Jan 2013 Light for Web.pub - Temple Emanuel

Neil Schnitzer Cantor’s Notes
Dear Congregant,
In addition to all the other special
events coming up here at Temple
Emanuel, on January 25 and 26,
we will observe Shabbat Shirah-
the Shabbat of Song. This
Shabbat is so named because the
Torah portion we read that week,
B’shallach, includes the Song at
the Sea, Shirat HaYam. This is the portion of the Torah
from which Mi Chamocha is taken. Mi Chamocha,
however, is but a portion of the entire parsha, which
begins at Chapter 13 verse 17 and continues through the
end of Chapter 17 of Exodus (Shemot). In the Torah, the
first 18 verses of Chapter 15, which comprise the entire
Shirat HaYam are printed in a very special way,
4th & 5th Grade Shabbaton
4
appearing almost as waves in the ocean. The verses are
a song of praise to God’s supreme greatness. A special
melody, different from the regular Torah trope,
accompanies the special way of inscribing the words in
the scroll. This Shabbat also coincides with Tu b’shevat,
the ninth day of the month of Shevat, when we celebrate
the new year of the trees. Please join me to hear the
special melody and sing other prayers and songs in
praise of God and trees on the evening of January 25.
Hanukkah Puppet show
Hanukkah Happenings
at Temple Emanuel