Celebrating - Holy Blossom Temple
Celebrating - Holy Blossom Temple
Celebrating - Holy Blossom Temple
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6<br />
Musical Notes from the Cantor<br />
T e m p l e S i n g e r s<br />
Opportunities for Jewish learning, friendship, fun and<br />
collaboration provide our <strong>Temple</strong> Singers group with more<br />
than the expected experiences of what it is to sing in a<br />
synagogue choir.<br />
Yes the music is beautiful and it is a great honour to participate<br />
in Shabbat, festival, concert and special congregational events.<br />
So too is it enjoyable to sing with other choirs in the city, both<br />
Jewish and from other sacred communities.<br />
The hidden gem about participating in this choir, aside from<br />
the friendships formed, fun, social support and comeraderie,<br />
is the quality of Jewish learning that takes place as we study a<br />
piece of liturgical, Israeli, or secular music. Cantor Maissner<br />
provides exquisite commentary on the Judaic roots of each<br />
piece of music, its connection to our liturgy, the historical<br />
context of the composition as well how it fits into our Reform<br />
tradition. It is a delight to learn about Israeli music. Not<br />
only do we all enjoy it, but Cantor Maissner, has probably<br />
met or worked with so many important Israeli composers<br />
and performer(s) from Naomi Shemer, and Dudu Fisher to<br />
Gevatron and Naftali Hershtik. We are frequently introduced<br />
to Yiddish melodies that stand the test of time. Not bad for<br />
such a young cantor! It is exciting to feel part of a learning<br />
community!<br />
You might think that you have to have a beautiful voice and/<br />
or that you must read music to sing in the choir. Neither<br />
is accurate as we always consider ourselves one voice, with<br />
members learning to listen to one another and blend our<br />
voices - each unique and special. As for reading music, few of<br />
us are very competent sight readers, but we are good enough<br />
and with the guidance of our Cantor and Nadia Adler our<br />
accompanist and our professional choir, we learn very difficult<br />
pieces and enjoy the satisfaction and pride of mastering what<br />
for us are complex pieces of music.<br />
There are many opportunities to participate in <strong>Temple</strong> Life<br />
that offer rich experiences. The <strong>Temple</strong> Singers is yet another<br />
such group that will open doors for enriched participation in<br />
Jewish life. <strong>Temple</strong> members of all ages and levels of musical<br />
experience who are interested in learning in our relaxed and<br />
welcoming setting, are welcome to come to any of our<br />
rehearsals (Sundays 10.00 am- 12-00 pm). In fact, bring a<br />
friend and join us for a few rehearsals if only to enjoy a taste<br />
of what keeps many of us so connected to <strong>Temple</strong> through the<br />
<strong>Temple</strong> Singers.<br />
Just one more thing. If you sing with <strong>Temple</strong> Singers, it means<br />
a terrific reserved seat at all <strong>Temple</strong> services!<br />
Contact Mari Lynn Rusak mlrusak@holyblossom.org or<br />
Cantor Maissner bmaisser@holyblossom.org<br />
or call 416.789.3291 ext 224 and let either know that you<br />
would like to come to a rehearsal.<br />
Submitted by Jack Kugelmass<br />
Joanne Roher<br />
Chairperson<br />
<strong>Holy</strong> <strong>Blossom</strong> <strong>Temple</strong>
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