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Shira with Shira - 2020

December 31 - Winter Concert: An Evening of Light and Celebration 

This week we’d like to share our Winter Concert: An Evening of Light and Celebration, and the honoring of our Shofar Award recipients, in order to say Thank YOU for your support and participation in keeping Temple Israel strong, and for your support throughout this unprecedented year!  Please share this concert with your friends and loved ones.  May the light and music of our TI Celebration illuminate your hearts as we bring in 2021!  Wishing you and yours a Healthy and Happy New Year! 
To watch the concert recording (which begins at the 20 minute mark), click here.

 

December 17 - I am Light by India Arie

“The lights of the Hanukkah menorah that we kindle in our homes are a reminder
both of the Menorah in the Temple in Jerusalem and the light that shines brightly within each one of us. For as it says in Proverbs 20:27: The candle of G-d is the
soul of man.”

—Libi Astaire

Click here to listen to “I am light” by India Arie.
 

Happy Hanukkah! Hag Urim Sameach!

 

December 10 - Heavenly Light by Beth Styles

Happy Hanukkah Temple Israel family!  As you light your the first candle of your Hanukkiah tonight, may you be filled with light and joy! Spread the light with us each night at Minyan as we light candles together.  Click here to listen to "Heavenly Light" by Beth Styles.

 

December 3 - Light up the Night by Jacob Spike Krauss

We are spreading the light of Hanukkah with “Light up the Night” by the amazing Jacob Spike Krauss.  You can also hear this "put a smile on your face" Hanukkah song at our Winter Concert, The Best Is Yet to Come: An Evening of Light and Celebration this Sunday at 5 p.m.!!  Get your tickets today and join us!! To listen, click here.

 

November 19 -  Grateful by Beth Styles

This is a song for Thanksgiving!   It’s called “Grateful” by Beth Styles. To listen, please click here. Happy Thanksgiving! See you all on Shabbat, and don't forget to join us for Temple Israel's December 6 Winter Concert, The Best is Yet to Come: An Evening of Light and Celebration!!

 

November 12 - Birkat Hahodesh  by Meir Finkelstein

This Shabbat we bless the new month of Kislev. Kislev is the darkest month of the year, but it is also the month in which we light the menorah in celebration of Hanukkah. May this upcoming month bring us goodness and blessing, a life that is peaceful, good, blessed, with physical vitality, sustenance and honor, a life in which the worthy desires of our hearts are fulfilled. Amen.  Click here to listen to the blessing of the new month, Birkat Hachodesh by Meir Finkelstein.

 

November 5 - Ozi Vzimrat Ya/ Heal us now

“My Strength (balanced) with the Song of God will be my salvation.  We pray for the healing of our people.  We pray for the healing of our land. For peace for every race and nation, every child, every woman, every man.” To listen, click here.

 

October 29 - L’chi Lach by Debbie Friedman

What’s your Lech L’cha moment?  In Parashat Lech Lecha, God tells Abraham to go forth and be a blessing. Going forth into the unknown can be frightening. We all have a defining moment when we are called to go forth toward our destiny.  This is a life changing moment.  What was yours?  Is it now?  Be brave!  Go forth!  Be a blessing!
To listen to L’cha Lach, click here.

 

October 22 - Somewhere Over The Rainbow by Harold Arlen

In Parshat Noah, God Says to Noah and his family “When I bring clouds over the earth, and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember My covenant between Me and you, and every living creature on earth, so that the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy the world.  That,” God said to Noah, “shall be the sign of the covenant that I have established between Me and all living creatures of every kind on earth.” The Rainbow is a sign of the covenant and a sign of hope.  When clouds are gray, when it’s raining, the sun can peer through and a rainbow appears. 

To listen to this week's featured song, please click here.

 

October 15 - Oseh Shalom by Michael Ochs

This week in Parshat Bereshit God creates the world.   God said “let there be light”.  We learn here that words can create worlds and words can destroy worlds.   Let’s co-create a world filled with peace by singing together this uplifting setting of Oseh Shalom by Michael Ochs!

