As we begin to approach the midpoint of summer in this most beautiful part
of upstate New York, it is worthwhile to take a moment to appreciate the
variety and richness of life available to those of us who are fortunate
enough to call Saratoga Springs home.
As part of a vibrant Jewish community, members of Congregation Shaara Tfille
are doubly blessed. As our membership continues to grow and participation
increases in a wide variety of programs, services and activities, this
congregation will have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty and fulfillment
that Judaism offers on a year-round basis. So while the High Holy Days are
still over a month away, and we are all enjoying summertime outdoor
activities, we at Congregation Shaara Tfille are as busy as ever planning
and running programs right through the summer; a reflection of the fact that
the Jewish life-cycle never ends and always looks ahead.
On Friday night, August 20th, we will hold our first Musical Shabbat Dinner
and Service. Going back to the tradition of both the First and Second
Temples, when musical instrumentation was part of the daily worship service
every single day of the year, our musical service will include a wide
variety of traditional prayer songs and liturgical music, as well as modern
compositions that capture the essence and feeling of Shabbat. Most of the
service will be accompanied by keyboard artist, Michael Clement, and I
anticipate that the music of this night will be beautiful and inspirational.
Looking ahead to the month of September, I would also like to let you know
that we are planning to have a synagogue dinner followed by a Selichot
Service on the evening of Saturday, September 4th. It is a High Holy Day
tradition amongst Ashkenazic Jews to gather in the stillness of night to
recite some of the most moving of the Selichot prayers, in which the major
musical motifs for the High Holidays are heard for the first time.
Finally, I would like to thank the congregation for the words of support and
congratulations, and the many beautiful cards and letters that were sent to
me at the time of my rabbinical ordination. Special thanks to those of you
who attended the ordination ceremony in New York City. It meant so much to
me that members of this congregation were there to support me and my family
at this very memorable time in my life.
