Katchko: 3 Generations of Cantorial Art, compiled by Deborah Katchko Gray Edited and Produced by Velvel Pasternak Tara Publications 2009, Companion CD included Review by Robert S. Scherr What if you were able to sit at the side of a master hazzan, Adolph Katchko, one of the g’dolim of the twentieth century’s Golden Age of […]
A Kol Nidre Tale- Thank you Natalie Cole
Kol Nidre is one of the most sacred musical experiences of the year in Jewish worship. It is solemn and awesome; the music is powerful. The cantor has a responsibility to represent the community and uplift them through his or her voice. It is the one prayer I have had extreme anxiety over, due to […]
Second Day Rosh Hashanah. A Yartzeit and PTSD
Do things happen for a reason? Can coincidences be bashert? I believe they can be. Usually I see utter delight in a coincidence of time and space, connections between people and events. This coincidence is not full of joy and not one of delight. It is one that makes me think and remember, and for […]
Cantors and Covid. A New Fall Phobia
This morning I went out for a walk, eagerly anticipating the joy on my grand dog’s face as I call his name from outside his window and see his unbridled excitement. I’m very lucky one of my sons lives 7 houses away from me. However, this morning, something was different; there was a chill in […]
Who Will Speak for us Now?
Who Will Speak for Us Now? Is there anyone today who has a strong moral voice? Who can explain, warn, teach, comfort and inspire these days? I’ve been contemplating this for some time- my teacher and mentor Prof. Elie Wiesel of blessed memory would have spoken out clearly, with strength, dignity, with a moral clear […]
New Tallit Photos
The Miracle and Light of Hanukkah
The Miracle and Light of Hanukkah
A Double Yartzeit
A Double Yartzeit
A Double Yahrzeit
Today is the 18th of Shevat and the yartzeit of date of remembrance of two individuals whose lives continue to bring meaning and lessons for me. They never met, but each one had a profound impact on our world and on our lives. Today is the anniversary of the passing of Elie Wiesel’s father of […]
Hanukkah and the Modern Maccabees
Hanukkah (spelled various ways, Chanukah is also popular) is a holiday of history, legend, miracles and inspiration. In many ways, the modern state of Israel is a modern Maccabee. Let me explain. After the death of King Solomon, the kingdom of Israel split in two, later Babylon conquered half, destroyed the First Temple and the […]
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