Shabbat Shalom! To listen, click here.

 

October 8 - Ani V’ata by Arik Einstein

“You and I will change the world....and then all will join us”.  An immortal Israeli song with the perfect message to start the New Year!l This recording is from Song Leader Bootcamp, Recorded Live in February 2020. To listen, click here.

 

September 24 - Sh’ma Koleinu by Max Helfman  

T’fillah, prayer, is one of the ways through which we redeem ourselves.  T’shuva, repentance, and Tzedakah, loving kindness are the other two. T’fillah connects us to God and closes the gap between who we are and who we aspire to be; our deepest need as we pray through the Days of Awe is to be heard. 

שְׁמַע קולֵנוּ, ה' אֱלהֵינוּ, חוּס וְרַחֵם עָלֵינו, וְקַבֵּל בְּרַחֲמִים וּבְרָצון אֶת תְּפִלָּתֵנוּ, כִּי אֵל שׁומֵעַ תְּפִלּות וְתַחֲנוּנִים אָתָּה, וּמִלְּפָנֶיךָ מַלְכֵּנוּ. רֵיקָם אַל תְּשִׁיבֵנוּ. חָנֵּנוּ וַעֲנֵנוּ וּשְׁמַע תְּפִלָּתֵנוּ, כִּי אַתָּה שׁומֵעַ תְּפִלַּת כָּל פֶּה. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה'. שׁומֵעַ תפילה.

Listen to our voice, Lord our God. Spare us and have compassion on us, and in compassion and favor accept our prayer, for You, God, listen to prayers and pleas. Do not turn us away, O our King, empty-handed from Your presence, for You listen with compassion to the prayer of Your people Israel. Blessed are You, Lord, who listens to prayer.

This is our Yom Kippur rehearsal of the classic setting by Max Helfman, with our wonderful pianist Adam Ward, which draws us into the feelings this text stirs within us. To listen, click here.

 

September 17 - Shehecheyanu by Cantor Magda Fishman and Beth Styles

Tomorrow is Rosh Hashanah and we are so looking forward to bringing in the year 5781 with you. Rosh Hashanah is a new beginning, a fresh start. May it be your will God that we are inscribed for a sweet, healthy, and happy year. This Shehecheyanu by Cantor Magda Fishman and Beth Styles will help us bless this beautiful moment together on Erev Rosh Hashanah!  Click here to listen.

Here we are anew my friend

Ready to begin again

So let the blessing roll right in

Cause I love this life with you

And every day we’ll chase the light

Spreading love with all our might

May this be the year we get it right

May it be your will oh God

Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech haolam, shehecheyanu, v’kiy’mamu, v’higiyanu lazman hazeh.

 

September 10 - We Return by Noah Aronson and Alana Arian

We return again and again to love, to truth, to you. We prepare ourselves spiritually
for Rosh Hashanah, the New Year, by doing Teshuva which literally means returning.
This is a reminder that we can course correct and return year after year or even moment after moment to love, to truth, to God. This is a new setting by Noah
Aronson and Alana Arian that deeply inspires me to do the inner work of returning, Teshuva. Join us for Selichot services this Saturday night at 8:30pm. To listen,
please click here.

 

September 3 - V’al Kulam by Michael Hunter Ochs (from the brand new High Holiday’s Anthology)

I hope this setting of V’al Kulam will inspire you, as it has me, to reflect on the past year while you prepare for the New Year! To listen, click here.

 

August 27 - L'Shanah Tova

Click here to see my video message about a special project we're doing this year.

To submit your greetings right now, click here to be taken to the submission page.

 

August 20 - Achat Shaalti by Chava Mirel

Today marks the new month of Elul. The letters of Elul form an acronym for the words in the verse Ani le-dodi ve-dodi li - “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine” (Song of Songs 6:3).  Believing that the ‘beloved” refers to God, the sages take this verse to describe the particularly loving and close relationship between God and Israel. Thus, Elul is our time to establish this closeness so that we can prepare ourselves and our relationship with God as we approach the Yamim Noraim, or Days of Awe.

