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Well, it has been a combination of finally having a "real life" here (meaning work, and lots of it, and not so much time to reflect and observe) and so many things going on (Israel's 60th anniversary, seeing friends, Galron things) and I have not had much time or inclination to write.
So tonight you get an update!
On Israel's 60th--picture July 4th, with a lot of editorials and polls saying the government should not spend a lot of money on a celebration, but put it toward the many social issues all countries have. The big buzz was Bank HaPoalim's marketing gesture of having flags made, only the magein (star) was wrong--the top point should point at the band of blue at the top of the flag, and Poalim's star had it so that the top point was pointing at blank white space. See the picture. They put the flags in ALL of the newspapers--everybody had one! It was quite a scandal!
On Lag b'Omer the medurot (bonfires) were spectacular and scary in some cases. Mike Cummings (who has been here for months--we have emailed and phoned but not met) had a lovely falafel dinner and some beers and a long talk, then went out to see the fires. No supervision, no fire department presence, just a lot of kids playing with fire! Mike commented about OSU football games and how people burn cars randomly--that never happens here, and Mike and I think it is because Israelis of all generations get the firebug out of themselves on this one night!
Shavuot I simply couldn't face--an all-nighter studying Torah, in Hebrew. I stayed home and made myself a meal with lots of cheese!
The fourth weekend in May saw the gathering of all of the Reform/Liberal congregations for a convention. The Shabbat services took center stage, and I was asked to lead the service (representing Beit Daniel) for the reading of the Torah--my first in over a year and a half. I studied the liturgy (there is more/different here) and put together my "book" and drove to the site the week before to be sure I knew where it was. Then there was "the day" and I met Cantor Evan Cohen, an emigre from the US who offered to help me and whom I joined for several prayers in an earlier part of the service. When my turn came, I was BACK IN THE SADDLE! What I didn't know, I had made up--and everyone sang along, because what I need is inside myself already. It was the loveliest chaos with all sorts of diverse people called to make the blessings before and after the readings. One was for all the people who came from other countries to live here--40 people, including me! I finally saw that I'm really "on the team."
Later in the day was the Cantor's Concert--I sang with Iris Weiner, Evan Cohen, and others. It was lovely...
A week later I led the Friday evening service with guitarist/singer Boaz. We worked out the issues of pitching his songs higher, and then I pitched all of my a capella stuff WAY TOO LOW!! It was terrible, to talk the song instead of singing it, and it was my own damned fault--I have lost the "feel" of starting some of the songs so that I can start and then the congregation can join. I will get it back , but I need more experience.
But as usual, everyone heard what they wanted to hear. (In this case, that's good!)
The next day I traveled with the senior rabbi of Beit Daniel, Rabbi Meir Azari, to a private home to "do" a bar mitzvah. My first mincha service, my first Ashrei (yes, my "born" Jewish friends, go ahead and laugh!!) and I was sweating it. Lots of new liturgy, and an audience of people who have spent their lives avoiding the synagogue so they didn't know much of anything to sing along.
I did it, they were surprised to see a woman, but not averse, and the young man aquitted himself admirably. And I DID it. And supported Rabbi Azari. On the way back to Tel Aviv, I told him how nice it was to meet Evan Cohen and Meir told me "you know, none of the cantors in Israel are 'ordained'"--well I didn't know that, and it made me feel much better.
So I am working on the parts of the Saturday morning service I don't know, and working for Hadassah, and figuring out when I can get back to the States to see my kids.
That's it, and good night!
Links to other sites about Israel
The Galron Singers
We performed last night at the Cultural Center in Rishon Letzion last night, the longest performance we have made in a while. I still know only about 85% of the words, but the words I know, I understand (mostly!) This time we performed a few songs that we have learned together (as opposed to me trying to catch up.) One was a rock-and-roll medley of songs by Yehudit Ravitz, and a medley of French chansons, that builds up to me singing "La Vie En Rose" to new Hebrew lyrics, very loud. We had to do an encore, which really never is done here, after a performance like this one. It was a great success.
Before the performance we had an hour and a half of that distinctly Israeli experience--singing together, with a pianist, and the words projected on the screen. I only knew a few of these songs, but it was such pleasure to hear an auditorium filled with people singing their heads off, just for fun! One of the few songs I knew was "HaFinjan" which was led by the very elderly man who wrote the words!
