My name is Evelyn McGilloway and I am the Chair of Beth Haverim Shir Shalom’s Music Committee. In 1989, when I first became a member of this “House of Friends”, Rabbi Weinberg (z”l) led our small community in prayer and song; together, we made our own music. In the summer of 1990, Rabbi Weinberg started a choir with just five members. He chose the music and Russian pianist, Sergei Azumanov, was hired as accompanist. After a few years, we enjoyed having a variety of student cantors. Choir membership remained around ten people.
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Shabbat Shirah – Friday, February 3, 8 p.m. -
Do you love your Cantor? Do you love your temple? You love our choirs! Of course you do! Please come and support your music department, and both of our awesome choirs, the Adults and Juniors. The young kids and the adults work tireless hours every month, and year, and in some cases, decades. This year will be especially nice due to the presence of Cantor Charles Osborne. Cantor Osborne wrote "This is The Day" to celebrate Rabbi Mosbacher’s first decade with BHSS. The service will include music specially chosen for this liturgy. Come and sing with us! Help us show our gratitude to both groups for the time and energy they put in to learn, develop, and inspire us all to greater heights of spiritual joy and release, as well as helping us to remember and heal, and live and celebrate. We will joined by our fabulous accompanist Itay Goren; Jane Koch, our religious school music specialist, will enhance the choir; and of course, Cantor Osborne. Looking forward to seeing you all on February 3 at 8 p.m.
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In 1996, when we moved into our present home on
Ramapo Valley Road
, Cantor Telpasi was a fine vocal presence. However, it was not until the summer of 2002 and the establishment of our first Music Committee under joint chairs, Bonnie and Rich Berens (members of the very first choir), coincided with the arrival of
Cantor
Barbra
Lieberstein
that music at Beth Haverim really changed. Since then, the Music Committee has served to liaise with Rabbi, Cantor, administration and Board, has its own budget and, working closely with the Ritual Committee, plans programs throughout the year. From 2002 through 2005, under Cantor Lieberstein’s expert direction, the choir grew and performed regularly, introducing many new programs along the way. During this time, a Junior Choir was started with around six children drawn from grades 3-6. Jane Koch, teacher of
Religious
School
music, has been their teacher and accompanist. There are now 12 enthusiastic members. For more information, please contact Nora Berger at niberger@aol.com
Since September, 2006,
Cantor David Perper
is leading the musical way forward. His beautiful voice enhances every service and under his gifted and energetic leadership, the choir has grown to 30 members, some of whom read music, some learn by listening and repetition. Music is at the heart of Beth Haverim Shir Shalom life. Our Music Committee has grown, too, and works hard to bring together the musical ideals and ideas of Rabbi Mosbacher and Cantor Perper. I am grateful for the continuing support of our President and Board of Trustees. We always welcome ideas and input. We encourage you to come and sing with the choir or attend a committee meeting on the first Tuesday of every month.*
evelynmcg@verizon.net
*Dates and times may vary; for up to date information, please check with the synagogue office.
Join the JUNIOR Choir Today!!
Click here for a registration form.
If you have any questions, please phone the synagogue office at 201-512-1983 or email to schoolatbethhav@optonline.net and provide us with your child’s name and grade, and your telephone number.