Sounds of the Sanctuary

The month of Elul, our month of preparation for the High Holidays, begins on the eve of Thursday, August 20. During Elul this year, we will highlight the sounds of our sanctuary leading up to the Days of Awe. Please join us for this Wednesday-night series as we discuss the instruments that help to create our sacred sounds. Our series will culminate on Saturday, September 12 with S'lichot services. We will pray and learn about the liturgy and structure of this beautiful penitential service, traditionally recited at midnight on the Saturday before Rosh Hashanah.

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The Sound of the Organ at Congregation Sherith Israel
Wednesday, August 26, 6pm

Join us as we explore the beautiful sounds of the newly refurbished sanctuary organ. Musical director Jonathan Dimmock will play a few organ works and answer questions about this magnificent instrument, while Cantor Glaser teaches about the history of the organ within Reform Jewish worship.

A Concert Grand Piano for the Sanctuary

Wednesday, September 2, 6 pm

Sherith Israel has recently purchased a beautiful Yamaha Artist Series concert grand piano for the sanctuary. Join Jonathan Dimmock and Cantor Glaser as we debut the magnificent sounds of this instrument. Afterward, Jonathan will explain the process of obtaining a rare Artist Series piano and answer questions about the mechanics and sonority of this wonderful addition to the sanctuary, while Cantor Glaser talks about Jewish concert pianists throughout history.

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The Shofar Calls

Wednesday, September 9, 6 pm

Join expert shofar maker and Congregation Sherith Israel member, Maurice Kamins, as he takes us on a tour of his workshop and explains the many animals and shofar styles that are represented in his collection. We will also take participants' questions, and Cantor Glaser will give some background on the history of the shofar in Jewish worship and biblical text.

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Havdallah and S'lichot Service

Saturday, September 12, 7 pm

Join the clergy team as we make Havdallah and delve deeper into our High Holiday preparation through exploring Selichot. Why is this service significant, and what is the liturgy that makes it so beautiful? Rabbi Jessica Zimmerman Graf will introduce our 2020 re-imagining of the High Holidays, Cantor Toby Glaser will demonstrate some traditional Selichot chants and melodies, and Rabbi Abby Phelps will teach on the nature of liturgical forgiveness and the place of this service within our Days of Awe.

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Join us on Zoom