From the Cantor - February 2001

Shalom, Chaverim:

The weekend of February 9 is Shabbat Shirah (Sabbath in Song) when we read par'shat Beshalach, which tells in Exodus 15 of the Israelites crossing the Sea of Reeds from slavery to freedom. If you read on in the portion past the Song of the Sea, you'll find that freedom isn't all it's cracked up to be. The former slaves are fractious, demanding and whiny, and God seems more than willing to please. Who's the boss here? I have written commentary for Beshalach that will be published in Torat Hayim on the UAHC website (www.uahc.org; some of you receive this commentary automatically as e-mail) beginning Monday, February 5. If you haven't got access to a computer, copies of the commentary will be available in the temple office.

During Shabbat Shirah we are pleased to welcome one of my teachers and mentors, Cantor Richard Botton, as this year's Artist-in-Residence. On Friday, February 9 at 8:00 p.m. Cantor Botton will join Zamir for a Shabbat service in song with Aminadav Aloni's Ta'amei Sepharad (Sephardic Service). On Saturday night, February 10, join us at 7:00 p.m. for Havdalah and a special evening with Cantor Botton as he presents Living Ladino, a journey of his Sephardic roots from Istanbul and Salonika to the present day in story and in song. Audience participation will be facilitated and encouraged. Cantor Botton's conviviality adds a great deal to a production with great appeal for the Jews of the Southwest. Join us for a musically flavorful weekend.

Hanukkah Whodunit: Would the person who left the anonymous gift in my office mailbox please stand up? During the Festival of Lights I received a small, gold-wrapped parcel without a name or card. Inside was a copy of the delightful Hanukcats, a book of Hanukkah songs for our feline friends. Thrilled at such thoughtfulness, I polled a few caring suspects who denied everything. I can only say: Thank you so much for thinking of Julia the Tuxedo Cat and me…please identify yourself so I can personally convey my appreciation.

B'Shalom u-v'shir,
Cantor Jacqueline L. Shuchat-Marx

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