This weekend is HISTORIC. Saturday we chant Shirat Hayam, the Torah portion that holds the Song of the Sea. In this Torah portion, the people of Israel stand on the precipice between slavery and freedom. Their oppressors at their backs, and the unknown expanse of the sea before them, the Israelites choose to step into the waters, which miraculously part.
When the people of Israel step into freedom, their emotions are such that they can only sing to God with joy: Michamocha Ba-elim Adonai, Michamocha Nedar Bakodesh? Who is like You among the Gods, who is like you in glorious holiness?
If those words sound familiar, it is because they are! We sing Michamocha as a part of our Geulah, or prayers of redemption section of our daily, Shabbat, and holiday services. There are many fun melodies for this prayer! Check out Debbie Friedman’s famous version HERE
Monday, we recognize a very different march to Freedom. This Monday we honor Dr. Martin Luther King and the incredible life and work he contributed to the civil rights movement.
These marches to freedom, though thousands of years apart, are closer together than we may think. This weekend reminds us of the very real expressions of hate and oppression the Jews and many cultures, races and religions of the world have experienced; both in ancient historical and contemporary times.
This weekend we will lift up our voices in celebration of our freedom with a very special concert, Shir Hallelujah, Song of Celebration. Bringing together the choral communities of greater Atlanta, we will host the first ever community wide choral concert here at TE.
This is free and fun for the whole family! The adult choirs of Congregation Beth Shalom and Zimria Choral Festival Singers of Atlanta join our Community Choir under the conduction of Amy Thropp and our very own Melissa Fontaine and Ann Rollins. We will sing a song of celebration to the heavens above. The music is diverse; spanning generations of classical and contemporary repertoire. YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS IT! This Sunday, TE Sanctuary at 4pm. Oneg Reception to follow. Click HERE to register now!
Catch me on TV in celebration of MLK day!!! This Monday, I am humbled and privileged to represent the Jewish community at the Martin Luther King Jr. Annual Commemorative Service, held at Ebenezer Baptist Church. This service will be moving, thoughtful and meaningful. Please click HERE to live stream or watch the archive. The service will run from 10am-1pm, and you will spot me in the first half hour.
B’shira, in Song,
Cantor Lauren Adesnik
