I wish I had more time to go to the movies. I imagine that will be a luxury afforded to Chip and me when we are empty nesters. For now, schlepping our boys to their sports and social commitments along with occasional and cherished family time on Saturday nights is the central pillar of our free time. Yet even though I haven’t yet viewed this year’s exceptional movies, I did get to enjoy the Oscar Awards this past Sunday night. I was moved by the social justice messages underlying so many of the acceptance speeches.
Cate Blanchett, who won Best Actress for her role in “Blue Jasmine”, dismissed the notion that “female films with women at the center are niche experiences. They are not,” she said. “Audiences want to see them, and, in fact, they earn money. ”
Jared Leto who won Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Dallas Buyers Club” dedicated his Oscar to the thirty six million people who have lost the battle to AIDS, acknowledged his mom who gave birth to him and his brother as a teen-age girl and nonetheless nurtured his talent and encouraged him to pursue his passion, and spoke to those in countries experiencing political and military turmoil urging the citizens to follow their dreams.
So many of this year’s movies have profound messages: from corporate greed on Wall Street to the devastation of AIDS to the painful realities of slavery in pre-Civil War America. Just like movies can deliver deep messages that transform us, music can do the same. This Friday night (March 7th) at 8:00 at Temple Beth El, we will enjoy desserts and wine (feel free to bring your own wine) and we will experience our Shabbat prayers in an entirely new ways. Our Jewish music will be steeped in the jazz tradition and will stir and inspire our souls.
Try our Late at 8 Shabbat Experience… you will moved by the mesages and by the music.
