Some weeks ago, I subscribed to the Union for Reform Judaism’s “10 Minutes of Torah” e-mail series. On Thursday, the daily e-mail provided a wonderful lesson on “The Sounds and Music of Chatzi Kaddish,” replete with cantorial audio selections. I can’t say I’ve been won over to the final (Gottlieb) version discussed in the column, but I’ve really appreciated the opportunity to learn more about this incredibly important prayer.
Today begins a bittersweet anniversary period. Between today and the end of the month, my family commemorates a series of important occasions.
Today, for instance, would have been my paternal grandparents’ 68th wedding anniversary. And both my grandmothers were late-January babies, with their birthdays a week apart (I have many happy memories of joint birthday celebrations). Then, at month’s end, we will say Kaddish for my paternal grandmother, the grandparent my sister and I were lucky to have with us the longest (she died in 2002).
January is also a time to say Kaddish for a number of other loved ones: the great-grandmother for whom my sister is named; my mother’s beloved Aunt Syl; and my maternal grandfather.
All of them remain with us.
Lately, I’ve been seeking comfort by finding and listening to Hebrew prayers/music on the Internet. From time to time, I’ll share some of my discoveries here. Today’s offering: Barbra Streisand’s rendition of the Avinu Malkeinu (“Our Father, Our King”), which is chanted during our High Holy Days. And for an alternate melody, but one that’s equally familiar to me, listen to this clip from a cantorial concert.
You’ll hear all Hebrew; I am looking for a complete translation online (something resembling what I’m used to seeing in the Gates of Repentance) prayerbook, but have not yet found one. Meantime, here’s the best I can do.
As I’ve suggested in some recent posts, and as the number of posts themselves may confirm, this has been a rather challenging week for me. And it hasn’t been so easy for the rest of the world, either. Which is why I’m going to point us all to this lovely rendition of the Mi Shebeirach.
Amen.
These have not been happy days. Last Friday morning, my family and I lost a beloved friend, our congregation’s Senior Rabbi Emeritus, Barry H. Greene. His passing was utterly unexpected. The funeral took place on Sunday. I hope to be able to share excerpts from eulogies another time. Right now, I am still absorbing this shocking event. Zichrono l’vracha.
==========
Barry, as I was privileged to call him, would doubtless have forwarded at least one or two relevant editorials and similar items about the current difficulties in Gaza. Here is one I would have shared with him.
==========
Unfairness to Israel in academic circles is not exactly news to me, but the latest example is. After reading this, I’m glad I’m no longer an MLA member. The list of disciplinary/professional organizations I can no longer embrace with the enthusiasm I once did because I don’t wish to support their non-disciplinary, non-professional political agendas with my membership dues thus grows.