Click on the link below, or above this post, and visit Galron's English website (translated by me!) You will be able to hear some of our music, and you can leave a comment for me by picking Members, then clicking on my photo. It would be so so nice to hear your comments! And sign the guest book, too--just be sure to scroll down to see the options (and the scroll bar is on the left, the Hebrew way!)
http://www.galronsingers.com/index.php
Before the performance we had an hour and a half of that distinctly Israeli experience--singing together, with a pianist, and the words projected on the screen. I only knew a few of these songs, but it was such pleasure to hear an auditorium filled with people singing their heads off, just for fun! One of the few songs I knew was "HaFinjan" which was led by the very elderly man who wrote the words!
Click on the link below, or above this post, and visit Galron's English website (translated by me!) You will be able to hear some of our music, and you can leave a comment for me by picking Members, then clicking on my photo. It would be so so nice to hear your comments! And sign the guest book, too--just be sure to scroll down to see the options (and the scroll bar is on the left, the Hebrew way!)
http://www.galronsingers.com/index.php
Chag Sameach!!
We are in full holiday mode here--all the stores are having sales, and people are sprucing up their homes. Mine is still spruced from last year, so I can save my money except for the gifts I will take to my hosts. At least this year I know the customs (bring something for the household--pretty plate, table runner, flowering plant or something else nice) and will have Chag Pesach lunch at the same place I had it last year--Janine and Danny Gelley's. They have kindly invited me so many times that I feel like part of the family. AND Janine always asks me to sing, so this year I will be warmed up and ready with something I haven't sung for them before (don't know what yet, but they are South African, so I can sing in English--good time for Gershwin or Arlen!)
My seder will be at the home of one of the rabbis at Beit Daniel. Typical of all invitations here, he truly was happy that I would be there. Of course, he said something about leading the songs, so I hope I know some! It will be a wonderful to experience a Progressively religious seder here!
I wish you chag sameach, a happy and kosher Passover, and may you liberate yourselves from whatever slavery exists in your lives. And may we all remember those who need freedom, all over the world.
And if you are not one of "my people" happy Spring, healing, growth and happiness!
My seder will be at the home of one of the rabbis at Beit Daniel. Typical of all invitations here, he truly was happy that I would be there. Of course, he said something about leading the songs, so I hope I know some! It will be a wonderful to experience a Progressively religious seder here!
I wish you chag sameach, a happy and kosher Passover, and may you liberate yourselves from whatever slavery exists in your lives. And may we all remember those who need freedom, all over the world.
And if you are not one of "my people" happy Spring, healing, growth and happiness!
Well, I call it progress!
Just when I was in despair, thinking that I never will learn to speak this language I love so much, I had a whole conversation in Hebrew last evening after services at Beit Daniel. An elderly man greeted me, and then we spent fully 10 minutes talking about the great composers Lewandowski and Sulzer! What a thrill it was to actually be talking! (I think it helped that I knew the work of these great composers, and the arrangements, and love them as much as this gentleman did.)
And I can talk! Whoo-hoo!
And I can talk! Whoo-hoo!
Spring!
I put up 2 photos (not fabulous quality, but I took them with my not-fabulous-quality cellphone!) of what many vacant lots look like now. This field is in the big Kfar Saba Park. Every time I pass it there are different kinds of flowers. And now the orange trees are blossoming (while still having mature oranges on them...) and the air is citrus-scented. I must have been still in a fog last spring, because I don't remember the flowers or the blossoms! Enjoy...I am!
Purim in Israel
All week we were in full-holiday mode--people in costume or masks (kids and grownups!), people carrying or ordering cellophane gift baskets of food. Silly music on the radio, lots of fun. Fundraising for Sderot and Ashkelon.
Personally, I was helping host the Prima Vista choir of the Musicschule of Leverkusen Germany. Galron and Prima Vista performed at the Kol Rinah choral festival at Kibbutz Ein Gedi, Yankele Schreibman and I met them and had a tour of Hadassah hospital, and I traveled with them on a tour of the north, around the Kineret, up on the Golan Heights (they are really high, and accessible only by a 2-lane road that snaked and hairpinned its way up. I'm glad I went by bus, because I think I would not like to drive it!) All through this beautiful land there are land mines and bunkers left from the war.