During this month we recited Psalm 27 that includes the words Achat Shaalti

Achat Shaalti Me’et Adonai ota Avakesh:

Shivti Beveit Adonai, kol y’mai chayai,

Lachazot b’noam Adonai, u’lvaker b’heichalo

One thing, one thing, I ask you Adonai is to be with me all of my life.

One thing I ask from the Lord, one thing I desire

That I might dwell in Your house all the days of my life

To behold the graciousness of the Lord, and to enter God’s sanctuary


Please enjoy and learn this beautiful new setting of these ancient words by the amazing Chava Mirel, by clicking here.

 

August 6 - Mizmor Shir with melody by Deborah Sacks Mintz

This Shabbat we have the tremendous privilege of welcoming home our new Senior Rabbi Michael Wolk, his wife Heidi, and their kids Klara Rose and Julia. Rabbi Wolk has a deep connection to Jewish Music and introduced me to a soul stirring, gorgeous new melody written by Deborah Sacks Mintz. We’ll lift each other up as we sing this melody together for Welcome Home Shabbat in their honor. Join us at 6:15 p.m. on Zoom or Livestream this Friday Night. To listen, click here.

 

July 23 - Eli Tziyon melody for L’Cha Dodi

This week’s featured song is L’cha Dodi to the tune of Eli Tziyon.  אֱלִי צִיּוֹן וְעָרֶיהָ;
"Wail, Zion and its cities".  These are the initial words of an acrostic elegy for the fast day of the Ninth of Av. This dirge was written in the Middle Ages but of anonymous authorship. The dirge enumerates, in detail, the cruelties suffered by Judea and its inhabitants during the destruction of the Second Temple. The melody has become, for all Ashkenazi communities, a symbol of the yearly commemoration of the Destruction.

This Shabbos we will use the melody for Lecha Dodi as it's traditional to use it during the "Three Weeks" (17 Tammuz to 9 Av). It is sometimes considered one of the Mi-Sinai Niggunim, meaning it’s so old we believe it was given to us during revelation at Mount Sinai.  Please join us for Shabbat services on Friday night at 6:15 p.m. to hear this melody, and again on Wednesday night (7/29) at 9 p.m. for our Erev Tisha B’Av Service. To listen to the melody, click here.

 

July 16 - Shelter Us in Place by Eliana Light

We can not control what challenges and difficulties come to us. However, we can do our part to stay safe and protect those around us. This beautiful Hashkivenu resonates so much right now as it becomes more challenging to shelter in place. May this prayer (Thank you Eliana Light for this moving prayer) give us the strength and comfort to stay the course to protect ourselves and our communities. 

To listen, please click here.

Shelter us in place
Shelter us in peace
Shelter us in love
Hashkivenu Eloheinu
Hashkivenu L’Shalom

 

July 9 - Adonai Oz  by Oran Eldor

In these unprecedented and confusing times we pray for strength, blessing, and peace.  Psalm 29, is used in our Friday night service, when we take out the Torah, during Birkat Hamazon (Grace After meals) to help us build our dialogue, relationship, and trust with God. May God grant us strength, and May God bless us with peace. 
This week we share an uplifting setting of this text by Oran Eldor. Sing your heart out with me by clicking here.

 

July 2 - Hashkivenu by Beth Styles and Craig Taubman

In Parshat Hukat, we learn a very important lesson about the power of words, the power of prayer over physical action.  “When the Israelites complain about a lack of water, Moses strikes a rock, instead of speaking to it as God instructs; consequently, God informs Moses that he may not enter the promised land.”  We, like Moses, often mistakenly believe that the way to make things happen in the world is to force them physically. But God teaches Moses that hitting the rock will not help him get to the promised land. Using words and prayer can actually be more powerful at creating and manifesting our hearts desires rather than sheer force. What if our prayers have the power to transform our reality and manifest in our lives? Perhaps we learn here that our prayers connect us to divine creation. To listen*, please click here.

