May 2012

Best Kept Secret In The Shul A jewel at Bet Shira and perhaps its best-kept secret is the daily minyan, a cornerstone of our synagogue.  Know that every day, prayers are recited and people gather to share and care, creating a makom, a place, where all are welcome. My recent participation in the March of the [...]

April 2012

The Power of Our Voices Passover is the #1 Jewish holiday for Jews and non- Jews. Despite the extra preparatory work involved, one must love the holiday for its songs, foods, gatherings, energy and theme of freedom. Pesach preserves the lore of the Jewish journey to freedom with Moses and Aaron lobbying Pharaoh to let [...]

March 2012

Making Moments More Meaningful Making moments meaningful is core to living as a Jew.  We appropriately mark personal moments such as birthdays, memorials, anniversaries and other milestones.  Communal moments are equally important, as we are social beings and thrive on the blessing of relationship. Jewish communal moments such as Rosh Hashanah, Passover, and Tu Bishevat are [...]

February 2012

Tu Bishevat:  Appreciating the Earth with Jewish Culture For almost 50 years American Jewish communities have designated February and March as Jewish Music Season.   Shabbat Shira, the Sabbath of Song, referring to the song the Israelites sang crossing the Red Sea, begins Jewish music season and it concludes with Passover.  Coincidentally, Tu Bishevat (Jewish [...]

October 2011

Following the final notes of Neilah, the concluding prayers of Yom Kippur, the last Shema Yisrael and the final echoes of the Shofar, the Synagogue empties out.  Spiritually charged, albeit hungry and thirsty, we embark on a new year in which going forward we will discern what matters most.  We will, in that moment walk [...]

September 2011

Bet Shira Congregation will stream the sound of the Shofar, live, over the internet. Yes, you read that correctly. Anyone who is homebound for the High Holy Days; anyone who is overseas, fighting for our country; anyone curious about Judaism:  anyone can be part of Bet Shira, online. The URL is: www.betshira.org.  A live link [...]

August 2011

“I”Shabbat stands for “I”nstrument Shabbat. Yes! This is a new and exciting Bet Shira program.  Through the generosity of the Program Fund sponsors, Rabbi Schuldenfrei and I have been able to enhance our Bet Shira programming. One such program is “I” Shabbat.  On the second Shabbat of every month beginning September 9, we will have [...]

May 2011

Every Thursday evening I am inspired.  I teach, share, and discuss a full range of Jewish topics.  Getting to Know Judaism explores Judaism and is a welcoming option for those considering conversion to live a Jewish life.  A recent class discussion focused on the Jewish home and the Mezuzah.  The obvious treatment of the material [...]

April 2011

Early in March, I had the opportunity of joining Cantor Alberto Mizrahi at his historic Chicago Synagogue, Anshe Emet. As part of the National Choral Directors Conference, I was honored to sing with an outstanding chorus. One selection I sang was the Mi Chamocha from the Song of the Sea which the Israelite people sang [...]

January 2011

Great News! Craig Taubman will be at Bet Shira for our 20th Annual Tu Bishevat Concert on Sunday, January 23 at 4:00pm. Craig Taubman’s dynamic music and moving performance style have been an inspiration for 30 years. His songs bridge traditional Jewish themes and ancient teachings, appealing to everyone. Whether a Friday Night Live  Shabbat [...]