing upwards. Repeat above sequence (5 ), (6) and (7) , then go back to the beginning.
For Educational Purposes only

16.

TSUR MISHELO ACHALNU

(Rock From Which We Have Eaten)
Background info: This song is more liturgical than Biblical, though it contains many deep truths from Scripture. This is often sung as an after-meal blessing (the finger snaps on the 7th beat are said to represent burps!!). The song acknowledges that God has placed us on a bountiful earth, but reminds the dancer that there are other provisions of God which we also need to partake: to feed from His Word, the bible, bringing to mind Deuteronomy 8:3 Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. The song ends prophetically about the singing of a new Song of Ascent when the Temple of the Living God is in Jerusalem (see Psalm 96 and 98, and Revelation 21:21-27). Song: Traditional Ladino (Author Unknown) Choreographer: Ya'akov Levy

Verse 1 Tsur mishelo achalnu Baruchu emanai Savanu vehotanu kidbar Adonai Verse 2 Hazan et olamo ro'enu avinu Achalnu et lachmo veyeino shatinu Verse 3 Ibeneh hamikdash, ir Tsion temaleh V'sham nashire shire chadash Uvirnana naale

Translation Rock from whose store we have eatenm Bless Him, my faithful companions We have eaten our share and are filled according to the Word of God He nourishes His world, our Shepherd, our Father. We have eaten His bread and His wine have we drunk. May the Temple be built, the city of Zion replenished, And there we will sing a new song, Singing as we climb (to Jerusalem).

STEPS YOU WILL NEED TO PRACTICE FOR THIS DANCE: Sways, and if you practice some Mayim lifts, this will help with Part 2 (though they are not strictly Mayim Lifts, but are similar) DANCE FORMATION: Circle. Facing CCW. NHH (to start with). There is a 4-bar music intro before dance starts. Meter 4/4

DANCE NOTATION: Part 1 1) Walk for four RLRL 2) Touch R to L, then sway RL and touch R next to L Do above four times Part 2 1) Face centre and HH (V-hold), with R step to the right 2) L crosses behind R (at same time bend left knee, raise right leg and raise hands to shoulder level) 3) Step R in place (and bring hands down to side). Bring L to close L to R. 4) R crosses behind L (at same time bend right knee, raise left leg and raise hands to shoulder level) 5) Step L in place (and bring hands down to side). Bring R to close R to L. 6) Snap fingers on count 7 and stand still on count 8.

Part 2 can be tricky - it's best to learn this dance counting 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8. Part 1 are quicker (crotchet) steps,
Part 2 are slower (minim) steps (ie: two counts to each step)

Step R 1 2 R behind, lift L 1 2

L behind, lift R 3 4 L in place 3 4

R in place 5 6 R close to L 5 6

L close to R 7 8 Snap and stand 7 8

For Educational Purposes only

17.

HINE MA TOV
(Behold, How Good)
Background info: The words to this tune are very beautiful and a direct quote from Psalm 133 which was a Psalm of Ascent and was sung by the men when they went up to Jerusalem three times a year for certain Festivals of the Lord. The Psalm contains a very deep spiritual truth: that where there is unity, then God can command a blessing for eternal life For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life for evermore (v3) This dance is usually done in two parts, but the original choreography contains three parts, and it is in Part Three where the dancers run into the centre of the circle and do the Yemenite steps so close to each other that one senses, in a physical way, togetherness and closeness and hopefully even unity!!!.For dance can sometimes break down barriers of anger and resentment and brings restoration and reconciliation: its difficult to feel divisive towards someone when youre dancing with them!! Song: Traditional (Psalm 133:1) Verse Hine ma tov uma naim, Shevet achim gam yachad, Hine ma tov uma naim, Shevet achim gam yachad, Chorus Hine ma tov, hine ma tov, Lai, lai, lai, lai, lai, lai, lai, lai, lai, lai Choreographer: Rivka Sturman 1950 Translation: Behold how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity. Behold how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity. Behold how good, behold how good, Lai......... Back Right Yemenite, Right