*This week’s Shira with Shira features our Temple Israel favorite Friday Evening Mashup of the prayer, "Hashkivenu" by Beth Styles and Craig Taubman. The video was produced by The Cast Studios. Guest guitarist Bobby Pittenger.

 

June 25 - Olam Chesed Yibaneh by Rabbi Menachem Creditor

One lesson we learn in Parshat Korach is that it is not enough to be holy; we are challenged to “become” holy too.  It is a future goal, not a present boast.  The work of holiness is active. Instead of saying “I can do it better,” as Korach said in his own self-interest to Moses and Aaron, true holiness is an ongoing process.  To inspire your holy work I give you Rabbi Menachem Creditor’s "Olam Chesed Yibaneh" which has become an anthem for holy work. To listen, please click here.

Olam Chesed Yibaneh 

Lai lai lai lai lai lai lai lai lai

I will build this world on love

You must build this world from love

And if we build this world from love

Then God will build this world from love

 

June 11 - El Na Refa Na La (by Shira Lissek and Oran Eldor)
                <
God, please heal her....And him, and them, and us>

In this weeks parsha, Bahalotcha, Miriam is stricken with tzara'at. Moses prays a short but effective healing prayer: אל נא רפא נא לה, el na, refa na la -- "God, please, heal her." These are the words that begin the healing prayer we offer on Friday nights at Temple Israel. We call upon God to heal and strengthen our loved one, to transform her, and him, and them and us who desperately need transformation and healing.
To listen, please click here.

 

June 4 - Elohai N’tzor by Danny Maseng

This week's Shira with Shira features the text from the end of our Amida. Elohai N'tzor, by Danny Maseng, which I recorded in 2015 on my album P’Tach Libi, Open my heart. 

Elohai, n’tzor l’shoni meira us’fatai
midabeir mirmah, v’limkal’lai nafshi
tidom, v’nafshi ke-afar lakol tih’yeh.
P’tach libi b’Toratecha, uv’mitzvotecha
tirdof nafshi. Yih’yu l’ratzon imrei fi v’hegyon libi
l’fanecha, Adonai tzuri v’go-ali.

My God, guard my speech from evil and my lips from deception.
Before those who slander me, I will hold my tongue; I will practice humility.  May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable to You, Adonai, my Rock and my Redeemer.

To listen, click here.

 

May 28 - Shavuot

On Shavuot we celebrate the receiving of the Torah. As Rabbi Kornsgold said, revelation doesn’t happen only once at Sinai, revelation happens every time we engage with Torah. On this week's Shira with Shira there are two featured songsVeahavta and Come by Chava Mirel. Rabbi Akiva taught that the whole Torah comes down to the phrase Veahavta Lereacha Kamocha, love your neighbor as yourself. In these difficult times we are loving our neighbors by working to keep everyone well and safe. We are deeply aware of the inequality in our world and working to advocate for our most vulnerable neighbors. That is the whole Torah.   Come join us for Shavuot and Shabbat services to “bless the one who blesses” and “spread some love and kindness.” Join us as well for an interfaith vigil on a Monday, June 1 at 12 Noon, as we come together to mourn the loss of 100,000 Americans who have died from Covid-19. More than ever we realize how interconnected we all are and how important it is to love our neighbor as ourselves. Chag Shavuot Sameach.

 

May 21 - Yerushalayim Shel Zahav by Naomi Shemer 

In honor of Yom Jerushalayim, we bring you this historical collaboration by 16 international outstanding female cantors. Thank you JVocals' Motti Hasfari for your vision and for making this happen!  So honored and proud to be a part of this collaboration!! To listen, click here.

