From Cantor Finn - January 2006
If one hears a great chorus, one should thank God for
not having made them all of one voice. For just as each
person's voice is different from one another, so is each person's
mind different from any other mind (adapted from
Babylonian Talmud Berakhot 58a).
As the commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. approaches each year, we are blessed with the gift of treasuring our diversity and recreating our commitment to tirdof tzedek, the pursuit of justice. Social action is one of the three basic tenets of our faith: Torah, learning; Avodah, worship; and Gemilut chasadim, acts of loving kindness or social action.
There are many avenues in the pursuit of justice. Often when we need a clearer picture of the world around us, we rely on music for inspiration because it is one of our most powerful means of expression. Throughout history we have used music to entertain, to relate our stories, to pray and to convey our values. Music can illuminate the way we teach the wonders of our lives as Jews. It can make a difference in our lives and in the way we relate to others. Think about the songs that have made a difference in your life and the way you view the world or treat others. Do you hear "Blowin' in the Wind" or Kol Nidre? The music of social action is not limited to "We Shall Overcome" or to the songs of the civil rights movement, although that music continues to inspire us to perfect our world. Music may inspire us to pray with kavanah, devoted intention, but it also motivates us to pursue justice.
I hope the entire congregation will come together for tirdof tzedek, in the pursuit of justice and to celebrate our diversity inspired by, and in remembrance of, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, January 16.
May our music move us to action and may we always sing out for justice!
B'shira,
Cantor Barbara R. Finn
Please join us for a "Sing Along" with the Zamir Choir,
directed by Cantor Barbara FinnDo you find yourself humming or singing along with the Zamir during services? Why don't you join us for a fun evening during a Zamir rehearsal? We always have a good time as we learn and practice the music. You are welcome to join us any time, but we have a special "sing along" practice Tuesday, January 10, 2006, 7-9 pm, in hopes of attracting new members. We will match you up with a buddy. You do not need to read music or know Hebrew. We would love to have you!
Please RSVP to Paula at , or contact one of the following if you have questions: Cantor Barbara Finn (883-1818) or Verrity Gershin or Nancy Greenberg
Shabbat Shirah
Please mark your calendars for February 10 and join us for a unique and special
Erev Shabbat service at 8:00 pm, featuring ALL of our Congregation Albert musicians.
Worship with them at an ALL MUSIC service in honor of
Shabbat Shirah, the Shabbat of Song.
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