Later that day we toured some sites important to Christians, and then traveled to Nazareth Illit, to tour a chocolate factory and then perform at a nursing home (they performed, I carried music stands and ran for water!)
I was also preparing to chant chapter 3 of the book of Esther at Beit Daniel. I borrowed a kimono from my friend Pnina Gershony, and Thursday evening went to Tel Aviv, hoping people would be dressed up, hoping I would be OK. The synagogue was MOBBED! At 6 they had a party in the sanctuary for kids and parents, with a live band, and tons of food and things for sale. When I arrived at 7:45 the party was still going on, and everybody was dressed in some kind of costume! We settled down for a short evening service, but the hilarity continued--the cantor led the Chatzi Kaddish to the tune of "Ani Purim!"
Then we all went downstairs to the social hall for the megilla reading (here starts some background for those who have never experienced Purim in community.) There were cushions, low chairs and other chairs all over the room, with space for another band, and the table where we readers would sit. Tables lined the walls and were scattered among the seats, filled with food, wine, vodka and fruit juices (you are supposed to drink as the megilla is read, until you can't distinguish between the names of Mordechai (the uncle of Esther) and Haman (the bad guy.)
The second band had a gorgeous girl singer, and we sang some songs before starting to read. We read 2 chapters, then the band played some more music, then I started. My chapter is where Haman is introduced, and during the reading, whenever Haman's name is mentioned, everybody makes noise! (Anybody remember PeeWee's Playhouse? "Whenever somebody says the secret word, everybody scream real loud!") So every time I read "Haman" it was crazy! I got through it, not my finest hour, but perfectly acceptable, and after, Rabbi Azari did his sweet shpiel about me being new to Beit Daniel, etc.
I repaired to the drinks table--there was lots of vodka, but no cups! Fortunately I had my nearly empty water bottle! I had my drink, and enjoyed the rest of the reading. One of the women who read has become my new ideal--she read with such ease and humor, and when she got to the appropriate place in the text switched the tune to the kid's song with the same words! She was amazing!
At the end, the band started playing in earnest, and we all danced and sang and had a wonderful time. There was a rendition of "Ani Ma'amin" ("I Believe"--text that originated during the Holocaust, and usually is set to solemn music) that rocked!
OK, so it wasn't "Shushan Surfari Dreamin'" or "Shushan 'Cross the Mersey" or "Ahhhhh-hashverosh!" But for years I have been making Purim mine...this year Purim made me its!
Next day, the readers assembled at a retirement home in Tel Aviv, and did the reading again, not so rowdy, but enjoyed just the same.
I took lots of pictures, but only have posted a few--I'll put more on if people request it!
Personally, I was helping host the Prima Vista choir of the Musicschule of Leverkusen Germany. Galron and Prima Vista performed at the Kol Rinah choral festival at Kibbutz Ein Gedi, Yankele Schreibman and I met them and had a tour of Hadassah hospital, and I traveled with them on a tour of the north, around the Kineret, up on the Golan Heights (they are really high, and accessible only by a 2-lane road that snaked and hairpinned its way up. I'm glad I went by bus, because I think I would not like to drive it!) All through this beautiful land there are land mines and bunkers left from the war.
Later that day we toured some sites important to Christians, and then traveled to Nazareth Illit, to tour a chocolate factory and then perform at a nursing home (they performed, I carried music stands and ran for water!)
I was also preparing to chant chapter 3 of the book of Esther at Beit Daniel. I borrowed a kimono from my friend Pnina Gershony, and Thursday evening went to Tel Aviv, hoping people would be dressed up, hoping I would be OK. The synagogue was MOBBED! At 6 they had a party in the sanctuary for kids and parents, with a live band, and tons of food and things for sale. When I arrived at 7:45 the party was still going on, and everybody was dressed in some kind of costume! We settled down for a short evening service, but the hilarity continued--the cantor led the Chatzi Kaddish to the tune of "Ani Purim!"
