My recent posts…

Parshat Lech-Lecha 5785

We make assumptions about others based on what we see: what they wear, what they drive, their work, past-times… And we project upon the other who passes our superficial entrance exam what we want them to be — i.e., more like us!

Yom Kippur Singing

My recent posts...Over the decades, I have composed melodies for some of the texts we use in our prayer services. (I've written English interpretations of the texts for a few of them.) Some of them are posted here so we can sing them together at Shirat Hayam and, even...

Singing at the Sea

Jan 30, 2021

Shirat Hayam, the song at the sea, is a magnificent biblical ode to God’s power in freeing the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. It is the centerpiece of this week’s Torah reading.

In the spirit of song, most of the service this Shabbat morning will be sung. Old melodies, newer ones, even a few original tunes by Rabbi Kremer. Starting at 9:30 … come sing with us!

Also, this Shabbat is the anniversary of Cantor Ed Kulp’s Bar Mitzvah. Join us in celebration!

Pharaoh and the Egyptian army are drowned in the Sea of Reeds by Adonai. Moshe and the men of Israel burst out in song, shirat hayam, the Song at the Sea, a triumphal ode to Adonai’s wondrous powers:

אָשִׁירָה לַאֲדֹנָי כִּי גָאֹה גָּאָה
ASHIRA LADONAI KI GA’O GA’A
I will sing to Adonai for Adonai has triumphed mightily!

In contrast, Miryam, Moshe’s sister, leads the women in dance and song:

שִׁירוּ לַיְיָ כִּי גָאֹה גָּאָה
SHIRU LADONAI KI GA’O GA’A
Let us Sing to Adonai for Adonai has triumphed mightily!

Declaration and invitation.
The self and the collective.
Id and superego.

In exultation, alone or in concert, we praise God for the wonders in our lives.

Shabbat shalom! שבת שלום