[HANASHIR:14519] Re: Hava Nashira 2003

[LBerkson <LBerkson...>]

Thanks to all of you for your beautiful reflections on HN2003.  I wish I 
could have been there.  As of this week, with our new rabbi on board, I am no 
longer carrying the responsibilities of cantorial soloist, youth advisor, AND 
"rabbinic stand-in" that I've had since last July.  I am looking forward to 
seeing 
many of you at HUC-JIR for Mifgash Musicale; at the ACC/GTM Convention; 
and/or at CAJE!  

Yesterday I had a conversation with our new rabbi that you may appreciate:  
We were talking about the members of my congregation --- teens and adults --- 
who've expressed interest in learning more about songleading.  
Rabbi Kaufman:  "What about doing a songleaders' camp?" [local]
Laura: "It was tried last summer, but schedules didn't work out.  We can try 
again this year."
Rabbi:  "What about a national songleaders' camp?"
Laura: "There is one!  And it's amazing and terrific --  Hava Nashira, held 
at OSRUI."
Rabbi:  "Well, when is it?"
Laura:  "Last weekend... "  
Rabbi:  [reflecting for a moment, knowing how jammed our calendar and 
schedule have been in these first few weeks since he's started here.] 
"................oh..................."

So --- I will set my sights on HN 2004.  Until then, be well, keep being 
nourished by that fabulous energy and music, and I will see at least some of 
you 
during the summer.

I'm off to Oregon after Shavuot for a few days of much-needed vacation... 

L'hitraot!

Laura Berkson