I'm a total poser to try and talk about this, because I've never even been to a Carlebach service myself… but I've heard so much about him over the last few years that I thought I might point you in the right direction. That way you can check it all out, and then come back and school me if I still haven't gotten off my ass and gone to a service myself.
By all accounts, this is a singular, deeply spiritual, inspiring way to pray. And distinctly Jewish. And super musical. And kinda wacky. But the combination of music and faith and joy and different kinds of people seems to work. Because a lot of people I know describe a Carlebach service in a kind of cultish way.
"Dude! It's like nothing else. It's like… crazy!"
This story does a good job of introducing the man, who is described as having been a hippie, a Hasid, a musician, and a kind of charismatic leader. So I guess you can expect a cross between a Dead show and an Orthodox shul.
In any case… I'm game for an adventure!
Excellent weblog right here! after reading, i decide to buy a sleeping bag ASAP