Then we all went downstairs to the social hall for the megilla reading (here starts some background for those who have never experienced Purim in community.) There were cushions, low chairs and other chairs all over the room, with space for another band, and the table where we readers would sit. Tables lined the walls and were scattered among the seats, filled with food, wine, vodka and fruit juices (you are supposed to drink as the megilla is read, until you can't distinguish between the names of Mordechai (the uncle of Esther) and Haman (the bad guy.)
The second band had a gorgeous girl singer, and we sang some songs before starting to read. We read 2 chapters, then the band played some more music, then I started. My chapter is where Haman is introduced, and during the reading, whenever Haman's name is mentioned, everybody makes noise! (Anybody remember PeeWee's Playhouse? "Whenever somebody says the secret word, everybody scream real loud!") So every time I read "Haman" it was crazy! I got through it, not my finest hour, but perfectly acceptable, and after, Rabbi Azari did his sweet shpiel about me being new to Beit Daniel, etc.
I repaired to the drinks table--there was lots of vodka, but no cups! Fortunately I had my nearly empty water bottle! I had my drink, and enjoyed the rest of the reading. One of the women who read has become my new ideal--she read with such ease and humor, and when she got to the appropriate place in the text switched the tune to the kid's song with the same words! She was amazing!
At the end, the band started playing in earnest, and we all danced and sang and had a wonderful time. There was a rendition of "Ani Ma'amin" ("I Believe"--text that originated during the Holocaust, and usually is set to solemn music) that rocked!
OK, so it wasn't "Shushan Surfari Dreamin'" or "Shushan 'Cross the Mersey" or "Ahhhhh-hashverosh!" But for years I have been making Purim mine...this year Purim made me its!
Next day, the readers assembled at a retirement home in Tel Aviv, and did the reading again, not so rowdy, but enjoyed just the same.
I took lots of pictures, but only have posted a few--I'll put more on if people request it!
Beit Daniel, the Next Chapter
I am a regular at Beit Daniel services, now, leading parts of each Friday service (sometimes all) and generally having the second aliyah in the morning service. I'm starting to learn the melodies I don't know, and the texts I need to know. I take a different music book with me each week to try to either identify what tune they are using, or where I can find an alternative. A lot of little blue and red and green stickies! But I know that I can "cobble" together a Friday evening and Saturday morning service that will do.
I'm meeting the congregation members, a few at a time. And getting to know the cantor and rabbis. Everyone is very sweet, supportive, completely accepting. But what is my status?
Tonight I learned!
I went to the erev Shabbat service, was prepared to introduce a new melody for Oseh Shalom (Jeff Klepper's, which TBS loved.) I was thinking it would be better to do it when there was a busload of Americans (we have them 2-3 times a month) because the Americans would know it. As I parked my car, 4 busloads of people were going into the building--all Americans! (How many signs do I need?) We had 600 people at the service! One of them was Leon Sher, a prominent cantorial soloist from the states who has written some nice melodies for the liturgy. I had met him at the Zamir Choral Fest a few years ago--reintroduced myself, then the service started.
Time came for the silent prayer, and after, time for me. Swallowed the butterflies (parparim in Hebrew!) and hummed the Oseh Shalom as an introduction to my Hebrew version of "May the Words," then sang that, and when I went into Oseh Shalom for real--fully 450 people sang with me! I dipped in and out of the soprano harmony, and what fun we had!
Back to my seat, most relieved and so happy!
During the announcements, Rabbi Azari thanked me, said that I made aliyah a year ago, and have been helping out in Beit Daniel services, and that when the congregation in Jaffo is developed, Cindy will be part of it!! In front of all of those witnesses! Now I know.
For Adon Olam, Rabbi Azari asked if there were any cantorial soloists among the guests--I pointed at Leon, and he was invited to come up to help lead the closing song, and then, so was I! It was one LOUD closing song, but again, such fun!
After, Leon thanked me, and remembered that we had met at the Choral Fest. We talked about how we had heard that the Israeli Reform synagogues all had their own melodies--then we had Debbie Friedman's Ahavat Olam, and others! At the kiddush people were lovely as usual.
Rabbah Galia asked me how it went--good, good! Then she told me how impressed she has been by my flexibility and assertiveness in being part of each service. And how the congregation loves me--how many people have talked to her about me. I am so grateful, for so much.