STEPS YOU WILL NEED TO PRACTICE FOR THIS DANCE: Yemenite, Left Yemenite

DANCE FORMATION: Circle. Facing CCW. Hand hold: your left hand should be touching your left shoulder with the palm facing upwards. Place your right hand on the left palm of the person in front for the start of the dance. There is a 4-bar music intro before dance starts. Meter 4/4 DANCE NOTATION: Part 1 -Verse: 1) Four slow steps to the right starting with R (then bend R leg just before sticking L heel out) 2) Eight quick steps to the Right R L, R L, R L, R L Repeat above once Part 2 -Chorus: 3) Face centre (HH), R stomps in place 4) Back Left Yemenite (ie L steps back, R steps back to join L, L steps forward). R stomps in place. 5) Right Yemenite (pause), Left Yemenite (pause). Repeat 3-5 above once more. Simplified Version: Part 1 As above Part 2 Turn to face centre HH, slow steps into centre R L R (then pause and clap), then go back L R L Stomp R. Repeat. The DVD demonstrates both the Original dance, and the Simplified Version.
For Educational Purposes only

18.

MAYIM MAYIM
(Water Water)
Background info: The words to this dance are from Isaiah 12:3 and it includes actions which are descriptive of drawing water out a well, and is one of pure joy. The verse is really a prophecy in fact the whole of Isaiah 11 and 12 is worth reading as it puts the verse into context. It speaks of that day a day in the future when the Holy One of Israel is great among the people of Zion, and it is a Song of Praise. Traditional Song (Biblical: From Isaiah 12:3) Ushavtem mayim bsason Mimayne ha-yeshua Mayim, mayim, mayim, mayim, Hoi! Mayim bsason Hei, hei, hei, hei, Mayim, mayim, mayim, mayim, Mayim bsason Choreographer: Possibly Elsie Dublin - 1937 Translation And you will draw water with joy Out of wells of salvation Water, water, water, water.....

STEPS YOU WILL NEED TO PRACTICE FOR THIS DANCE: Mayims, and Flying Mayims (if you can!) DANCE FORMATION: Circle. Facing Centre. HH . DANCE NOTATION: 1) Four mayims (or Flying Mayims) to the left 2) (Into centre - raising arms) R L R L (Back out - bringing arms down) R L R L 3) Repeat (2) 4) Walk to the LEFT four steps: R L R L 5) Face centre - 4 hops (or bounces) on R leg while left foot points in front, clap hands down 6) Change to 4 hops (or bounces) on L leg while right foot points to front, clap hands up

There is a 4-bar music intro before dance starts. Meter 4/4

NB: (5) and (6) can be tricky to learn. Start off by practicing it in sections: (a) First practice 4 slow hops (or bounces) on right leg, then 4 slow hops (or bounces) on left leg (b) Then add the points two points to one hop/bounce! (c) Then add the claps (on the hops/bounces)

For Educational Purposes only

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HALLELUYA BETZIL TZELAI SHAMA

(Praise Him with the clash of cymbals - Psalm 150)
Music: Traditional Choreographer: Avner Naim

NB: This is in three time (waltz time). The rhythm is tricky so careful counting is essential. STEPS YOU WILL NEED TO PRACTICE FOR THIS DANCE: Left Yemenite, Three Point Turn, Coupes, Slip Step, Sways. You will also need to do a some Mayim steps and an Open Mayim with L going BEHIND right see DVD for further demonstration. DANCE FORMATION: Circle . Face Centre. HH. bar introduction. Meter 6/8 NOTE: The music fades in!! and from when the music starts, there is an 8-

