Beth Shalom

This time of year not only marks the beginning of a school year for many families, but the beginning of a new year for all Jewish families. The month prior to Rosh Hoshana is Elul, which signals to all of us that it's time to reflect on this past year and what we hope to change for the year ahead and what will stay the same. This past Tuesday evening, Beth Shalom's "Nourishing Our Roots" program, began with an educational hour, on Zoom, with Gail Foorman teaching about the melodies and tunes that are specific only to Rosh Hoshana and Yom Kippur. It was well attended and many of the choir members were there to hum along to the familiar tunes. It did make me realize how much I will miss hearing the choir this year during services, but this will leave us even more appreciative of them when we return back to the shul next year, I hope! Please be sure to add these Tuesday night education classes to your calendars because I know you will learn something new! As long as you...

When I got the call last Friday afternoon, I could hear the excitement in his voice.  "Wendy," he said, "I'm in kind of a silly mood, but I think I have a great idea that will connect with the congregation."  With a smile on my face, I asked, "What is it? Tell me."  He went on to explain that he had seen Hamilton at the Fox Theater when it was in town, but it wasn't until he watched it on Disney+, recently, that he realized he could create something really special. He indicated that the song performed by the king would be perfect for him, considering the current circumstances we all are facing, and proceeded to perform the parody for me over the phone, with just one verse left to write.  My immediate reaction was, "You have to do this!"  Little did I know that just three short days later, I would receive an email with a link to his YouTube parody of "You'll Be Back!" from the acclaimed Broadway musical, Hamilton . I immediat...