Most of us can remember the people and places that got us excited about Judaism. Whether we cherished Friday nights with our grandparents, studied with an inspirational teacher, or discovered ourselves on a trip to Israel, we value the moments that helped us along our sacred journey.  These memories may continue to influence our Jewish beliefs and practices. Many of us, our children and our teens have experienced Jewish summer camps as the place where we are able to find the incredible joy in being Jewish.  There we have made lasting friendships as we felt at ease in a temporary community that lives on Jewish time and upholds Jewish values as paramount.

The Jewish summer camp movement has also had a profound effect on Jewish music.  Many of the composers whose music we sing regularly (Michael Isaacson, Debbie Friedman, Craig Taubman, Cantor Jeff KlepperBto name a few) got their start or were able to popularize their melodies at the campfires and worship services held at summer camp.  Eager to recreate parts of their experience and hoping to celebrate with the same enthusiasm, campers brought these melodies back to their communities and wanted to sing them in shul. As these Jewish musicians gained popularity in the summer camps, they also began to holds concerts outside of them, bringing a strong sense of Jewish pride and exuberance to us in our daily lives.

This year we are delighted to welcome one of these musicians, Rick Recht, to our ynagogue. To celebrate another wonderful year of learning in our Religious School, the Rick Recht Band will perform immediately following the Teacher/Student Appreciation Program on Sunday, May 18. The concert will begin at approximately 10:15 AM. I cannot think of a more exuberant way to honor the work of our students and teachers.

Those of you who have heard Rick’s music already know the passion he brings to his craft.    In Recht=s own words, AThe energy and voices of the audience, whether they=re little kids, teens, or adults, is indescribable.  That=s the magic of Jewish musicBthe interaction, the singing, the dancing, and the powerful community connection. For me, it=s a dream come true, creating and sharing in this extraordinary environment on a daily basis.@  After performing secular music for several years, Recht returned to his Jewish roots.  As his bio describes, AHis shift to Jewish music marks the birth of a unique blend of pop, radio-friendly music with Hebrew, Jewish text, and social responsibility.@ Recht has recorded several albums including Tov, Shabbat Alive, Free to Be the Jew in Me, and a live recording, The Hope.  Our students have enjoyed learning his melodies throughout the year. All of them (in addition to some stalwart members of our Adult Choir) will be invited to perform on stage with the band; however, you need only attend to feel powerfully involved in his music.  The concert is free! Bring your family, your friends and an enthusiasm for contemporary Jewish music.