Dearest Friends,
How are you all?
I have so much to share! I’m writing to you from Israel, where I’ve returned to Jerusalem for the first time in six years. Until I returned, I hadn’t realized how thirsty I was for the air, the wind, and the soul that is the Holy Land.
Last month, I was blessed to join the faculty of the Academy of Jewish Religion (AJR-CA) to lead a summer intensive for future clergy. We explored what it is to live authentically, to lead a community with power and kindness, and to root ourselves within the values and depths of Torah. It was the first time I’d ever done something like this, and I loved every second.On this trip, I will participate in a Rosh Chodesh service with Women of the Wall, and will also offer songs at the Egalitarian Kotel during the Masorti Movement’s Erev Tisha Be’Av service. Later in the week, I will be blessed to join this summer’s Ramah Seminar program, where we will rise in song with hundreds of beautiful students. And finally, I will be participating in Friday night services and singing a concert at Jerusalem’s Kehilat Kol HaNeshama – the first place I had ever led a tefillah that was not “women only.” The concert on July 29 will be in honor of Rabbi Levi, the Rabbi who encouraged me, and his beloved Paula. And, I will be sharing the moment with my son who will be playing drums in the band!
In other very exciting news, it is with great joy (and gratitude, again, for Levi Kelman’s guidance and strength!) that I share that I will be co-leading High Holiday prayers once again at the Glen Rock Jewish Center in Glen Rock, NJ!! I am overwhelmed, grateful and deeply inspired to be working with Rabbi Jennifer Schlosberg, the best of the best, and to continue to learn with and from this incredible community! There will be opportunities for non-members to join in person, so please reach out to me if you would like to be with us!
On August 20, my team and I will be performing at an incredible outdoor festival in Westchester County, NY! My friends the Levins and the amazing Liz Queler Band will also be performing and, right before my set, my extraordinarily talented sons will be performing with their music community, Urban Garage! Please check out the attached flier and my website for dates and information for upcoming events. As the world continues to heal, I hope to sing with you in person one day very soon!
May our prayers be heard and answered in this month of Av, where we remember all that has been destroyed and dream about all that can be rebuilt. Wherever you are in the world, please always lift your voice in prayer – you are more powerful than you realize.
With love and in friendship,
Neshama |
