Congregation Beth Shalom

Latest Issue - News & Schmooze

Amber's Message:

I don’t know about you, but February feels like a mid-winter slump to me. Many of us are ready for warmer weather. The excitement of the holiday season has long since worn off, and the next Jewish holiday is still several weeks away (Purim! More details below). Things can feel a bit stagnant all around. What can make us feel more alive?

We need special times. Birthdays, milestones, holidays, vacations, even just going out for dinner for no specific occasion. These things break up the monotony of everyday life. Shabbat is an opportunity to do that - get a little dressed up, have some wine and a bit of a party at an oneg or dinner. To make things a little extra interesting, we’re bringing in violinist Amy Leach on Friday, February 22nd to play for services. I’m pretty sure that her gorgeous tones will give you a little extra “spiritual high.”

Additionally, my family and I will be sponsoring a light dinner after services in memory of my grandmother who passed away yesterday. On her deathbed, when she could barely speak, she said to my uncle, "don't forget to feed the mourners after the funeral." So, I'd like to feed you all in honor of my Jewish grandmother who expressed her love with food. We also have others who will be saying kaddish this week, and your support would mean a lot.

Another opportunity to let music stir your soul: I’ll be doing a concert at the temple on March 2nd along with Kyle Sorenson and Lori Rosolowsky. We’ll all be performing original songs, including a setting of “Oseh Shalom” by Kyle, and a fun tongue-in-cheek tune about “mixed marriages” by Lori. I’ll be debuting a few new ones; a protest song to my wanderlust, a tune that could be on the b-sides of the newest “A Star is Born” soundtrack, and a tribute to my mother, of blessed memory.

Let’s find some special moments together in these next few weeks that add some sunshine to bleak, dull days. Soon we’ll have a Purim celebration that will surely lift our spirits. Mark your calendar for March 9th at Bruce and Kristi Jacobs’ house. More info will come soon.

Warmly,

Amber

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

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