Rabbi Pein, Dir. of Congregational Learning Blog

On a beautiful summer evening, my family and I headed out to a Friday night Kabbalat Shabbat (Welcoming Shabbat) service on the Long Island sound.  The Jewish musician Sheldon Low was co-leading the worship service.  Through Sheldon’s music and service leadership, what had been an ordinary Friday night was transformed into a beautiful and magical evening.  We were singing and humming Sheldon’s upbeat melodies to Jewish prayers long after the service itself ended. The music took us on journey from the ordinary, “chol,” to the sacred or “kodesh.” Our family has never forgotten that Friday night service nor Sheldon’s music which helped create that special family memory.

How fortunate we are to have the opportunity to experience Sheldon Low’s music at the upcoming TINW Family Hanukkah Concert and Celebration on Sunday, December 15^th at 10:30 AM (doors open at 10:15 AM).  Our CJL (Center for Jewish Learning) students have learned prayers in their classes such as the Shehechiyanu (giving thanks for first time occasions) and the Mi Chamocha (the song the Israelites sang as they crossed the Sea of Reeds). This concert will showcase Sheldon’s artistic, upbeat and modern melodies to these classic prayers as well as other Jewish songs. Glee & Selah members (our youth choirs) will also have the special opportunity to perform with Sheldon Low during the concert.

It was several years ago that my family experienced that beautiful summer evening, and I am now the parent of a young adult and a teenager. During Hanukkah, we give one another few presents and instead try to plan family experiences such as attending a concert or play together. These experiences create memories which tend to outshine the momentary excitement of a physical present.  The TINW Family Hanukkah concert featuring Sheldon Low on Dec. 15^th has the potential to create a special memory for all of us. My sincere hope is that our TINW community will attend the concert so that together we may transform an ordinary Sunday into something sacred for all of us.

Looking forward to sharing the concert with you!