Now, it won't a "job" as it was at TBS. There is no "Hebrew" school--the kids already know that! No religious school... So a big component of an American congregation is not an issue here. I'll be paid on a "per service" basis, as I was when I started this amazing journey 10 years ago. So what? That's how they do it here! But what potential! It's very exciting to be involved in bringing the sweetness of the Reform movement to Israel! They are "feeling their ways" and have accepted me as a fellow pioneer. Still a little unreal. No, still COMPLETELY unreal. Only it is real, and mine.
PS--I will be chanting a chapter of Esther for Purim. When I checked it in my "big book" (parents of my former students will know this!) another "sign"--the chapter starts with the 5 verses I always chanted at TBS.
I'm meeting the congregation members, a few at a time. And getting to know the cantor and rabbis. Everyone is very sweet, supportive, completely accepting. But what is my status?
Tonight I learned!
I went to the erev Shabbat service, was prepared to introduce a new melody for Oseh Shalom (Jeff Klepper's, which TBS loved.) I was thinking it would be better to do it when there was a busload of Americans (we have them 2-3 times a month) because the Americans would know it. As I parked my car, 4 busloads of people were going into the building--all Americans! (How many signs do I need?) We had 600 people at the service! One of them was Leon Sher, a prominent cantorial soloist from the states who has written some nice melodies for the liturgy. I had met him at the Zamir Choral Fest a few years ago--reintroduced myself, then the service started.
Time came for the silent prayer, and after, time for me. Swallowed the butterflies (parparim in Hebrew!) and hummed the Oseh Shalom as an introduction to my Hebrew version of "May the Words," then sang that, and when I went into Oseh Shalom for real--fully 450 people sang with me! I dipped in and out of the soprano harmony, and what fun we had!
Back to my seat, most relieved and so happy!
During the announcements, Rabbi Azari thanked me, said that I made aliyah a year ago, and have been helping out in Beit Daniel services, and that when the congregation in Jaffo is developed, Cindy will be part of it!! In front of all of those witnesses! Now I know.
For Adon Olam, Rabbi Azari asked if there were any cantorial soloists among the guests--I pointed at Leon, and he was invited to come up to help lead the closing song, and then, so was I! It was one LOUD closing song, but again, such fun!
After, Leon thanked me, and remembered that we had met at the Choral Fest. We talked about how we had heard that the Israeli Reform synagogues all had their own melodies--then we had Debbie Friedman's Ahavat Olam, and others! At the kiddush people were lovely as usual.
Rabbah Galia asked me how it went--good, good! Then she told me how impressed she has been by my flexibility and assertiveness in being part of each service. And how the congregation loves me--how many people have talked to her about me. I am so grateful, for so much.
Now, it won't a "job" as it was at TBS. There is no "Hebrew" school--the kids already know that! No religious school... So a big component of an American congregation is not an issue here. I'll be paid on a "per service" basis, as I was when I started this amazing journey 10 years ago. So what? That's how they do it here! But what potential! It's very exciting to be involved in bringing the sweetness of the Reform movement to Israel! They are "feeling their ways" and have accepted me as a fellow pioneer. Still a little unreal. No, still COMPLETELY unreal. Only it is real, and mine.
PS--I will be chanting a chapter of Esther for Purim. When I checked it in my "big book" (parents of my former students will know this!) another "sign"--the chapter starts with the 5 verses I always chanted at TBS.
Old News to Me, But Not to You!
My second chance leading the service at Beit Daniel, 2 weeks ago. On the supplement, instead of "Guest Chazzanit" they just put "Chazzanit"--wonder if that means anything? It went really well, even though I worked with a young guy with a guitar--and no rehearsal!
Aside from a misunderstanding about the length and content of one song (oh, I am really blowing with the wind now!) and me skipping a verse on another, (oops!) on the whole it went VERY well, and it was nice to have a partner. We worked with the female rabbi, and she was very sweet and organized (and my original champion.)
After, I did the kiddush (though I didn't know they wanted me to, and took my sweet time getting downstairs!) and then everybody wanted to talk to me. SO many nice comments (voice, music, service,) and a few that really meant something special. Several said how much they enjoy my services, what a nice change it makes from the cantor and how I seemed more relaxed tonight, which made them more comfortable. (They didn't know I spent the WHOLE DAY SHAKING with fear. Literally.) I don't know where this fear comes from, but it has been my companion for so many years. If only I could make it my friend. We'll see if I live long enough!
