There has been so much happening. April is another busy month, highlighted by our celebration of Pesach, the most widely celebrated holiday on the Jewish calendar. People from every avenue of Jewish life gather in homes of their families and friends, the resonance of the theme of freedom from bondage, broadens the appeal of this big tent holiday.
Each year I look for new ways to express our personal journey to the Seder table. I’m certain that my experiences this past year, including my trip to Israel during a major conflict will cause some reflection as will all of the wonderful programs about Israel advocacy that are being presented at B’nai Tikvah this year.
Israel advocacy has never been more important. Through prominent speakers and inspiring films, we have advanced our literacy and understanding of the difficult times that we are experiencing. Danny Greenberg, our programming vice president has never worked harder and with more passion. Our presidents, Allison and Ruth Anne have helped to foster a can do welcoming environment and Rabbi Wolkoff as inspired our awareness and introduced us to Dr. Naomi Vilko, a new B’nai Tikvah member and a foremost advocate for Israel education.
There is a lot of excitement at B’nai Tikvah. I’m so looking forward to the Rutgers Hillel Fit for Israel run/walk on April 19th. A large contingent from our synagogue will be leading the way at this VERY IMPORTANT COMMUNITY EVENT. Many of us have been focusing our training towards this event, so even if you do not plan to run or walk, please join us at the event and root us on as we support Rutgers Hillel and Israel advocacy education.
The Second Annual Sons of Tikvah Band Falafel Ball will be held on Wednesday April 22 following religious school. Together, we’ll eat, sing and dance in celebration of Yom Haatzmaut, Israel Independence Day. This is a free event co-sponsored by The Sons of Tikvah Band and generous contributions by members like you! To declare your support please contact me,
L’dor Vador
I first introduced L’dor Vador in 2007. I wrote “I have often thought about doing great stuff at B’nai Tikvah. Something big and special that will ignite the Jewish communal passion of B’nai Tikvah. I appreciate that this is a shul that nurtures dreamers. Hopefully you have seen the announcement of the L’dor Vador Concert in the lobby or on our web-site. The program will be amazing… The concert will celebrate our gratitude to our parents and inspire us to encourage our children to embrace our legacy, L’dor vador, form generation to generation. A Source of Pride and Enlightenment.”. I am thankful that for 9 years this event has gained momentum and has been a catalyst for excellence and leadership at B’nai Tikvah.
Our old friend Elliott Danto and I had a conversation with Ben Gottesman. Ben passionately explained that people never heard of the performer or most of the Jewish musicians that I was aware of. So, this became my mission; to introduce and showcase the best Jewish performers in America to our community at B’nai Tikvah. We have developed a great reputation and I’m proud to say that we are accomplishing our goal.
On May 17th at 7PM, the always extraordinary, highly anticipated, 9th Annual, The Claire & Irving Teicher L’dor Vador Vador Concert, presents our musical event of the year will feature “Pharaoh’s Daughter”. Blending a modern sensibility and a pan-Mediterranean sensuality, Basya Schechter leads her band, Pharaoh’s Daughter, through swirling Hasidic chants, Mizrachi and Sephardi folk-rock, and spiritual stylings filtered through percussion, flute, strings and electronica. Her sound has been cultivated by her Hasidic music background and a series of trips to the Middle East, Africa, Israel, Egypt, Central Africa, Turkey, Kurdistan and Greece. The band performs in Hebrew, English and Yiddish.
Please check out the band’s website. You can hear their music, read review’s and listen to interviews with Basya Schechter, the bands leader. I’ll be sure to send you more information. You can order your tickets in the synagogue office or online at www.bnaitikvah.org/concert
Please plan to be here!
Worship the Lord with Gladness and Joy
Cantor Bruce Rockman
Other upcoming events at B’nai Tikvah
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