[HANASHIR:5717] re: Funerals

[stern <stern...>]

Hello all,

I know much has been said about funerals already, but I had a very recent 
experience I'd like to share.  Our Rabbi's father recently passed away, and 
the funeral was out of town.  Our congregation wanted to find a way to 
express our sympathy and support, and we decided to have a Sunday evening 
service when the rabbi returned to town.  I planned it with our executive 
board, and we called the entire congregation (OK, that's only 170 families) 
to let them know, in addition to calling area rabbis and our Federation 
office.

About 150 people came to the service.  We did it entirely from Gates of 
Prayer, choosing an evening service followed by the house of mourning 
prayers and aleinu.  All the music was kept very mellow.  We read the 23rd 
Psalm in English, and following it, I sang Debbie Friedman's version of the 
Psalm from the Renewal of Spirit recording. Although it is a rather 
difficult piece to sing (unless you happen to LIKE octave jumps), it was 
very moving for all of us and a true spiritual experience.  I know I felt 
it, and more importantly, many from the congregation also felt the 
spirituality.
Thank you, Debbie, for such a beautiful setting to this Psalm of comfort. 
 I highly recommend it for any time solace and comfort are needed.

Kristin

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