Ma Hadash Blog from CSH

Dear Shir Hadash,

“Music plays a central role in making temple a place of sacred encounter. We acknowledge that music is vital to our Jewish worship experience, our commitment to lifelong Jewish learning and our Jewish cultural values.” This excerpt from the URJ’s music vision statement is a reflection of how we experience music at Shir Hadash.

I want to thank the almost 200 people that came to our volunteer choir concert this past Sunday as we sang music about Israel. The response from those who attended was overwhelmingly positive. The music moved many to tears and the audience enjoyed both listening and singing along. Music has the power to be transformative and that is what happened in our sanctuary on Sunday afternoon.

I would especially like to thank our dedicated choir members: Mark Allen, Dale Bergman, Robert Bergman, Trista Bernstein, Pia Chamberlain, Susan Cohen, Abram Friesen, Carolyn Kerlin, Ivana Kurian, Stephanie Lazslo, Shell Rubenstein and Ruth Saldivar. We were accompanied by Ian Solomon.

I would also like to thank Gail Long for sponsoring our oneg after the concert. Her unwavering support means a lot to everyone!

These choir concerts elevate our souls and bind us together as a community. Additionally, over the last two years, we have seen an increase in our congregational singing at Shabbat. We are beginning to establish a singing circle to continue to add more voices into our services. We would love to add your voice to ours!

Music is an integral part of Shir Hadash that can be experienced in many different ways. May we continue to be lifted through the gift of song within our community of Shir Hadash!

Shalom,
Cantor Devorah Felder-Levy