DANCE NOTATION - Part 1 1) Rock fwd on R, Rock back on L, R behind(L), L to side, R in front (of L): R L R L R 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 2) Left Yemenite, Open Mayim (to the right): L R L R L behind R L (in front) 1 2 3, 1 2 3, 1 2 3, 1 2 3 Repeat above once more. Part 2 1) Three Point Turn (to the right), Left Slip Step (CCW): R L R L R L 1 2 3, 1 2 3, 1 2 3, 1 2 3 2) Step back on R, Step L, Coupe (to the left), Coupe (to the right): R L R L R L (in front of R) 1 2 3, 1 2 3, 1 2 3, 1 2 3 3) Sway out of circle on R (arms swaying up & out): Sway out on R 123 L 1 23

..followed by Three Point Turn into the circle: L R 1 2 3 4) Rock forward on R (facing centre - arms up):

Fwd on R 1 2 3

5) Mayims OUT of the centre starting with L behind R: L R L R L R L 1 2 3, 1 2 3, 1 2 3, 1 2 3

For Educational Purposes only

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Holding an Israeli Dance evening and teaching tips you can do it!!!
General points An Israeli Folk Dance evening is * A form of dance that all can participate in, male and female, including children * A form of worship which:- involves the whole person - strengthens unity and the bond of fellowship * It is an orderly form of congregational dance Some suggestions It is good to have a spacious room or hall which can accommodate the numbers involved. Consider rounding off the evening with some Jewish food and cakes (see page 22) and tea/coffee. It is best to learn the dances yourself and teach them to a group, but technology is now available where it is possible to put the DVD through a PC and project it up onto a large screen if you do not have the confidence to teach the dances yourself. Teaching Tips It is surprising how easy it is to teach Israeli Folk dance: and even more surprising the positive response you get from the people you have taught!!! Once you have assimilated the steps into your memory have a go at teaching a couple of simple dances to a small group first maybe. Try first with just a few of the really easy ones (like Nigun Atik, Hora, Hora Hadera (simplified version) and Hine Ma Tov (simplified version). 1) Use verbal cue-ing to help encourage memory (ie: speak out the steps). 2) Teach the dances slowly and thoroughly and ensure correct counting. 3) Walk through the dance without music to begin with.

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JEWISH RECIPES
The following recipes form a good spread to give an Israeli flavour to any Israeli evening. You will need help from a team who would be willing to make one recipe each (depending on how many people you are expecting to attend).
COTTAGE CHEESE DIP 8oz cottage cheese half a cup sour cream salt to taste Mix all the above together (double the amounts for larger quantities). Then add any or all of the following to the desired taste and colour: parsley, green onion, chives. Serve with Matzah Crackers (available from any major supermarket called Rakusens Matzah Crackers) POTATO LATKES (Eaten at the Feast of Dedication - Hanukah) 6 medium potatoes 1 onion 2 eggs 2 tablespoon flour or matzo meal 1 tsp salt vegetable oil for frying 1. Peel and grate potatoes into a mixing bowl. Squeeze out liquid or drain in a colander for a few minutes. 2. Peel and grate onion into the potatoes. Add the eggs and mix. Then add the flour and mix. Finally add the salt and stir to make a smooth batter that will drop heavily from the spoon. 3. Heat the oil in a frying pan, using enough to cover the latkes amply. Drop the batter from a tablespoon or other large spoon into the hot oil, making pancakes about 3 inches in diameter. (Note: do not let the oil smoke, and remember to let the oil heat up again after every few latkes or after replenishin the oil. Fry until brown - turn if necessary. Lift out and drain on paper towels. Variation: Use the same batter but pour into well-greased muffin tins and bake for 45 minutes in the preheated Gas 4 (350) oven. Serve with apple sauce MERINGUES PLUS (Eaten at Purim) 2 egg whites 1/8 tsp salt 1/8 tsp cream of tartar 1 tsp vanilla 3/4 cup castor sugar 1/4 cup chopped nuts and raisins small packet chocolate chips/pieces Preheat oven 300F. Beat egg whites with salt, cream of tartar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Add sugar slowly and beat until stiff peaks form. Fold in nuts/raisins and chocolate. Grease a baking sheets and dust lightly with flour. Drop by heaping teaspossnfuls on sheet and bake for 25 minutes. 22.

