Something this important deserves some extra attention. So, I’m using this week’s KQ to talk about Shabbat services that will occur at next Friday night (08.05).
Back in April, 2022 I led a rockin’ Shabbat with Rabbi Micah Lapidus and his ensemble, “Hello, Goodbye & Peace.” That Shabbat was a fiery, southern, Jewish, and soulful night. Well, we’re bringing them back again, seven more times throughout the year!
We’re calling these Friday nights, Shalhevet Shabbat. Shalhevet is the Hebrew word for that blue color at the base of a flame—the hottest part. That is the deep energy we plan to bring for each of these special Shabbat services.
Shalhevet Shabbat started with a shared dream and an idea between Rabbis Spike, Rachael, Micah, and me. The dream was to transfer some of the infectious Shabbat energy that we experience in Israel to the United States. The present challenge is in translation.
The melodies that we love when we’re in Israel don’t translate to America so well. The idea came from years of work that Rabbi Micah has put in to find a sound that is uniquely Jewish, southern, and soulful – melodies that the congregation can sing and get caught up in. This is how Shalhevet Shabbat was born.
Shalhevet Shabbat will be a welcomed change of pace. As always, you’ll see our cantorial soloist Jessica Tillem and me on the bimah in addition to Rabbi Micah Lapidus and his ensemble: a rotating mix of vocals, piano, violin, percussion, and bass.
I highly recommend coming to Shabbat this week and next. Check out the best of both worlds: the amazing prayers led by cantorial soloist Jessica Tillem (07.29) AND the original melodies with Rabbi Micah Lapidus and the Hello, Goodbye & Peace ensemble (08.05).
