As I sit at my desk writing this article, I am reflecting on the beautiful High Holidays and Yamim Tovim we just shared together at HHJC, filled with such warmth and enthusiasm. It was a very special experience for me to walk with the Torah and to see so many smiling faces as you kissed our sacred scrolls, and sometimes kissed me too. I could truly feel your emotion and your spirituality. Let us all be healthy and stay well so that we can again be able to share the holidays together next year.
I am very excited about the array of events and programs I am in the process of planning that will take place over the next 6 months, in celebration of my 50th ANNIVERSARY at HHJC. I am only worried that I will constantly be choked up (to my dear Yiddish Class members…let’s say “farklempt”) during this special celebratory time. Our TRIBUTE TO ISRAEL GALA CONCERT will kick off my Jubilee year. REMEMBER…SAVE THE DATE…SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2014 at 7:00 PM at THE LEFRAK CONCERT HALL at QUEENS COLLEGE. It’s right around the corner…If you haven’t reserved your tickets yet; call the Synagogue office now to reserve.
I am also planning a very unusual and special REUNION of ALL MY CHOIR MEMBERS from all the years past. This is sure to be a blast. I am in the midst of gathering the contact information for all the children who have been part of my choir since I began as Cantor at HHJC. How fantastic it will be to have everyone come together, from near and far, some are still kids and many will be adults and possibly raising families of their own now. It will be a time filled with GREAT NOSTALGIA and SHARING MEMORIES. ** If any of your children and/or grandchildren ever sang in my choir, or if you know anyone who ever sang in my choir, please call me or leave word with the Synagogue office and let me know how I can reach them. It will be a time not only of MUSIC & SONG but of LAUGHTER, FOOD and FUN! Date will be announced once it is finalized.
I am also trying to schedule a NIGHT OF ROASTING. Yes…yours truly will be roasted by my colleagues and friends. Do you think the “roasters” will have enough material? I agreed to this with hesitation but I know you will all get a kick out of it.
I am also planning a SPECIAL MUSICAL SHABBAT WEEKEND where many of my dear colleagues (Cantors from across the U.S.) will join me on the pulpit on Shabbat and on stage on Sunday Night for a Gala Concert of eclectic and beautiful music…Broadway, Israeli, Opera, etc…and maybe a little Cantorial. We will be uplifted and mesmerized by the gorgeous voices of these Master Cantors. Date to be announced soon.
Our special year of celebration will come to a crescendo at our HHJC SIMCHA TWILIGHT DINNER DANCE which will take place on SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2014 (a TWILIGHT 50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION). SAVE THE DATE! I would love to see all of you there. Don’t forget the date. Mark it in your calendars. We will enjoy lots of DANCING…MUSIC…GOOD FOOD…A FEW “LECHAYIMS” and maybe some TEARS OF JOY.
I truly look forward to sharing these special moments and celebrations with each and every one of you, my dear HHJC family.
See you in Shul…AND REMEMBER…NOVEMBER 23, 2014, our “TRIBUTE TO ISRAEL CONCERT” at The LEFRAK CONCERT HALL at QUEENS COLLEGE…WITH A FULL SYMPHONY.
Cantorially always,
Cantor Sol Zim