 

May 14 - Blessed Love by Chava Mirel

During this very unconventional time, many of us are looking for comfort and connection. The Jewish music artist I feel pulled towards these days is the amazing Chava Mirel who released an album of soulful moving songs that have the power to uplift and provide comfort. They certainly have been on my repeat play list during these last several months. This song “Blessed Love” reminds us that each of us can cultivate a personal relationship with God, source of love, holy, abundant, blessed love. Our tradition has always taught us that we are a Kehilah Kedosha, a community of holy ones. We are each created B’tzelem Elohim, in the image of God, meaning we arrive in the world with infinite value and holiness. There doesn’t have to be a barrier between your prayers and God. You have a direct line. It is an ongoing conversation.  “When the road is rough, I can feel your love....be the light in me”.  The road in 2020 has been rough. I invite you to find comfort in this beautiful song click here and if you like to hear more, visit https://www.chavamirel.com.

 

May 7 - More Love by Billy Jonas

Hi friends!  Did you put more love in the world today? 

Simu, simu ahavatchem ba-olam is Hebrew for Put, put your love in the world today. These days we are reminded even more how essential love is to our lives and the huge impact we can have if we intentionally spread love to our families, friends and beyond.

The song goes...

There’s a simple path that leads to true prosperity
Did you put more love in the world today?
More love on your way
To the setting sun, there is only one measure, When you can honestly say: I put more love ....

Simu, Simu ahavatchem ba-olam 

To listen, click here. Wishing to all who celebrate a very Happy Mother’s Day this Sunday! Remember to thank your mothers and those who brought love into your world.

 

April 30 - Hine Ma Tov by Abbie Strauss

Our featured song this week is Hine Ma Tov by Abbie Strauss (click here to listen). It’s been soothing to me that in this time of physical distancing, I can be with you all via Zoom, Livestream, and even over Shira with Shira. Sing super loud so that I may hear you at home!  We are all connected spiritually beyond the gorgeous walls of TI. Hope to connect with you Friday night for services at 6:15 p.m.!  Shabbat Shalom.

 

April 23 - I Rise by Eliana Light

This week’s featured song on Shira with Shira is I Rise by Eliana Light. I am fascinated by how these words and meditative setting so magically invite us to rise and help us transition from the secular to the holy in a matter of seconds. The beautiful text and mantra-like music prepare us to be with God so that we are ready to be in conversation with God by the time we begin our Amida (standing prayer) or Barchu (call to prayer) both of which require us to stand. This is also a beautiful song in honor of Earth day that was this week. To listen, Click here.

I rise, in the presence of the infinite
I rise, one with all the earth 
I rise, breathing in blessings 
I rise, one with all the earth 
I rise, asking for answers 
I rise, one with all the earth 
I rise, asking for healing
I rise, one with all the earth, I rise

 

April 14 - Ani Maamin, I believe with all my heart

As we approach Yom Hashoah next week, I’d like to share the words that were scratched into a wall at Auschwitz: "I believe in the sun even when it's not shining. I believe in love even when I don't feel it. I believe in God even when He is silent." These moving words show the power of hope and faith in an individual going through the horrors of the holocaust. I believe, Ani Maamin, B’Emunah Shlema, with complete faith. Oh I, I do believe with all my heart, I believe in everlasting peace, Ani Maamin. Click here to listen.

 

April 8 - Gesher Tzar M’od

Kol Ha'Olam Kulo gesher tzar maod v'haikar lo l'fached kla  

כָּל הָעוֹלָם כֻּלוֹ גֶשֶׁר צַר מְּאֹד וְהָעִיקָר לֹא לְפַחֵד כְּלַל

The whole world is a very narrow bridge, but the important​​ thing is not to fear at all 

This is the song being shared across the Jewish world right now as we face this current pandemic and retell the story of Yitziat Mitzrayim, leaving our narrow place,
at our Seder tables. Throughout all time, Jews have believed in the possibility of freedom. When we are in our physical and spiritual narrow places if we are not afraid we can find freedom. To listen, click here.

