[HANASHIR:15256] Re: Food for thought (for the future)

[Jacqueline Guttman <jguttman...>]

Oh Geez, I'm sorry. This was obviously meant for my rabbi. Terribly sorry.

Jackie

From: Jacqueline Guttman <jguttman (at) nj(dot)rr(dot)com>
Reply-To: hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org
Date: Fri, 05 Sep 2003 09:42:42 -0400
To: hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org
Subject: [HANASHIR:15255] Food for thought (for the future)


Hi,

I thought the message below, from the listserve HaNashir, might be of
interest for a future year.

Also, did you get the draft I sent you of the new brochure? Sorry to be a
pest; they want to get the letter to new homeowners out asap and the
brochure is supposed to go in it. Monday I'm "interviewing" Mora Dora and
Sharon for their bios.

Best,
JAckie


"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