From the Cantor - February 2000

Nothing makes me happier than to see the development of a Mitzvah Circle that honors those who give freely of their time and talents in order to enhance Congregation Albert. I can gladly report first-hand how the fruits of such labor enhance our worship and its surrounding areas.

Almost every Tuesday night from 7pm to 9pm, our adult choir rehearses in the Moise Chapel. Zamir (the name means "singer") has enhanced Shabbat and High Holy Day services at Congregation Albert for more than a generation. They also sing proudly at community events, including Mitzvah Day, Yom HaShoah and Federation Shabbat Services. Each of our sopranos, altos, tenors and basses donates at least 85 precious evening hours a year, as well as more hours studying music in between rehearsals. Although the time they spend adds up to practice made perfect, Zamir's most important contribution is its impact upon the congregation. When those attending services see their own friends and acquaintances helping to lead them in song and prayer, they are more likely to participate actively. That is exactly what I want to hear. Although we are blessed with a wonderful professional conductor and accompanist, we could not manage without the zest and zeal of these fine singers, particularly under the motivation of Verrity Gershin, our right hand and librarian. Zamir always welcomes new voices, particularly tenors!

Congregation Albert's other choir is considerably shorter—both in years of duration and in stature! Nearly thirty of our religious school-age students belong to HaShirah, which means "the song." I must point out that these kids are so enterprising that they chose their own name two years ago when I told them they deserved one! HaShirah enhances our Family Shabbat services and represents our congregation handsomely at community events such as Martin Luther King Day. HaShirah and Zamir love to work together on occasion; sometimes they do separate songs at a common event, such as the yearly Cantor's Concert. Moreover, HaShirah could not possibly exist without the support, time and toil of the parents, grandparents and siblings of its young members. If your child would like to join HaShirah and is in third grade or higher, please contact me.

Both choirs share considerably more than time, music and pizza. Because they work together so often, they learn and carry out the value of teamwork, which transcends every situation involving life's responsibilities. I have seen these folks come together time and again to meet needs that arise in the community. This is sweeter to me than any choral fantasia.

There are many at Congregation Albert who enhance our worship on an individual basis. I'm talking about those who contribute their leyning (Scriptural reading) skills to chant Torah or Haftarah; those who perform the honors of hagbah (lifting the Torah scroll after it is read), g'lilah (wrapping the scroll), and congregants who occasionally teach Torah on Shabbat morning. Your Rabbi, Cantor and congregation appreciate you very much and rejoice in your special gifts. If you have a desire to learn or share in this capacity, please talk to Rabbi Black or me. Here's the real secret of performing a mitzvah: it improves your circulation, brings your heart rate up to target zone, and enhances your life, health and relationships!

B'shalom u-v'shir,
Cantor Jacqueline Shuchat-Marx

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