The NSP Schlichei Tzibur*(Sha”tz) Training Program will cultivate a small cohort of NSP members to become regular prayer leaders at NSP. The first cohort met in the Spring of 2025 focusing on Friday night services. This second class will focus on Shabbat morning services. Upon completion of the training program, participants will feel capable and committed to leading communal prayer experiences in line with NSP’s communal melodies and matbeah tefilah (structure of prayer). The course will enable participants to learn, train, and practice with the siddur, nusach (musical chants), songs, melodies, and core skills of prayer leadership. The program will be structured around group study, 1:1 mentorship, and supportive experiences leading public prayer.
The NSP class is modeled on a much longer and more comprehensive program at Kol Tzedek in Philadelphia developed and led by Rabbi Mónica Gomery. We are incredibly grateful to Rabbi Mónica and Kol Tzedek for generously sharing course language and materials with us for the program.
One of NSP’s core values is Ner Hashem Nishmat Adam/נֵ֣ר ה’ נִשְׁמַ֣ת אָדָ֑ם (Proverbs 20:27), that inside of each of us is a sacred spark. We are all capable of spiritual leadership, everyone holy. The members of our community build and lead our community together. One path of spiritual leadership for our members is to lead the community in prayer.
Location and Timing
The Cohort will meet in person weekly on Wednesday evenings in or near Petworth from 7:00 – 9:00 PM in or near Petworth for 8 sessions.
Session dates:
1. November 11
2. November 18
(no class Nov 25 — Thanksgiving)
3. December 2
4. December 9
5. December 16
(no class Dec 23 & 30 — winter break)
6. January 6
7. January 13
8. January 20
Qualifications for Sha”tz Program.
Leading the community in prayer is a very important role, which carries a great deal of responsibility. One entrusted to lead the congregation serves as an emissary (the literal meaning of shaliach) both representing and leading us in the vulnerable and sacred act of prayer. For this reason, it is important that the person leading prayer relates to others with respect, can publicly represent our community, and is able to speak to the needs of our community and seek to hold the entirety of our congregation. Additionally, applicants should have basic familiarity with Shabbat morning services, the ability to read Hebrew, and can sing on key.