This week we celebrate Shabbat Shirah, as we read Parshat Beshalah and the triumphant Song of the Sea. Before we get to the musical scavenger hunt, check out these three musical reflections on the miracle: Neo-Hasidic rock band goes reggae Is it really 10 years since we lost Debbie Friedman? The Prince of Egypt’s Signature Song Continue Reading »
This is a week of hope, and we pray that our country is blessed with healing. This hope can be expressed in all languages and formats. For example: Got Bentsch Amerike Amanda Gorman’s exquisite Inauguration poem Here are some musical selections relevant for this week’s reading, Parshat Bo. Why did I choose them? Join Continue Reading »
Welcome to the month of Shevat! I know that it’s hard to imagine the ground thawing out and nature revitalized, but the arrival of this month, and Tu Bishvat, reminds us that spring is on the way. In our weekly Torah reading cycle, the Egyptians certainly can’t sense spring, as they are pummeled with one plague after Continue Reading »
After another week of emotionally draining news in our country, I confess that I’m not much in the mood to share music, even in the service of teaching the weekly Torah portion, Shemot. I will reflect on the events of the week in my remarks on Shabbat morning. Until then, I welcome you to contemplate what Continue Reading »
We begin 2021 with an instant Shabbat, and a Torah portion that means “He lived.” So may it be true for us all! Here’s a treat to send us into the New Year–USY and Koolulam made this little video. As you know. we have moved temporarily to the triennial Torah reading on Shabbat Continue Reading »
As you know. we have moved temporarily to the triennial Torah reading on Shabbat mornings, for the purposes of keeping the people who come indoors to make a minyan a little more safe. This week, we’ll be reading from Genesis 45:28-46:27. We look forward to returning to our normal full parshah soon! As Israel heads Continue Reading »
As you know. we have moved temporarily to the triennial Torah reading on Shabbat mornings, for the purposes of keeping the people who come indoors to make a minyan a little more safe. This week, while we’ll again read the middle third of the portion, we have a special treat. Janet Hiller-Jacobowitz prepared the first Continue Reading »
I can’t recall the last time Hanukkah began on a Thursday evening, which is what has to happen in order for the holiday to coincide with Parshat Vayeshev, a Torah portion earlier than usual, but here we are! We had the treat of Cantor Zim’s Hanukkah singalong Wednesday evening, so I’m only going to add one Continue Reading »
I hope you had a good week post-Thanksgiving. Now, the lights of Hanukkah burn brightly on the horizon! Last week, I shared the video clip of the COVID-era moral boost by Israeli musicians and artists called Katan Aleinu (We Got This). My friend Jessica Steinberg, who writes about culture for Times of Israel, wrote this article with translated lyrics Continue Reading »
I hope that this week was a safe and healthy one for you. I know that the uptick in positive COVID cases has us anxious. As we enter the Shabbat before Thanksgiving, I encourage us to remain resolute and wise in our decision-making about gatherings. Let’s keep taking care of each other through restraint. Continue Reading »
