Davening

/ˈdɑːvənɪŋ/ noun

Definition

The act of reciting prayers in Jewish religious practice; the prayer service or liturgical recitation itself.

Etymology

From 'daven' + present participle '-ing.' The gerund form transforms the verb into an abstract noun representing the spiritual practice.

Kelly Says

In Jewish communities, 'davening' isn't just prayer—it's a physical, communal, rhythmic practice with specific body movements and melodies. The word captures an entire embodied spirituality that English's 'praying' doesn't quite reach.

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