“Friday Night Live” arrived in Port Washington when Temple Beth Israel combined traditional Kabbalat Shabbat (Welcoming the Sabbath) and Maariv (Evening) prayers with joyful and inspiring live music.
The more than 250 members present welcomed in the Sabbath to the melodies provided by singer-songwriter Naomi Less and three accompanying musicians (a guitarist, violist, and percussionist).
The sanctuary was filled with a special energy, enthusiasm, and spirituality as congregates sang, clapped, and danced in the aisles during the service, said those who were there.
And what could be timelier than this spiritually-uplifting worship occurring on Shabbat Shirah? Shabbat Shirah, meaning the “Shabbat of Song,” commemorates the song of celebration that Moses, Miriam, and the Children of Israel sang after the successful crossing of the Sea of Reeds and the defeat of the Egyptian army.
Temple Beth Israel’s foray into a musical Shabbat was spearheaded by Rabbi Michael Mishkin and Cantor Baruch Blum, along with a committee of synagogue members. This was the pilot program, with additional “Friday Night Live” services planned for later in the year.
Temple Beth Israel describes itself as Port Washington’s egalitarian, contemporary conservative synagogue. For further information, contact synagogue administrator Lisa Naiburg at (516) 767-1708 or email info@tbiport.org.
