Jazz, Jews, and Shabbat Shmooze

After a class I taught recently, a couple approached me to ask about the music that we use here in services at Temple Beth El. Half of the couple you see, had grown up in the Orthodox tradition and for him, the music here was very unfamiliar. They asked, “what is the tradition of this music that is used here? Does it have any history?”

I get asked lots of questions, especially after teaching a class as large as this one happened to be, yet I was completely taken aback.

As I fumbled for the right words to convey how rich the history is of each and every note of our service, I realized what it was exactly that had surprised me so about the inquiry. I was surprised because the music he was describing is so much a part of who I am, and who I know Cantor Bernard to be.

Cantors in the Reform movement are trained to pray and lead even the most traditional service (though I, as a woman would not be afforded such an opportunity). And our TBE worship has hints of this body of music sprinkled throughout. Cantor Bernard is as expert as they come in nusach – the modes of traditional Jewish worship –  and I greatly enjoy singing classical cantorial music – chazzanut. Yet, our passion for this tradition is not always apparent in services, it seems.

Which leads me to extend to you, dear congregant, an invitation. I would like to share some really excellent Jewish music with you. Would you join me at this month’s Late at Eight Shabbat Worship Experience? On March 7th, Bill Ward and I, along with Rabbi Schindler, will share a program of jazz and jazz-like Jewish music for Shabbat. We will be informal, drink wine (BYO!), enjoy dessert and coffee, and explore some of this world of Jewish sacred music that is just ever so slightly beyond our regular repertoire. This is what Late at Eight is for: exploring music, ideas, and community in new ways together. I hope to see you there and in the meantime, here is a taste of what’s to come. Personally, I can’t wait!

– Cantor Mary