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The very first choir I sang in was a children’s choir at Taylor Mills Elementary School in Englishtown, New Jersey. It was 1976, and I was in the second grade. We were singing a myriad of patriotic songs to celebrate our nation’s bicentennial year. (I still sing "Grand Old Flag" to my children on Flag Day as an homage to my 2nd grade music teacher). However, amid all of the fun and celebratory songs, we sang a song called “Abraham, Martin and John.” I have to say that reflecting on that very sad song now, I can’t believe our teacher had a bunch of 7- and 8-year-olds sing it. But, to this day I remember the conversation he had with us about these men who were assassinated doing the sacred work of our nation. It was my first introduction to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and I will forever associate him with moving music.

The next musical connection to Dr. King came at my temple’s seder. The rabbi and educators wrote a Freedom Hagaddah and in it were words of the Israelite story commingled with the civil rights story. We sang “Avadim Chayinu” (Once We Were Slaves), alongside “We Shall Overcome.”

Another moving experience came in 2001. My dear friend and colleague, Peri Smilow produced an album called the Freedom Music Project. A Jewish and Black choir came together to sing the songs of each other’s stories. I can promise you, you have never heard a version of "Chad Gadya" quite like the one on this project among many other songs that I still sing at my home seder to this day.

As we approach the commemoration of Dr. King’s birthday this Shabbat, I draw inspiration from the music of his day and the music that has been written in his honor and memory. The music of the Civil Rights Movement has united communities for decades. It engenders hope and expresses the heart’s deepest yearning for freedom, equality, and peace.

In addition to music to honor MLK this Shabbat, we are thrilled to welcome back to our bima Rev. Dr. Gerald Durley a moving speaker, teacher and leader of civil rights here in Atlanta.

May the music of freedom inspire us. And, while we take a single day to celebrate Dr. King, it is every day that we must honor him by continuing his work.