Prayer Circles - Omer Gonen-Haela

Pryer Circle

The ‘Prayer circle’ is a ritual of music and words. It is a space inviting emotional openness, freedom of expression, and a sense of community. Through mutual intention and communal singing, we create a temple of the heart, learning a new way to pray, free of old restricting concepts. A Prayer of sadness and joy, of brokenness and wholeness, embracing all that we are in these challenging and powerful times we are living.

The ‘Prayer Circle’ is not a religious ceremony. It was born out of a deep wish in Omer’s heart to create a space of prayer for all people, uniting in respect and love and the willingness to learn and acknowledge the wisdom that is found in every living being. Omer carries the beauty and wisdom of the Jewish ancient texts, composing them into beautiful heartfelt songs, and teaching the mysteries they carry, while singing many prayer songs from different traditions he experienced and learned such as the medicinal rituals of Brazil, the red road of the North American tribes and the Afro-Brazilian umbanda.

The ‘Prayer Circle’ is like a wave. It starts with a meditative, quiet, and deep connection through the breath and the voice, it grows slowly and steadily as the music carries us all in prayer and it peaks in ecstatic dance and song releasing the baggage we carry and nourishing our souls.

Notes to Organizers (festival or private organizers)

The ‘Prayer Circle’ Is held as a ceremony sitting in a circle around an Altar. Omer and the musicians sit in the center around the altar and all the participants sit in circles around them. It is also possible that Omer and the musicians will sit on one side of the altar and the audience forms half circles in front of them.

The prayer circle can be held by Omer alone or with extra musicians. Omer has much experience in working with musicians he never met before so he is open to collaborating with professional musicians from your area.