[HANASHIR:2512] Re: Following the Torah

[CANTORMUM <CANTORMUM...>]

In response to Rachelle's request for music for the Hakafah - after Lecha
Adonai we sing Am Yisrael Chai, Tora Ora, Ve-Haeir Eyneynu, and then I have a
longer selection for the High Holidays when even with 3 Torahs passing through
the congregation we need about 9 - 10 different tunes. I tried to pick music
that is Torah related as well as tunes that would be well known, thereby
encouraging the congregation to sing. We print the words in the order of
service. The volunteer choir sings them when they are in once a month,
otherwise I am on my own and wear a throat mike as I follow the Torah around
the congregation.

One of my hardest moments is at Yom Tov when I carry a Torah and sing. I find
that the extra weight added to the singing and the long slow walk as everyone
kisses the Torah is quite exhausting. I get the medium weight Torah. Our rabbi
has a badly arthritic wrist so he gets the lightest, the President the
heaviest. Anyone else out there have this problem? I really don't want to give
up this honor as I love the interaction with the congregation and carrying the
Torah to the people.  

Shavua tov
mandi (kark beckenstein)
cantormum (at) aol(dot)com

------------------------ hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org -----------------------+
Hosted by Shamash: The Jewish Internet Consortium  http://shamash.org
------------------------ hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org -----------------------=