Aug 01 2006
Hazzan Notes - August 2006
Shalom! I want to begin by expressing how excited and privileged I feel to be serving the Shaare Zedek community. In my search for a position and your search for a cantor, I think we have found a great match! I look forward to celebrating holidays together, marking s’machot, learning with you and your children, and adding a musical dimension to our spiritual life here at the synagogue. Together with my husband, Rabbi Ryan Dulkin, and our sons Zac (3 years) and Jesse (3 months), I thank everyone, especially Harriet Shanas and Harvey Leader, for making our transition from New York to St. Louis so successful!
In the summer months, we often have time to reflect on the year that is to come. This year at Shaare Zedek you will notice an extra voice on the bima. When I lead the davening, my goal is to empower rather than entertain. I look forward both to continuing the musical traditions of our synagogue, and adding new voices and melodies to our services. Either way, I look forward to adding my voice to yours as we get to know each other. To that end, I want to share a unique text with you, found in the cave next door to the cave where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Introducing another ten commandments which willhopefully inspire you to a higher ground.
The Ten Commandments of Congregational Singing
- Thou Shalt Sing!
- Thou Shalt Sing with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
- Thou Shalt Sing Fearlessly, striving to ignore the possible wondering glances of thy neighbors. Thou shalt know in thy heart that they would like to sing with you, if they only had the nerve. Never lose faith that they will sing with you if only you continue.
- Thou Shalt Sing Joyfully, as it is written by the prophet Isaiah: Sing, O Heaven, be joyful, O Earth, and break forth into Singing, O mountains.
- Thou shalt Sing Reverently, for music is prayer.
- Thou Shalt Not Hesitate to Sing, for though an individual may pray in a whisper or even in wordless silence, a congregation must sing.
- Thou Shalt Not Resist New Melodies, for we have been taught to never let our prayer become rigid. Seek to fulfill the words of the Psalmist: Let us sing a new song unto the Lord.
- Thou Shalt Never Mumble but sing out loud. Never be deterred by an occasional mistake.
- Thou Shalt Not Hesitate to Sing with the Hazzan for she fervently wants you to join with her.
- Thou Shalt Never Forget the words of the Psalmist: I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live.
True and certain it is that God loves us when we work, but God really loves us when we sing.
I look forward to meeting all of you, to hearing your ideas and concerns, and of course, to making beautiful music
together. Please do not hesitate to contact me at the synagogue or through email at Hazzan@ShaareZedek.org.
