[HANASHIR:3125] First Reflections on HN 1999/5759

[LPKAROL <LPKAROL...>]

Shalom Chaverim!
    A few reflections from a first-timer:
1)  No one can ever put me in the first timer category again!
2)  It was an honor to double the rabbinic population, joining Zeev Harari 
(whom I replaced in 1976 in an apartment in Jerusalem when I went for my 
first year of rabbinic school).  
3) It was a privilege to be with so many talented singers/musicians to share 
music, worship, humor and many fun moments.  I call myself a singing rabbi - 
and I realize now that I should put the emphasis on "singing."  When anyone 
who called me "rabbi" when they found out about my title, I insisted that 
they call me Larry, because I was a singer of Jewish music well before I 
became a rabbi.  
4)  There were many moments of inspiration and even transcendence during 
worship, singing after meals and in workshops.  I have been with a variety of 
groups to pray at a variety of conventions - but the HN services took me to 
levels of spirituality I have rarely reached.   
5)  Singing "Tzadik Katamar" and "Master of All Things" slowly  and 
meditatitvely with multiple harmonies during Shabbat services showed how a 
song can take on new life.   Neither of those songs will ever be the same for 
me.    
6) Doug Cotler's song "It's So Amazing" says "Like...a voice in a chorus, I 
must be a part of something bigger than me."   Every voice at Hava Nashira 
was a part of the united chorus that we became in our several days together. 
Each of us added something important to the whole, just as we do when we work 
in our respective communities.  
7)  I had attended the CCAR convention the week before HN - and I have to say 
now that those who attended HN and everyone on this list are just as much - 
and probably even more -  my colleagues in continuously bringing renewal to 
the Jewish spirit.  
         Stay in touch, everyone!   And keep up your great work!
L'shalom,
(Rabbi) Larry Karol
Temple Beth Sholom
Topeka, Kansas

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