FRUIT SOUP (Eaten at Shavuot and/or Tabernacles (Sukkot)) (Double the amounts for larger portions) 1 large can grapefruit pieces in syrup, juice discarded 1 large can pineapple pieces in syrup, juice discarded 2 cans apricots in syrup, juice discarded and fruit chopped 2 large cans of peach slices in syrup - including the juice juice of one lemon and 2 limes red grapes, seeded and halved 5 oranges peeled and cut fairly small some lemon rind 1 medium size jar of maraschino cherries, halved, and include the juice 1 tsp of real almond ESSENCE (not almond flavour) Mix everything together. Fresh fruit may be used if preferred. The almond essence gives this recipe a particularly Eastern flavour and feel to it. (This is a popular dish at the Jewish Feast of Shavuot - that is the Feast of Weeks or Pentecost. Fresh fruit are very much associated with Shavuot, and the very first ripe fruits of each special were called bikkurim in ancient Israel. However, it is also a popular dish at the Feast of Tabernacles) MANDEL BREAD (Eaten at the Feast of Dedication - Hanukah) 3 eggs pinch salt 1 cup sugar 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1 tsp vanilla 1 tsp almond flavouring 2.5 cups flour 3 tsps baking powder 1 cup slivered almonds (blanched) Glace cherries - chopped (optional) Preheat oven 350F. Beat eggs until very light. Add the salt and sugar and continue to beat. Add the oil gradually, beating well after each addition. Then add the vanilla and the almond flavouring. Mix well. In a large mixing bowl, sift the flour with the baking powder; add the almonds (and cherries if using) and mix. Pour about a quarter of the dry ingredient mixture into the egg mixture and combine until well blended. Repeat until the dry ingredients are mixed in thoroughly. Grease and lightly flour cookie sheets or shallow baking pans and set aside. Turn the dough out and form long loaves about 3 inches wide and 1 inch thick. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Remove and cut at an angle while still hot. Place on the baking sheet again and return to the oven to brown, for about 10 minutes. TORTA DI DATTERI (Date Cake) (This is a Jewish recipe from the Italian port of Livorno which has an ancient connection with Tunis) 250g dates, pitted and finely chopped 200g sugar 200g blanched almonds, finely chopped 4 eggs, lightly beaten oil and flour for the cake tin 1. Thoroughly mix all the ingredients 2. Line a 9 inch cake tin with greaseproof paper, rubbed with oil and dusted with flour 3. Pour in cake mixture and bake in pre-heated over 350F/ 180C/ Gas 4 for about 45 minutes. 23.

LEKACH This is a favourite at Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year - usually around September) when sweet foods particularly honey - are eaten in the hope of the sweet New Year. SERVES . 8 Can be made 2 days in advance. 6oz/11/2 cups of plain flour 3oz/1/3 cup caster sugar 1 /2 tsp ground ginger 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1tsp all spice 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 8oz/1 cup clear honey 4 tbsp olive oil grated rind of 1 orange 2 eggs 5 tbsp orange juice 2 tsp chopped fresh root ginger (or to taste) 1. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4. Line a rectangular baking tin (10 x 8 x 2in) with greaseproof paper. 2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, ginger, cinnamon, mixed spice and bicarbonate of soda. Make a well in the centre of the flour mixture and pour in the clear honey, olive oil, orange rind and eggs. Using a wooden spoon or electric whisk, beat until smooth, then add the orange juice. Stir in chopped ginger. 3. Pour the cake mixture into the prepared tin, then bake for about 50 minutes, or until firm to the touch. 4. Leave the cake to cool in the tin, then turn out and wrap tightly in foil. Store at room temperature for 2-3 days before serving to allow the flavours of the cake to mature. TIP This honey cake keeps very well. It can be made in two loaf tins so that one cake can be eaten, while the other is wrapped in cling film and stored or frozen for a later date.

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These materials are for educational purposes only

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.