Congregation Beth Shalom

Latest Issue - News & Schmooze

Amber's Message:

I recently went to a gathering for cantors, cantorial soloists, and Jewish songleaders, called Hava Nashira (“let us sing”). It takes place in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin - I know, not a place you might think of as a hub for Jewish life. Regardless, it is a life-changing event; both times I’ve attended, I’ve had very powerful experiences. It’s 200 people singing together, most of whom I didn’t know, but our voices blended in beautiful harmony all day, every day, for 5 days. There’s no way to fully describe what that feels like, but if I had to try, I would simply call it divine, in every sense of the word. It’s like being embraced by sound. To me, that is what G-d feels like. There is a lot of research about music and sound healing, the way the frequencies affect our bodies and minds. When we sing together, even if we don’t know each other, even if we don’t like each other, we are connected.

As wonderful of a time as I had, I was so happy to come home to share the plethora of new music I learned, and to sing with our community. We will, of course, have many opportunities to do so, starting with celebrating Nomi Friedman becoming a bat mitzvah. I’ve had the honor of working with her and 5 other b’nei mitzvah students for the last year, and I’m so excited for the moment when it all comes together. I think you will share the pride I feel when you witness them emerging as Jewish young adults.

We also hope to hear your voices officially welcoming Rabbi Kula on Friday, June 28th, for his first Shabbat service as our new rabbi. Services begin at 6pm and we will have a potluck dinner (no meat, no shellfish) afterwards to celebrate and spend some time with Rabbi Kula. See our calendar for other fun stuff coming up like our Book Club and Film Festival!

Warm tones,

Amber

Amber Ikeman, Director of Music and Community Engagement
amber@bethshalombozeman.org
(406) 556-0528 x202

---

Sara's Shpiel: