Sparks of conversation kindle the most amazing ideas. These small moments of connection with congregants always ignite creativity, comfort, and inspiration in all aspects of KI community life, from The KItchen to The Sanctuary. This week, as we study Parashat Vayeitze, we are reminded of the journey of Jacob, who dreams of a ladder connecting heaven and earth. His dream is a spark—a connection between the divine and the earthly, reminding us of the importance of finding sacred moments in our own journeys. Like Jacob, we seek to anchor ourselves in moments of revelation and connection, drawing strength from our faith, history, and community.
This Friday, we invite you to join us for a unique celebration of food, music, and Israel—a Shabbat inspired by heartfelt conversations with our community.
After the attacks in Israel on October 7th, it became clear that there was a profound need to bring together voices in song: to pray for peace, to express our unwavering love and support for Israel, and to explore our ancient and sacred connection to the Land of Israel. Together, with the King David Harp Society, Shir KI, The Old York Road Singers, Commonwealth Youth Choir, and remarkable soloists, we will present a musical journey that traces our spiritual roots and connects us to Israel through Torah, prayer, and song.
Jewish music has always been a source of comfort and healing. Its melodies and lyrics carry us through times of sorrow and joy, uniting us as one people. The music for this evening begins with the earliest spark: the words of Torah, the words of prayer, and our ancient longing for Israel. It will remind us of our enduring vision of being a free people in our own land.
Included in the program are the ever popular Yerushalayim Shel Zahav/Jerusalem of Gold, and Hallelujah. Shir KI will also sing the two most important songs of this current painful time, Acheinu, the prayer of the Captives, and V’hi Sheamda, the text from the Haggadah highlighting our struggle against anti-Semitism.
We are especially honored to have Hazzan David Tilman offering a sermon in song guiding us through the history and meaning behind these melodies. Additionally, the Commonwealth Youth Choir, composed of talented teens from across Pennsylvania, will inspire us with their performance of a Jerusalem Medley and join Shir KI in a beautiful display of harmony and hope.
This Shabbat program—Zmirot Yisrael: Renewing our Spirit with Israel’s Song—is a reminder that in times of great unrest, we find strength in our history, legacy, and prayers. Through these sparks of connection, we come together, united by the power of music and the enduring importance of the State of Israel to our people.
We hope you will join us this Friday, December 6th, at 7:00 PM for an evening of reflection, inspiration, and community.