[HANASHIR:14488] Hava Nashira 2003

[Judy Ginsburgh <judy...>]

I am sure we are all so exhausted that no one has taken the time to post 
anything yet -- so....since I slept most of today, I will try to share what 
went on in those fabulous 4 1/2 days known as Hava Nashira.

There were approximately 180 attendees.  The faculty was made up of Dan 
Freelander, Jeff Klepper, Merri Arian, Dan Nichols, Rosalie Boxt, Craig 
Taubman, Ellen Dreskin and Debbie Friedman.  As usual all of them brought 
something special to the mix and this faculty seemed to work very well 
together.  

When we first arrived, we were assigned a "homeroom" and a "core curriculum" 
group.  Each homeroom was facilitated by a faculty member and this was a time 
to share, complain, make suggestions, and prepare for song sessions or services 
that were assigned to each homeroom.

On Wednesday afternoon, we selected which choral part we wanted to sing -- 
Soprano, Alto, Tenor or Bass and each group rehearsed a few selected pieces 
which would be performed together as a choir later that evening.  The pieces 
which were selected to have a Yom Yerushalayim theme were This is Jerusalem 
(Peretz/Haiman); Zamar Noded (Noami Shemer); If The Walls of Jerusalem Could 
Talk (Michael Isaacson) and Samachti B'omrim Li (Charles Osborne).  I must say 
that being a part of the Hava Nashira "choir" is really glorious -- so much 
talent.  The sound is magnificent!

Thursday we began our Core Curriculum classes which consisted of NFTY Rocks 
Retro - Songs from the 60's and 70's with Dan and Dan; Songs of Tikkun Olam 
(Social Justice) with Jeff and Rosalie; Music for Services with Ellen and Craig 
and Songs of Israel and Religious School Songs with Merri and Debbie.  We 
rotated through these so that everyone had a chance to attend each of them.  
Then there were electives from which you could choose two to attend.  The 
choices were:
Mishkan Tefilah - exploring the new Reform Prayerbook
Guitar Techniques
Songwriting for Fun and Prophet
Games with Songs - Group Building
Building Community Through Music
Skills for Services - Tefilah Talents
Sing for Fun Choir
Shema is For Real - Stories and Studies that Enhance the Worship Experience
Brush up Your Yiddish

Services were held each day and song sessions were held after lunch and dinner. 
 Each homeroom took turns leading services and song sessions.  There was a 
session for all on American Folk Music Thursday night followed by a campfire.

In addition to the program mentioned above, we were in for a surprise treat -- 
a visit from legendary folk singer and actor, Theodore Bikel.  What an amazing 
man!  His voice is still so rich and glorious.  Hearing him and learning from 
him was a true highlight of the session.  He shared many Yiddish songs, a funny 
Russian song about the "handsome Little Private", and even sang "If I Were A 
Rich Man" from Fiddler on the Roof (accompanied by Achi ben Shalom) and 
"Edelweiss" from The Sound of Music.

I always enjoy the late night beit cafe/open mikes.  This is where people you 
may never have heard before get to share their music.  And there was, as usual, 
so much talent.  I was especially pleased to see all of the younger people 
sharing with such confidence and talent.

One of the highlights for me personally was the Saturday morning service led by 
Ellen and Craig.  It was one of the most meaningful and touching services I 
have ever attended.  It revolved around journeys that we make in our lives.  
Jules Frankel read Torah and Z'ev & Laura Harari read Haftarah.  Ellen led us 
in a beautiful prayer visualization with movement as various people shared 
stories about when they had felt like they were on the fringes of a situation 
and then how they eventually felt included.  And Janeen Kobrinsky shared a very 
personal journey story that touched us all.

New songs included Jeff Klepper's "Cowboy Jew From Mars", Debbie Friedman's 
"One People" and Noam Katz's song Am Yisrael Chai inspired by the Abayudaya 
Jews of Uganda -- a hit!!  If anyone has a copy of the words for Debbie's One 
People song, can you please e-mail them to me privately (judy (at) 
judymusic(dot)com)?? I can't find my copy.

It is amazing to me how much Jewish talent there is.  Hava Nashira was bursting 
with it.  Although the weather was rainy and cold (felt like winter to my 
Louisiana bones) most of the time we were there, a warmth was created by those 
attending.  Always a magical experience -- this year a rainbow appeared at the 
start of Shabbat services.  Unfortunately, I had to leave early Sunday.  I will 
try never to do this again.  It is hard to leave without some sense of closure. 
 The last moments of Hava Nashira are always very special.  I missed telling 
many people goodbye.  I will treasure the time I had with each of you who 
attended.  And I hope that everyone on this list will get to experience Hava 
Nashira one day.  It is difficult to understand what an incredible experience 
it is until you have been.  Next year the dates are June 2- June 6, 2004.

Many thanks to Jerry, Susan and Lisa and the staff at OSRUI and all the faculty 
for all they gave to us.  

L'hitraot,

Judy :)
Judy Caplan Ginsburgh, Professional Singer
1999 Louisiana Professional Artist of the Year!
judy (at) jewishentertainment(dot)net     -    judy (at) judymusic(dot)com
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