Cantor's Message
We have made it through more than a year of the pandemic. Our lives have been reinvented, our Shabbat Services are over the internet. We re-created our entire community onto a new virtual reality. If we have learned anything from this experience we have found new and wonderful strengths. The pandemic and Zoom has brought us together in ways that we never imagined. We thought that Zoom was a cold and impersonal medium, but that has been so far from the truth. It has formed a new kind of intimacy and respect for each other. We have been brought into each others homes and in so many ways, we have been blessed.
As your Cantor, I had to rediscover new ways of bringing you the musical joy of Shabbat. All my important resources and musical partners were taken away. I was home in front of a computer but I was more exposed than ever been before! I was all alone with our community and the Shechinah, the “Divine Presence of God”. Without my knowing it, the Divine Presence had pulled up a seat next to me and became my new partner on Shabbat. A new relationship and a new intimacy was formed. Just me with my davening and my new partner, the guitar. Btw, taking on the guitar has been like having a newborn all over again. Beautiful, always hungry and demanding my attention all the time. It was a brave new world of sound, musical colors and musical conversation. Music and most importantly sacred music, helps us make our connection with the Shechinah, the “Divine Presence of God”. It allows all of us to to reveal our innermost feelings and opens us up to God’s presence. The pandemic blessed me with a new voice as your Sheliach Tzibbur; leader in prayer. I believe for all of us it has changed the understanding of ourselves, our world, and our responsibilities to it.
I miss my Adult Choir, I miss my Jr. Choir, but fortunately for me I was left with all the wonderful talent that fills our halls at CMI. When we went from services in the chapel to services online and everyone was there, ready to give of themselves at a moments notice. They were there to support me and help all of us get through this terrible time and we were so blessed. I want to recognize all of them for their efforts to make our prayers soar every week to the Divine Presence. I must start with my biggest partner in music Rabbi Immerman. It is a joy to come together every week and share our musical visions and styles. They open our eyes to the vast world of Jewish Sacred Music and it is so much fun. I am also humbled and deeply grateful, to Hedda & Michael Rubenstein, Dana and Cynthia Astmann, Jonathan, Seth and Eli Zabin, David and Julie Chevan, Alex, Michelle and Emmet Forte, Elise and Jordan Miller, Harold Shapiro, Mandi, Eli and Max Jackson, Matt, Amanda and Benny Lupoli, Diane Orson & Tim Moran, and Corey Stone. They all complete our connection to the Shechinah. The spiritual rewards we reap are without measure. They have been my shining knights in armor throughout the pandemic and I am so immensely blessed to have them. Kol HaKavod to all of you!!
The summer season will be upon us very soon but there are still many Shabbatot ahead of us and most importantly Shavout when the Divine Presence gave the Torah to the Children Israel. Be there for our special service of Confirmation for our teens. Join us so we can all qvell together.
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