I loved this Shabbat Shirah! I attended the online service of a reform temple nearby. I really wanted to attend in person, but I wouldn’t know what to do; one day I’ll do though.
Women from the congregation sang so beautifully in Hebrew, recalling the initiative of Miriam the prophetess.
Then came candle lighting. I do not have candlesticks yet, so seeing the tall candlesticks being lit at the temple felt very nice.
But the singing though, it was outstanding. There was so much passion, and dedication to their performance—like a concert, or like an opera really.
I could loosely understand some words in Hebrew, but it was enough to understand what was being sung. What I loved the most was the melodies. That is something I still don’t know much yet. I just know that Hebrew cantillation helps in reciting from the Torah using a melody.
I felt the warmth of the community, and even though I was just on a Zoom call, I felt connected.
And then came reciting from the Torah. When the scrolls were carried out of the Ark, and after the blessing, people sitting in the front rows formed a circle in front of the bimah and started singing and dancing. They carried the Torah scrolls and walked around the circle. It was very surprising, but the dance, it was like the sort of dance people would do at a party, it was amusing, and a little unexpected! I’d be terrified of messing up while carrying a Torah scroll.
After that, all Torah scrolls but one went back to the Ark. Then, women took turns reciting the Parasha.
Later, the scroll was lifted in the air and then rolled up. Another blessing.
The service concluded with saying Shabbat Shalom to each other, and very good piano & drums music.
It was very heartwarming, and made me feel happy to have found such a wonderful and welcoming community!
Throughout the service, there was a lot of talk about the attack on October 7th. I have been following the war closely, and I just cannot comprehend how some people cannot understand what is going on, or just don’t want to see the truth. I just hope the hostages are returned safely and future threats are eliminated. We sang Acheinu, praying for the return of the hostages.
I don’t want to finish this post on a bad note, so, yesterday, my mum and I went to an open house, as we are thinking about moving. Firstly, we had been there just last week for another open house. I found out that there is a very active Jewish community there, and I’d love to live somewhere where there are fellow Jews, (when I finish my conversion) although that’s not the reason we’re moving. Unfortunately, my mum didn’t like the house. But yesterday, almost as a surprise—because I didn’t recognize the way—we went to the exact same neighborhood! Literally, one street away from the other house. We both loved this one. We’ve checked out several options, but this one, it’s just great. As we were walking around, we entered the garage, and on my way out, I saw a mezuzah on the doorpost. I missed it when going in! Anyway, when I entered the house again I touched it and then kissed the finger that touched it. That is the first mezuzah I’ve seen in person! Anyway, just something cool I wanted to share.
Once again, we went to the same place! It really feels like Hashem wants to bring us close to a Jewish community. Lastly, there was another mezuzah, lol.
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