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In 1992, the minister Gary Chapman wrote the popular book The Five Love Languages documenting the ways in which most romantic partners feel loved by one another. If you are not familiar, they are words of affirmation, gifts, quality time, physical touch, and acts of service. Each of our love languages might be different. Knowing how your partner feels loved is key to a fulfilling relationship.

I’m not just saying this because I’m a musician, but I believe one of Judaism’s love languages is music. There is something about music that animates prayers and messages, something about the synergistic experience of music in community that is grounding and uplifting and goes straight to the heart, or maybe more aptly, straight to the kishkes.

Since October 7th, I'd been struggling with how to show love for Israelis during this traumatic time. While the donations we're all sending to various agencies are greatly needed, I think Jews feel love through music. So, on December 10th and 11th the Atlanta cantorial community and hundreds of Atlantans came together and recorded a new version of "Am Yisrael Chai" as a musical love-letter to be sent to Israel from Atlanta. The second line of the song was inspired by an Israeli friend who offered from her safe room that despite everything, her spirit is strong. Oz rucheinu po, or "Our spirits are strong here," is the message we want to relay and is our hope for all of our brothers and sisters in Israel. I’m providing a link to the finished piece for you to not only watch/listen, but to share with your friends and family in Israel. Hopefully, by speaking this unique love language of our people, they will feel our loving solidarity.

I’m also excited to share that next week, January 12 at Shabbat services we will be hosting The Afrosemitic Experience as a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. At the core of the Afro-Semitic Experience's sound is the melding of two seemingly disparate musical traditions: the Jewish music of Eastern Europe and the African American spiritual and gospel traditions. By blending these two styles, the group creates a distinctive sound that is both deeply rooted in tradition and entirely original. Their performances are known for their high energy, virtuosity, and emotional intensity. The group's members are skilled musicians who bring their own distinct styles and backgrounds to the music. Warren Byrd's piano playing is characterized by his use of gospel and blues influences, while David Chevan's bass lines draw on his expertise in Jewish synagogue and klezmer music. You do not want to miss this! 

One of the things I love about Temple Sinai is that we speak each other’s love language. Looking forward to singing with you soon.

Shabbat shalom,

Beth