MUSIC + CHOIR PROGRAMS
More than four decades ago, during the early years of our synagogue, a congregational choir sang during High Holy Day services. We continue the tradition, yet enhance it with newly composed pieces for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur; short-topic programs for special Friday services; an annual full-length spring concert, both sacred and secular; community outreach projects; and a variety of singing opportunities for school aged children.
The Year in Music
YAMIM NORAIM (DAYS 0F AWE)
Our New Year, our Teshuvah, our Turning, begins with mid-summer preparation for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
KRISTALLNACHT (NIGHT OF BROKEN GLASS)
Songs from the Ghettos of World War II.
“On this day we have two fundamental duties: The first is to remember the utter evil and systematic attempt to eliminate the Jewish people. Our second is to be watchful for dark clouds on the horizon.” — UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres
THANKSGIVING SERVICE | A COLLABORATION WITH THE FIRST REFORMED CHURCH
Synagogue and Church combine music and stories to unite our communities in fond memories of half a century of shared history.
CHANUKAH LIGHTS!
Pre-Chanukah music for adult choir and young singers, accompanied by instruments and joined by the congregation.
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
Our tribute calls out the music of that command and reflects our enduring respect for a powerful story, not yet finished!
BEIT CAFE
Beit Cafe is our Coffee House with extraordinary entertainment for adults - it's one of the highlights of the year! Featuring our own Temple Beth Shalom congregants, we celebrate the incredible musical, theatrical, and literary talents of our shul. Whether you like to perform or just like to be entertained, this event is always a night to remember!
SHABBAT SHIRAH (SONG OF THE SEA)
The dramatic Song of the Sea, the Exodus story, takes center stage.
YOM HASHOAH (DAY OF COMMEMORATION AND RESISTANCE)
A commemoration of this most important day, through song and reflection.
ANNUAL SPRING CONCERT
Each year, for the final presentation of our season, we seek to breathe life into a stand-out topic of the here and now. This year we look to the migration of flocks, both birds and people — the complex surge towards survival that flows across our planet!
AN INVITATION TO OUR SINGING COMMUNITY!
Our Rabbi tells us that “To Sing is to Pray Twice” – or perhaps a hundred times. Together, both experienced musicians and newcomers bring an added spiritual dimension to our synagogue, for which only a love of singing is required. Our music embraces sacred and secular: traditional liturgy, Eastern European songs, Klezmer revival, exotic sounds of the Middle East; and America’s own jazz, Broadway and folk.
If you’re interested in singing with us, contact Cantor Robin Joseph at CantorJoseph@tbshastings.org.
MUSIC LEADERSHIP
Robin Joseph, Cantor + Choir Director
Kol Ami – the voice of our people – describes Cantor Robin Joseph who serves as our “Shaliach Tzibur” – (representative of the community). Cantor Robin arrived at Temple Beth Shalom 40 years ago as a teenager and has led us in song and prayer ever since. In addition to teaching in our religious school, tutoring B’nei Mitzvah students, leading our high school Tikkun Olam program and educating adults, Cantor Robin also facilitates our synagogue’s Social Action Committee. Ordained at the Academy for Jewish Religion and its professor of cantillation, Cantor Robin names babies, officiates at weddings and memorial services, leads our Temple Beth Shalom trips to Israel, produces Beit Cafe, and is a published and an award-winning songwriter. Ha-or hey-ir et panecha – The light radiates from her face and her voice captures our souls.