Very dear Friends
Sorry it has been so long since I have written, but life has been very full indeed. Apart from the book launch of my new memoir, Where the Woods meet the Water, in October last year (google The Little Sisters of Joy website) I gave a concert on 7th March, returning to the gorgeous chapel in Robinson College here in Cambridge, where I have sung twice before.
I was blessed once again with around forty folk, most of whom had knot been to the concerts before. But oh how they sang! There was a contingent from Wesley Methodist church (I join them in prayer each Wednesday morning) and they are wonderful singers. I sang an eclectic mix of Scottish and American folk songs, on occasion unaccompanied, and songs of the 60's, although this time I included The Streets of London by Ralph McTell, which has lovely and moving words. Highlight apparently for the mixed audience was the Jewish music and I included both settings from the liturgy, folk songs and a wonderful melody from the Sabbath Eve, when the family is gathered round the table after the meal.
Called Tsur Mishelo, it has its roots in the Chassidic tradition, but was probably written by a non Jew in the 14th Century. It speaks of the absolute Providence of God, for which we must be grateful and has sacramental and messianic overtones.
Speaking of which, today is Good Friday (means Holy Friday) and also the Jewish Passover. I feel doubly blessed that I was brought up in one rich tradition and was able to carry it forward into the new one. without losing anything! Recently I went to Thompson's Lane Synagogue and enjoyed the beautiful Sabbath liturgy. I also met a fellow singer who is a Jewish lady from Aden in Yemen. Their Adeni Jewish community left in 1964.
But let us concentrate on the good things and there are many. We have 7 weeks of Eastertide after the Resurrection and together with the Jewish people after Passover will be waiting for our mutual Pentecosts. Resonating with the liturgical calendar is a wonderful way of ordering our lives and experiencing the JOY of just being human.
Chag sameach lepesach, happy Passover Feast
Happy Easter and beyond
Love and shalom
Gila
Sorry it has been so long since I have written, but life has been very full indeed. Apart from the book launch of my new memoir, Where the Woods meet the Water, in October last year (google The Little Sisters of Joy website) I gave a concert on 7th March, returning to the gorgeous chapel in Robinson College here in Cambridge, where I have sung twice before.
I was blessed once again with around forty folk, most of whom had knot been to the concerts before. But oh how they sang! There was a contingent from Wesley Methodist church (I join them in prayer each Wednesday morning) and they are wonderful singers. I sang an eclectic mix of Scottish and American folk songs, on occasion unaccompanied, and songs of the 60's, although this time I included The Streets of London by Ralph McTell, which has lovely and moving words. Highlight apparently for the mixed audience was the Jewish music and I included both settings from the liturgy, folk songs and a wonderful melody from the Sabbath Eve, when the family is gathered round the table after the meal.
Called Tsur Mishelo, it has its roots in the Chassidic tradition, but was probably written by a non Jew in the 14th Century. It speaks of the absolute Providence of God, for which we must be grateful and has sacramental and messianic overtones.
Speaking of which, today is Good Friday (means Holy Friday) and also the Jewish Passover. I feel doubly blessed that I was brought up in one rich tradition and was able to carry it forward into the new one. without losing anything! Recently I went to Thompson's Lane Synagogue and enjoyed the beautiful Sabbath liturgy. I also met a fellow singer who is a Jewish lady from Aden in Yemen. Their Adeni Jewish community left in 1964.
But let us concentrate on the good things and there are many. We have 7 weeks of Eastertide after the Resurrection and together with the Jewish people after Passover will be waiting for our mutual Pentecosts. Resonating with the liturgical calendar is a wonderful way of ordering our lives and experiencing the JOY of just being human.
Chag sameach lepesach, happy Passover Feast
Happy Easter and beyond
Love and shalom
Gila
