The Jewish month of Elul beckons us to bring our lives, communities, and world into greater alignment with our ideal visions for the year to come. In the midst of this transformative work and the ongoing devastation of these times, let's rest together for a moment between song and silence. Rena will teach their original music along with traditional Hasidic nigunim (wordless spiritual melodies) from their lineage. Rena's songs weave together ancient liturgy with original English poetry and prayers for healing. We'll sing as a collective ancestral practice of resilience and nourishment—not necessarily to "sound good"!

While the space will center Jewish tradition, no prior knowledge is required, and any Hebrew lyrics will have English transliteration and translation. All are welcome! Rena has set a suggested cost of $18 for for this event, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Rena Branson (they/she) is a Jewish composer, ritual leader, and educator who uplifts personal and collective healing through song. They write melodies for prayer and action that accompany people through vulnerable moments. Rena founded A Queer Nigun Project, which organizes singing events for queer and trans folks as well as incarcerated Jews. Rena is an alum of Hadar's Rising Song Institute Residency and served as a Cantorial Soloist for three years at Congregation Leyv Ha-Ir on Lenni Lenape land in Philadelphia. Her original album, Love is the Ground, is out on all streaming platforms. Learn more and connect at renabranson.com.