From the Cantor - August 2005

"Shiru l'Adonai, kol ha'aretz, shiru l'Adonai shir chadash"

"Sing to God all the earth, Sing to God a new song"

I used a portion of this quote from the book of Psalms in my August article one year ago. It is amazing and hard for me to believe that an entire year has passed since I began this wonderful journey at Congregation Albert. Just as this text inspired me to a new beginning, it also inspires me to continue the joy of what is new in each day. I remain excited about what I do but am now more comfortable with how to do it.

The year has been filled with so many firsts. I enjoyed all my first Shabbat, Festival and High Holy Day experiences, especially the second day of Rosh Hashana in the mountains. I celebrated life cycle events and shared difficult times with many congregants. I made music with adults and children, singers and instrumentalists, and they inspired me beyond measure. I have become partners with the dedicated leadership of our congregation and with wonderful committees and volunteers. I am fortunate to work with an unbelievable staff that has generously helped me with all these firsts. I am blessed to have a true clergy partner and friend in Rabbi Black, who helped transform my first year nervousness into creative exhilaration.

As I begin another year, I make the same request as I did last year: Please share your musical skills with our congregation. I encourage all singers to join one of our choirs. If you play an instrument of any kind, please contact me. I still hope to include more opportunities for instrumental music. Music, a wonderful gift, raises the level of spirituality not only in worship but in all aspects of our congregational life.

We are taught that learning Torah involves turning. Turning and learning are not confined to Torah alone; they also apply to the activities and cycles of our lives. I spent this year treasuring every first and though I have been through my first year, I expect that every year will also bring its own share of firsts.

B'shira,
Cantor Barbara R. Finn

Previous Bulletin Page
August 2005 Bulletin Home Page
Next Bulletin Page