I have been getting so many phone calls from those who attended our recent Shabbat Across America event. It was a very special, beautiful, informative & spiritual Friday Night that was very well attended. It was a musical evening as we paid tribute to the many Jewish composers of Broadway. We began with Mincha & Ma’ariv, which was followed by our Rabbi Wise presenting us with a wonderful introduction to Shabbat Across America and explaining how so many congregations throughout the country were having their own programs. Rabbi Wise then led everyone in the Blessing of the Children (Ye’varech’echa). It was a magical moment of bonding for parents and children. We enjoyed a delicious Shabbat Dinner, beautifully prepared by Prestige Caterers. I then introduced our theme of the night, Jewish Composers who developed and impacted the sounds of Broadway, forever, with their breathtaking music and unique styles. I shared with everyone how each of the composers instinctively related their Jewish backgrounds to the writings of their music & lyrics. We discussed how their connection to their Jewish roots & culture influenced their musical style and influenced Broadway, to this day! It is remarkable how so many of the great composers of yesteryear as well as current times, were and are Jewish. For such a tiny minority of the world’s population to have such a great and impactful influence over one of the grandest landmarks of our nation (Broadway), which attracts visitors from all over the world, is extraordinary. Thank you so very much to NinaGordon, Ellana Sanders & Kara Keppel for your magnificent renditions of some of the well-known tunes. You are real pros. Thank you to Nina for also sharing with us some of the sounds of the Yiddish Theater (in addition to Broadway), which to this day is a component of the NY world of entertainment and theatre. You all took my breath away! I was so pleased when we joined together and sang “The Sabbath Prayer”. It was a very moving experience to see everyone linked together, arm and arm, swaying to the rhythm of this poignant and touching prayer. I want to thank Marilyn & Steve Teleky, Naomi Horowitz, Jaye Solomowitz & Melanie Katz for all your help in working with me to make this beautiful Friday night event happen! I also want to thank our President, Paul Reich for his support, insight & teamwork. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Lou Ann Boscarino & Nancy Morse who are always there to fine tune everything! I also want to thank Tony and Richie for all their help!
On the subject of music… I want to share with you the wonderful experience I had in attending a recent concert which took place at one of our neighboring shuls, Temple Gates of Prayer in Flushing. I was invited by my friend and colleague, Cantor Moshe Bear. They highlighted the IDF Musical Ensemble and it was fantabulous! I was so pleased and full of joy to see that a nearby Synagogue is also offering their congregants and community Jewish Musical Culture on such a level. Yasher Koach.
REMEMBER…SAVE THE DATE!
Our HHJC SIMCHA 2014 Dinner Dance will take place on Saturday night…MAY 17, 2014 at 9:15 PM, Motzaei Shabbat. There will be dancing, great food & comradery and it will be a night you will long remember! Reserve your seats!!
June and I wish you all a Zeesen Pesach!
See you in Shul.
Cantorially always,
Cantor Sol Zim