 

April 2 - Seder Order by Rollin Simmons

For this week's Shira with Shira we have an encore performance of the jazzy version of the Passover Seder order introduced last year. Wishing you and your family a very happy Passover!

To listen/sing along, click here!

Lyrics:

Kadesh - we drink the first cup

We wash our hands - Urchatz

Karpas - we dip the vegetables

Break the matzah - Yachatz

Magid - we tell the story

Rochtzah - we wash our hands some more

Motzi Matzah - bless the Matzah

Dip the bitter herbs - Maror

Korech - a yummy sandwich that we eat

Shulchan Orech - oh, doesn’t dinner sound so sweet?

Tzafun’s the afikomen

Barech - We bless after the meal

Hallel - we offer praises

Nirtzah - we finish our whole spiel!

 

March 26 - Ma Ashiv Ladonai (Hallel-Rosh Chodesh Nissan)

Today is Rosh Chodesh Nissan. Rosh Chodesh is a time of renewal. Just as the moon is made new again, so there is a spiritual power present at that time for us to begin again and transform our lives. But Rosh Chodesh Nisan is even more special: The cycle of months begins with Rosh Chodesh Nissan. Every Rosh Chodesh contains the power of renewal, as manifest in the renewal of the moon. Rosh Chodesh Nissan, the crown of all Roshei Chadashim, contains an extra-special power of renewal. This is manifest in the renewal of the entire natural world at this time. Refreshed by the rains of winter, the plants and animals all begin a new cycle of growth. In this incredible time of COVID -19, the entire world seems to be in need of a new beginning. As we sing Hallel (click here) we cry out to God, out of our narrow places. Perhaps in this time we are reminded of all that we do have, each other, nature, the opportunity of renewal and rebirth with the new month of Nissan. Ma ashiv Ladonai, how can I repay God for all that has been done for me. 

 

March 19 Mi Shebeirakh

For this weeks Shira with Shira, I offer a healing prayer for all those in need of healing, and I believe we are all in need of healing. As the world comes to a screeching halt, we are more aware than ever of how connected we truly are across the globe. Perhaps this pandemic is a world-imposed Shabbat - to stop, heal, rest. I offer a healing prayer, El Na Refa Na La, God Please Heal Her (is, our world). To listen, click here.

*Poem at right by Kitty O'Meara

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 12 -  V’asu li Mikdash - Sanctuary song

In this week's parsha, Ki Tissa, the Israelites continue to contribute and craft the holy Mishkan where God may dwell among us or with in us.  

“V’asu li Mikdash V’shachanti B’tocham”.   Each person gave the same half-shekel to show that each  contribution is equal and equally valuable.  Chief artisans were appointed to bring their wisdom, skill, and spark of inspiration to the building of the Mishkan.  Together they continued the holy work of building sacred space.  

V’asu li Mikdash 
V’shachanti B’tocham
Vaanachnu n’varech ya
Me-atah, V’ad olam

Lord prepare me 
to be a Sanctuary 
pure and holy 
tried and true
and with Thanksgiving, 
I’ll be a living 
sanctuary for you.

To Listen, please click here.

 

March 5 - Video montage of Beth Styles

Five years ago at a Women Cantors Network conference, Beth Styles was invited to share her compositions with us. One after the other, her melodies connected all of us and touched our hearts. That evening I was fortunate to collaborate with Beth on a Maariv Service. When we concluded with her song “Grateful,” all of the Woman Cantors spontaneously formed circles around us and joined in the singing. From then on, Beth Styles became one of our favorite contemporary Jewish composers. We are so fortunate to have Beth Styles here at Temple Israel this Shabbat. Join us Friday night at 6:15 p.m. for Kabbalat Shabbat services where we will feature her soul stirring settings, including her Hashkivenu which has become a Temple Israel favorite.  She will also be featured in our Healing service on Saturday morning in the Chapel at 9 a.m., and then again Saturday evening during our Havdallah evening event with Artist-In-Residence, Mordechai Rosenstein. To watch Beth's video, please click here.

