Three Minutes a Day

---

September 9, 2010

A Rockin’ Rosh Hashana

      Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, is a time of celebration and joy with the traditional singing of the Torah and the chanting of prayers.

      One congregation however, celebrates Rosh Hashana differently. The Shul of New York celebrated the New Year with the folk rock music of The Shul Band, a self-described rock and klezmer band that includes Jewish and non-Jewish members of mixed ethnicities.

      While the departure from tradition may shock some, others appreciate it. A congregant says, “It’s like a revival meeting” and when The Shul Band plays, “I find it hard to stay in my seat.”

      Congregants enjoy the multi-cultural band and the inclusive stage it sets. One of the musicians says, “It’s a symbol of what this progressive and welcoming congregation, is all about.”

      Lives and experiences are enriched by diversity. How can you foster diversity within your house of worship, community, workplace and family?

      In the seventh month, on the first day... you shall observe a day of complete rest.... you shall not work. (Leviticus 23:24,25)

      Open our hearts, Creator, to our common humanity, to what binds us each to the other.

Subscribe to Three Minutes a Day by e-mail!  Visit your e-mail preferences and check the
communications you'd like to receive.