Summer
is cruising along on a very positive note at Temple Emanu-El, thanks to the
music of jazz pianist Irwin Solomon and cantor David Feuer. Their music has
boosted off-season attendance at the Friday night Kabbalat Shabbat
service.
“The
music ranges from incredibly upbeat and powerful to inspiring to soulful. ...
It’s music that touches the heart, from fast to slow to everything in between.
It’s a beautiful mix,” said Rabbi Michael
Resnick.
“It’s
all transliterated into English so that anyone can follow along.”
Solomon
“is an incredibly skilled and talented pianist. He’s given our services a
wonderful new spirit,” added Resnick.
“Some
of the music is quite moving,” said Solomon, “and you can get into the moment
with it. ... It’s sort of what Shabbat is about, leaving all the conflicts of
the week at the door.
“The
music has that power. For me, music’s always had that power. That’s why I do
it.” During the season, other band members will be added for various Shabbats.
Included
are some English songs by Jewish liturgy composer Debbie Friedman and some
composed by Feuer.
Solomon
said “small interpretational differences” are made each week to the music,
depending on “what mood hits you at the moment. Unlike classical music, it is
not in a box. ...
“The
goal is to offer something different that’s a cut above what you usually find
at other temples. It makes the service more relevant and enjoyable than what is
usually out there.
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