 

February 20 - Mishenichnas Adar Sing-Along

This Shabbat we bless the new month of Adar- the happiest month of the Jewish calendar. Yippee!! Here is a song for the month of Adar that you can easily learn. The words are “Mishenichnas Adar Marbim B’Simcha”  which means, “When Adar comes in, we increase our joy!” It’s a popular song to sing during Adar, of course, but also around Purim time…happy Purim!

February 13 - Let There Be Love-Hashkiveinu  by N. Aaronson and D. Singer

This Shabbat, Parshat Yitro, is a parsha named after a Midianite Priest. The reason is that in the parsha we learn about Yitro’s love and admiration for the Israelites though he himself was a Priest. When he saw how overstretched Moses was in leading the Israelites he was able to give him loving parental advice and help his son in law. This week's featured song, Let There be Love-Hashkiveinu by Noa Aronson and Dan Singer, begins with the English, "Let there be love and understanding among us let peace and friendship be our shelter from life’s storms." Love, peace, and friendship bridge the gap between people, communities, and nations. As we approach Valentine’s Day weekend, let’s let this love, peace, and friendship radiate beyond our sanctuary towards the broader world. Listen and learn this new setting of Hashkiveinu that we will sing at Friday night services - just click here!!
 

January 30 - If the World Had Cried by Kenny Karen

This week marks the 75th year since the liberation of Auschwitz. It’s very difficult to understand how the Holocaust could happen. This weeks featured song “If the World had cried”, by Kenny Karen asks the questions that many of us have asked over the years. In Parshat Bo we learn about the plague of Darkness. The commentaries teach us that the plague of Darkness may not have been just a physical darkness, but a spiritual and psychological darkness. Perhaps it was so dark that the Egyptians couldn’t see the face of their neighbor. They couldn’t see the distress or care about their neighbor. Maybe this is the same darkness we suffered during the time of the Holocaust when neighbors could no longer see each other nor look out for each other. To listen to this song, click here
 

January 23 - The Hope by Rick Recht

We are so excited that Rick Recht will be at Temple Israel this Saturday night for our Family Havdalah concert!  In his song, The Hope (click here), Rick really taps into the hope that brings us all together as a Jewish Community connected with our past, present, and future. Get familiar with this inspiring rocking song that our Youth Choir will sing with Rick.

This is the hope
The hope is still real
A Jewish home
In Israel
This our time
We stand as one
If not now when
We must be strong
Our hearts turn to the East

This is the hope that holds us together
Hatikvah, the hope that will last forever
This is the hope that holds us together
Hatikvah, the hope is still real

This is the hope
2000 years
We pray for freedom
Through pain and tears
This is our faith
This is our voice
This is our promise
This is our choice
Our hearts turn to the East

This is the hope that holds us together
Hatikvah, the hope that will last forever
This is the hope that holds us together
Hatikvah, the hope is still real

Hatikvah, the hope is real
Hatikvah, our hope, Israel

Lih’yot
am chofshi
b’artzenu, b’artzenu
eretz tzion
Virushalayim, Virushalayim

This is the hope that holds us together
Hatikvah, the hope that will last forever
This is the hope that holds us together
Hatikvah, the hope is still real

 

January 9 - Hine Ma Tov Umanayim by Rick Recht 

This week I am so inspired by my colleagues, friends, and all of the people of different faiths who showed up to march in New York City in solidarity against the recent rise in Anti-Semitism. It just goes to show that despite our differences, when there is a need, we show up and come together and that we are stronger together. We sing Hine Ma Tov Umanayim Shevet Achim Gam Yachad, how good it is to be together with our brothers and sisters. This is a composition by Rick Recht who will be with us in a few weeks for the Havdalah Family Concert on Jan. 25 and one of the songs we will sing together. We’ll also sing this song together at Shabbat Services on Friday night. To watch this week's video, click here. See you there. Shabbat Shalom!

 

Wed, November 6 2024 5 Cheshvan 5785