From the Cantor - April 2005

"V'nomar l'fanav shirah chadashah-Let us sing before God a new song"

The Passover seder IS about the music and the melodies. As I reflect on the many sedarim of my life, I hear all of the melodies. I can hear my grandfather's unique chanting of the plagues and Ki Lo Na'eh. I hear my father attempting a Sephardic pronunciation of all of the songs just to please me, his very serious Hebrew student daughter. I can hear my husband and father-in-law singing what they continue to claim is their family's version of Chad Gadya although I must admit, I've never heard it anywhere else. I hear our children's voices at various ages and camp experiences chanting Kiddush, Birkat Hamazon, all the verses of Echad Mi Yodea and of course Dayenu.

The meaning of the words of the Haggadah remain in our minds because of the melodies that carry them. Dayenu is our song of gratitude. Eliyahu Hanavi is our song of hope. Through these melodies the words clearly enter our hearts. With song we understand and enjoy the text even without a clear understanding of every word.

On Erev Shabbat, April 8 at 8:00 p.m. Zamir and Hashirah, our Congregation Albert choirs, will present a "sermon in song" which will illustrate this connection to the melodies of Pesach. As you hear the music, though you may not be able to translate the words, in your mind and in your heart you will be transported to a seder or festival from your past, and you will discover the meaning in the melody. Please join us for this very special "sermon in song."

My family joins me in wishing you all a joyful song in your heart as we celebrate renewed freedom during the Festival of Pesach. Chag Sameach.

B'shira,
Cantor Barbara R. Finn

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