Dancing for Joy: A Biblical Approach to Praise and Worship [Paperback]

Murray Silberling (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1995

Worship occurs in many ways. Some people worship God through good works. Others worship the Lord through prayer. Many worship the Almighty through singing songs of praise. But more and more people are worshipping God through dance.

In "Dancing for Joy," Murray Silberling, one of the world's foremost experts on worship dance, uncovers fascinating facts about this biblical form of worship.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

This "dancing rabbi," as he is affectionately known in Messianic Jewish circles, brings years of experience in worship dance and teaching worship dance to this book. He offers encouragement to the "klutz"--the clumsy person--who doesn't think dancing is for him. He also confronts the fallacy that dancing is only for women. He demonstrates how dance has been used through the ages as a way to worship God.

As a theologian, he handles well the theology of dance; as a pastor, he deals with its ministry value; as a dancer, himself, he shares exactly how to begin.

"Dancing for Joy" also includes information on how to obtain materials to help develop a dance ministry in any congregation.

From the Author

Whenever people catch [the] vision and begin dancing, I know that great and powerful changes will soon be occurring in their lives. Just as Moses wished that all God's people would prophesy (Numbers 11:29), so I wish that all God's people could dance before him....

I believe that one day the entire body of Messiah will be dancing before his throne. Dance is the most powerful expression of intimacy between God and his children. My desire is that you begin to dance before the Lord, today!

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Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Lederer Messianic Publ (June 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1880226626
• ISBN-13: 978-1880226629
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #412,172 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #98 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Other Practices > Messianic Judaism

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful & joyful introduction to messianic dance worship, March 6, 2005

By 

Albert Cerussi (Lake Forest, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dancing for Joy: A Biblical Approach to Praise and Worship (Paperback)

If you have ever been curious about the use of dance in Biblical worship, then this is the book for you. "Dancing for Joy" is a delightful survey of Biblical and historical examples of dance worship. This is not an exhaustive treatment, but enough to demonstrate the principles. The author also includes a number of helpful tools, such as a dance step glossary, and few examples of dances.

The book is a pretty light read, and has a respectful and joyful style. There aren't a lot of references and notes, but when you stop to think about it when was the last time you saw lots of stuffy on this topic? Hopefully this book will encourage more of that.

Dance worship is a pretty distinctive and integral part of Messianic Jewish Congregations; this is the perspective from which the book was written. For those who want to get an idea about Messianic dance, and perhaps integrate it inot your congregation, this is a great book. If you have doubts that dance and worship (Godly) can coexist, this is also an excellent starting point.

In summary this is a delightful book that gives a helpful picture of what congregational dance can be. May you use dance in your worship of the Lord!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent for Beginners and Advanced Alike, May 24, 2007

By 

Joshua Brumbach (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Dancing for Joy: A Biblical Approach to Praise and Worship (Paperback)

Rabbi Murray Silberling's book, "Dancing for Joy" is an excellent tool for anyone interested in the topics of worship and dance. As a theologian, and considered one of the foremost experts on worship dance; Rabbi Silberling provides historical and theological context of dance. And as a dancer himself, he also helps to provide helpful advice and tools for those who desire to begin dancing, or those who have a desire to start a dance ministry within their own congregations. I highly recommend this book!

5.0 out of 5 stars Worship Dance : History of and Visualize it Internal and External, February 14, 2010

By 

Thomas ABC (Sojourning, Heaven is Home) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Dancing for Joy: A Biblical Approach to Praise and Worship (Paperback)

Excellent read, quick read. Gives an insightful and quotable history of dance in Judaism and Christianity. Then develops the visualization of dance as a normal expression of worship in the service and dance as an outreach ministry.

Highly recommend.