[HANASHIR:15253] More High Holiday choices

[Robbi Sherwin <sherwin...>]

"I respectfully submit that we dare not offer music which will render apathy.
The opportunities are far too great."  -Jack Bielan

I agree completely.  By the way, Jack Bielan is a brilliant musician and 
composer.  I use two of his compost ions on a regular basis - his Shabbat 
Candle Blessing and God's Voice, both from his "From the Heart of a Jewish 
Soul" CD, which is really DIFFERENT from what the rest of us are writing and 
recording these days.  Valley Outreach is lucky to have him and if any of us 
get the chance to hear him performing his music, which he does with amazing 
vocalists, we should definitely make the effort to do so.

At Kol Halev during the holidaze, we do something extraordinarily special.  
During the late afternoon  we do  contemplative music for that 1.5 hours. 
Austin is a huge music town ("Live Music Capital of the World" is our city's 
moniker) and we get some of the top Jewish musicians in Texas (you'd be amazed 
how many there are!)  to play 12-15 minutes of music. No lyrics, no break.  
None of these musicians will take money for this and every year we get more 
volunteers than we can schedule. Many are Grammy-award winners -professionals 
in the field who find they can use their voice, through their instrument, to 
contribute during this time.

The musicians play whatever they choose - some will do themes based on HH day 
modes or other Jewish music -  others their own compositions.  The only 
parameter is that it is contemplative in nature. 

During this time in the sanctuary, there is no talking allowed.  I've seen 
people lean against the walls with tallitot over their heads, weep silently, 
lay down across chairs with their arm over their eyes or watch intently and 
listen.  It gives the worshippers the opportunity to take YK to a very 
different level - we all know how crucial communal prayer is, but so is private 
introspection and this is the perfect opportunity to turn inward for an 
extended period of time.

This year's instruments include: flute, stand-up bass/cello combination; piano; 
classical guitar; cello; harp and bells/percussion.

May we all find our inner music as we prepare to lead our congregations through 
the journey that is the High Holy Days.  If I have hurt or offended any of you 
on this list, please allow me to ask for forgiveness. L'shana tovah tikatevu to 
all....(y'all!)

Robbi Sherwin


Robbi Sherwin, Cantor
Congregation Kol Halev
Austin, Texas
(512) 467-7270
www.kolhalev.org
Spirited Jewish Songcrafting
www.robbisherwin.com
sherwin (at) earthlink(dot)net