It's been quite a year!

Ten months ago, most of Sinai Temple had never heard of Nava Tehila, Vocolot, or Sababa. What a difference ten months makes! In the middle of challenging economic times, how in the world did we bring in not one, not two, but THREE amazing Jewish musical groups? The answer is simple: we were able to do it thanks to your generosity. Because of generous donations, gracious sponsorships, and the use of designated program funds, Sinai Temple was able to bring three incredible Jewish musical ensembles to Springfield this past year. If you would like to help sponsor a musical event (perhaps in celebration of a simcha or in memory of a loved one) please let me know. I know LOTS of talented Jewish musicians, and I would love to bring them to Sinai. I hope that Sinai Temple of Springfield can continue to be a Jewish cultural center for Western Massachusetts, and, with your help, you can make this a reality!

On Friday, June 18, the Adult Volunteer Choir (along with some special guests) will present a musical program based on the sequence of the Kabbalat Shabbat Psalms. The musical settings run the gamut from choral arrangements to traditional cantorial nusach, from Jewish sacred chant to Chassidic melodies. In the words of the liturgical poem, L'cha Dodi, "Come, my friend, to greet the bride, come let us welcome Shabbat!" Please join us as we welcome Shabbat with wonderful music on June 18!

I have used the following phrase a great deal recently: "It's going to be a very short summer." The High Holidays begin in early September. That means the High Holiday Choir will need to begin rehearsing on Wednesday, August 4! If you would like to sing with the choir, please call or e-mail me here at the Temple. Singing in the High Holiday Choir is a great way to learn more about the liturgy and theology of the Days of Awe, and we have a good time, too! The High Holiday Choir will sing for the evening services of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, so that choir members can sit with their friends and family during the morning services.

If you would like to chant Torah for Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur, now is the time to ask! I will provide volunteers with a CD (or mp3 files) to help you learn the portion. If you are interested, please let me know before June 18!

This month marks the conclusion of my second year as the Cantor of Sinai Temple. It has been a delightful first two years. I have been truly blessed to be able to be your Cantor, and I look forward (God willing) to serving as your Cantor for many, many years to come.

Ivdu et Hashem B’simcha!
Serve the Holy One with Joy!

Previous Bulletin Messages