Cantor Richard Cohn (introduction by Rabbi Jonathan Slater)
Performing any
mitzvah
can be a mindfulness practice if we bring our full attention to it. When we do so, we become fully engaged, body, heart, mind and soul. To help bring this about, our tradition added words in preparation, to orient us and ground us to move forward with intention. Such
kavvanot
(“intentions”) often begin with the words “Here I am, present, prepared and ready to perform X
mitzvah
”. Reciting such a
kavvanah
can help us to perform any deed with
zerizut
, attention and dedication. Cantor Richard Cohn composed this chant to more deeply bring body, heart, mind and soul together in preparation for action.