[HANASHIR:15261] Opening Songs

[Shir Chadash <shir_chadash...>]

In our congregation, the tradition is open and close with a different song 
every Friday night, drawing from about a dozen melodies.  However, I 
recently decided to institute a minimum of two opening songs each Friday, 
but always starting with Shalom Aleichem.  It is easy to sing, has a long 
history for many people and, for me at least, it provides something I would 
describe as "comfort food for the soul".    As a musician, I love singing 
new melodies, but wonder if the repetition will ultimately lead to more 
congregational participation.   In addition, there are often other changes 
in the service music such as a different Mi Chamocha, Yih-yu L'Ratzon and 
V'sham'ru.   I'm curious as to others' experiences with varying or repeating 
opening songs week to week.

Rachelle

Rachelle Shubert
Director of Music
Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom
Montreal, Quebec
www.templemontreal.ca

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