Memories of Esther Safer come to mind as I sit to write this article for the Profile. I want to discuss two activities in which, over her years at our congregation, Esther participated. While serious in her intent and doing her best to contribute to each in a meaningful way, Esther always approached each activity with a sense of adventure and fun – AND, a huge smile on her face!
The first is Tikkun L’Ayl Shavuot, which this year is on Thursday night, May 28. It is an evening that combines a social hour, service, and study session. It comes after we have ended our counting of the omer and when we welcome in our Shavuot chag. We study until just past midnight at B’nai Emunah, although traditionally many observant Jews study throughout the night until it comes time to conduct the morning service.
When we count the omer, we often end with a prayer or entreaty to “teach us to number our days so that we may get a heart of wisdom,” and our Tikkun L’Ayl Shavuot affords us that opportunity. When we study together, we not only increase our own knowledge, but we get an insight into our fellow congregants and how they think. We come to appreciate our similarities and value our differences as we share and discuss ideas and concepts. It is another activity that binds us together as a community and allows us to recognize the diversity among our members.
Although we are still working out the evening’s format, I am sure that this first Tikkun L’Ayl Shavuot with Rabbi Mark will be as innovative as the other programs and study sessions he has brought to B’nai Emunah. While we feed ourselves with cheese and crackers, cheesecake and other goodies, we are sure to feed our souls with a great exchange of ideas or, at least, some food for thought. Join us!
The next activity that I want to remind you of is our volunteer choir. We will participate again in our Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services. This year, however, it seems that we will be missing our only tenor. Walter Ullmann is finally retiring from the choir and we will only have the pleasure of seeing him in the congregation. So, who out there would like to join the choir and sing tenor? We will be meeting on Wednesday nights and, generally, we start after Shavuot.
Trust me, we are not looking for another Pavarotti, but it does help if you can carry a tune! While you don’t have to sight-read music, it is also helpful if you can pick up a melody fairly quickly after hearing it a few times. I can help by making a CD of the parts, so if you are interested in joining us, please contact me as soon as possible if you need that assistance. The first few rehearsals will be listed in our announcement sheets that are near the siddurim each Shabbat. We are not an exclusive group and welcome any and all new members, but this year we are desperately seeking tenors!
Hoping that your remaining days of counting are filled with goodness and blessings,
Cantor Linda
