On this Friday, March 28th, we will gather to honor Hazzan David Tilman and Ellen Tilman as they prepare to move closer to family. After 14 magnificent years as Director of Shir KI, Hazzan Tilman is retiring, having brought unparalleled beauty, professionalism, and warmth to our sacred music. Ellen Tilman, who served for decades as a beloved teacher and librarian, has been a pillar of learning and care within our community. Their presence and contributions have shaped KI in lasting and profound ways.

To celebrate their legacy, we invite you to make a donation to the King David Harp Society. Your support will help sustain the vibrant Jewish music tradition they helped nurture at KI, and will contribute to this special Shabbat in their honor. The evening will begin with a Shabbat dinner lovingly prepared by our Shabbos Chefs Society. Our Shabbat Service at 7:00 p.m. will be filled with the Tilman’s favorite musical selections.

The musical program will be presented in two parts. During the service, we will hear Shalom Rav by Ben Steinberg, L’Dor VaDor by Craig Taubman (sung by Hazzan Tilman and me), Seasons of Love from Rent, Hallelujah, Amen from Judas Maccabeus, and a fun Adon Olam set to You’ll Be Back from Hamilton. The evening will conclude with Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, a majestic and deeply spiritual choral work that is close to Hazzan Tilman’s heart.

This Shabbat coincides with Parashat Pekudei, which details the completion of the Mishkan—a sacred space built with heart, artistry, and communal dedication. Just as the Mishkan stood as a legacy of love and wise design, so too do the Tilman’s leave behind a sanctuary of music, learning, and community that will carry on through our congregation for years to come.