From Cantor Finn - December 2005

"Not by might, not by power, but by My spirit says the Eternal"
(Zechariah 4:6)

Chanukah is about dedication, a rededication to the Jewish spirit of faith and the miraculous triumph of the Maccabees. The quote above, from the Haftarah for Shabbat Chanukah, firmly expresses this message. Our ancestors dedicated themselves to their covenant with God even in the face of social pressure. The Maccabees were devoted to rededicating the Temple to God.

We have many opportunities to dedicate and rededicate ourselves within the life of our congregation. As we learn, pray and sing together we renew ourselves to the covenant of our people. So often congregants tell me how the music of our services moves them to prayer, especially during the High Holy Days. Music is an essential part of our spiritual life whether one is an active or passive participant. Many facets of our music program encourage this dedication. Our children learn Jewish songs and dances in our Religious School and the Early Childhood Center.

We are blessed to have three blossoming choirs. Zamir, our adult choir, meets every Tuesday evening; its members are devoted to Jewish music and the music that will lift us up as we pray. Hashirah, our youth choir, meets after Religious School every Sunday and is dedicated to music that will help others learn. Our yet to be named teen choir meets before Machon every Wednesday and is dedicated to the future of Jewish music. We have many instrumental volunteers who lift our prayers with piano or guitar, violin or shofar. We have the blessing of a Rabbi who shares his gift of music with us every day.

Each group has dedicated itself, as individuals and as a community, to enhancing the prayers of all our congregants through music and song.

As we approach the festival of Chanukah, may we all renew and rededicate ourselves to the music of Congregation Albert. Our participation can create a truly dedicated congregational community.

May the lights of Chanukah bring you joyous rededication.

B'shira,
Cantor Barbara R. Finn

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