[HANASHIR:3135] It's a Hava Nashira high

[LSalvay <LSalvay...>]

Chevrei--
Well, this was my 5th Hava Nashira, and I thought the euphoria of past years 
could never be surpassed -- until this year, which bordered on the 
miraculous! 

For those of you who wanted to be there but couldn't -- well, I can only hope 
that some future HN experience of yours can begin to approach the one we just 
had. Miracle upon miracle happened. From the "hafsakat chashmal/hafsakat 
mayim" (power/water outage) of Shabbat morning that suddenly rectified itself 
during "Yotzer Or" (wow, was that a HN moment, or what?), to the spontaneous 
30-minute frenzy of Sat. evening's "Od Yavo Shalom Aleinu" in the chadar 
ha-ochel -- complete with klezmer instruments. (I was sitting at the table 
next to the two people who started it, in case anyone wants to know -- Shira 
and Wendy.) Amazing how infectious something can become. It's a lesson to us 
all, who must now "infect" our own communities with such musical spontaneity 
and joy. (May it be G-d's will!) 

Other highlights -- Donny and Craig's song composition master class, which 
was truly an other-worldly experience; Judy Caplan Ginsburg's gorgeous sign 
language, which was as graceful and poetic as any ballet I've ever seen; the 
"klezmer" guys who just all happened to bring their instruments to HN this 
year and add a new dimension to the ruach; the amazing Billy Jonas with his 
"drums" and his incredible music. 

This was one for the history books. Hey, those Hasidim ain't got nuthin on us 
Hava Nashira-niks!

I love you and miss you all -- may we keep the spirit of HN alive in our 
hearts, and "may the Force (of MUSIC) be with us!" L'shana ha-ba-a 
b'Oconomowoc!

Linda Salvay

BTW, if anyone wants words/tape for the "Be Happy It's Adar" song, or 
words/tape for the "Tzedakah Shake" that I taught last year, let me know your 
snail mail address and I'll try to get it to you (as soon as I get my voice 
back!)

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