To the cantor, who gave me a bear hug--I asked if it was better, he said "MUCH better, in fact on another level entirely!" and then went on to praise (again--he loves it) the Yihyu L'Ratzon that goes into the Hirsh Oseh Shalom. He thinks it isn't long enough and wants me to make it longer with a solo for me at the end because "with the clapping and singing they forget how you made them feel at the beginning!" Well!
And then a woman came up, and we 3 talked, and she said to me, "do you have the siddur Hebrew?" and the cantor said, "oh, yes, she has it all!" (Oy, did I knock on wood then!) That was one of the things that brought my "score" on the first service WAY down--the pronunciation. Then the head rabbi, I asked how it was, better than the last time? "Oh, yes, yes! I enjoyed the service very much!" So I feel pretty good!
Then a lovely dinner at my dear friend, sister, Aliza's--can that woman cook! I helped with the dishes and made myself a refrigerator dish of leftovers for Sunday when I work! Nice to be at a place where I know where the refrigerator dishes are, and can feel free to make a doggy bag!
That catches us up to the next post, which already I wrote!
Aside from a misunderstanding about the length and content of one song (oh, I am really blowing with the wind now!) and me skipping a verse on another, (oops!) on the whole it went VERY well, and it was nice to have a partner. We worked with the female rabbi, and she was very sweet and organized (and my original champion.)
After, I did the kiddush (though I didn't know they wanted me to, and took my sweet time getting downstairs!) and then everybody wanted to talk to me. SO many nice comments (voice, music, service,) and a few that really meant something special. Several said how much they enjoy my services, what a nice change it makes from the cantor and how I seemed more relaxed tonight, which made them more comfortable. (They didn't know I spent the WHOLE DAY SHAKING with fear. Literally.) I don't know where this fear comes from, but it has been my companion for so many years. If only I could make it my friend. We'll see if I live long enough!
To the cantor, who gave me a bear hug--I asked if it was better, he said "MUCH better, in fact on another level entirely!" and then went on to praise (again--he loves it) the Yihyu L'Ratzon that goes into the Hirsh Oseh Shalom. He thinks it isn't long enough and wants me to make it longer with a solo for me at the end because "with the clapping and singing they forget how you made them feel at the beginning!" Well!
And then a woman came up, and we 3 talked, and she said to me, "do you have the siddur Hebrew?" and the cantor said, "oh, yes, she has it all!" (Oy, did I knock on wood then!) That was one of the things that brought my "score" on the first service WAY down--the pronunciation. Then the head rabbi, I asked how it was, better than the last time? "Oh, yes, yes! I enjoyed the service very much!" So I feel pretty good!
Then a lovely dinner at my dear friend, sister, Aliza's--can that woman cook! I helped with the dishes and made myself a refrigerator dish of leftovers for Sunday when I work! Nice to be at a place where I know where the refrigerator dishes are, and can feel free to make a doggy bag!
That catches us up to the next post, which already I wrote!
Sheleg Al Iri-Snow on My Town
I watched the news on TV and internet, and when I knew it was snowing in Jerusalem and the North, I grabbed my keys and my camera, hopped in the car, and went there! Drove through pelting rain, hail, fierce winds, up into the mountains, absolutely SURE that I wouldn't see any snow. But as I rounded the last curve to Ein Kerem, I could see white!
But I wanted to see it on the Old City, so into town I went. The snow had been about 4 inches thick, but by the time I got there was turning to heavy slush. Messy, and the roads were bad even by Columbus standards, but I made it, and on the way caught a few pictures. Made my way to the Goldman Promenade, to see what I could of the old city and the mosques.
I'm generally a bad photographer, but I have some good software, and I think the results were pretty good!
But I wanted to see it on the Old City, so into town I went. The snow had been about 4 inches thick, but by the time I got there was turning to heavy slush. Messy, and the roads were bad even by Columbus standards, but I made it, and on the way caught a few pictures. Made my way to the Goldman Promenade, to see what I could of the old city and the mosques.
I'm generally a bad photographer, but I have some good software, and I think the results were pretty good!
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