Dear Congregation Beth Ohr,
Thank you for your support during this difficult time. It has really meant so much to Ilya and I, each person who has come forward to connect after these consecutive unexpected losses. First Natalia's untimely passing, and now the loss of job, home, and community. We appreciate your understanding as we navigate our way through this transition. Please know that I am still your cantor, and remain devoted to serving the needs of our congregation to the best of my ability throughout the remainder of our time together.
I often feel that our weekly Torah portion relates in some way to my own personal experience that week, offering insights and perspectives that help me to see my situation in a broader context. In this week's Torah portion, Beshallah, the Israelites leave the familiarity of life in Egypt. They cross the Sea of Reeds into the wilderness, the unknown that lies beyond. The first thing they do when they reach dry land is to chant a song of praise to God, called Shirat HaYam, the Song of the Sea.
It is because of this ancient song that this Shabbat is called Shabbat Shirah, a Shabbat of Song. Synagogues around the world typically offer special musical programming for this Shabbat. Last year, I prepared an informational sheet about the composers of our liturgical music for Friday night and Saturday morning services, and taught the Nosh and Drash session about customs for chanting Shirat Hayam.
This year, with the rise of the #metoo movement, I wanted to highlight female composers of liturgical music.
When I came to Congregation Beth Ohr, the only prayer widely known by both source congregations written by a woman was Oseh Shalom. This song was written by Nurit Hirsch for the first Chassidic Song Festival, in Israel in 1969!
Since then, I have worked to incorporate more repertoire written by women, including some of my own compositions. In particular, I want to draw attention to Debbie Friedman, whose seventh yahrzeit falls this week. The majority of the prayer melodies we sing tonight will feature women composers!
CLICK HERE to listen to a medley of Kabbalat Shabbat songs by female Jewish composers.
Arranged and recorded by Sarah Myerson (voice and banjolele)
Shalom Aleichem, text liturgical, composed by Daphna Rosenberg
Shir Chadash, text Psalm 96, composed by Julie Silver
Or Zarua, text Psalm 97, composed by Joanna Selznick Dulkin
L'cha Dodi, text Shlomo Alkabetz, composed by Daphna Rosenberg
Mad Gadlu, text based on Psalm 92, composed by Shefa Gold
I look forward to welcoming Shabbat together,
Shabbat Shalom,
Cantor Sarah Myerson
Affiliated with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism