Shabbat Shira in the News

By Larry Hankin - IJN Associate Editor

Everyone knows the story in the Torah of G-d parting the Red Sea so the children of Israel can cross safely to dry land and escape Pharoah’s army. Moses and the Children of Israel were so awestruck and grateful that they broke into song. The Song by the Sea begins:

“I shall sing to Hashem for He is exalted above the arrogant, having hurled horse with its rider into the sea. “The might and vengeance of G-d was salvation for me. This is my G-d and I will glorify Him; the G-d of my father and I will exalt Him. “Hashem is Master of war — his Name is Hashem.”

The song goes on for 15 more verses in Exodus, chapter 15, and is the centerpiece of Shabbat Shira, the annual Sabbath when this Torah portion is read. It is a special Torah reading in that the congregation rises for it. The melody (cantillation, or trop) is different, and the words are arranged
differently in the Torah scroll. Many congregations use the occasion of Shabbat Shira to celebrate
the joy of music in the worship service.

That is one of the first things that Cantor Joel Lichterman did when he became cantor of BMH (now BMH-BJ) 23 years ago. As Shabbat Shira in 1995 approached, Cantor Lichterman approached the late Rabbi Stanley M.Wagner, then senior rabbi at BMH, and said, “Let me have this Shabbat. Let me create something. I want to use this Shabbat to bring music into the synagogue.” Rabbi Wagner agreed, setting into motion Cantor Lichterman’s series of innovations at Shabbat services, including the entire congregation singing the weekly Prayer for Israel and singing the healing prayer Mi Shebeirach to Debbie Friedman’s iconic melody.

The cantor put Shabbat Shira on the map at BMH-BJ and it has become an annual event that grew each year. “I wanted a thematic presentation,” Cantor Lichterman explains, “so I came up with a biblical quote” which served as the basis for the first Shabbat Shira service in 1995. Each year, the musical service has a different theme.

This year’s Shabbat Shira, which takes place this Shabbat, Jan. 27, highlights Israeli music. “We are in a period halfway between the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem and the 70th anniversary of Israel’s independence,” the cantor says. “And January 27 is International Holocaust Remembrance Day.”

Cantor Lichterman quotes — and expands — Exodus 15:1: “Then Moses and the Children of Israel will sing . . . about the modern State of Israel.” The liturgy this Shabbat morning will be sung to Israeli melodies. The  melody of the unofficial anthem “Jerusalem of Gold” will be reprised during several prayers in the Musaf service.

Shabbat Shira is enhanced by the BMH-BJ men’s choir, comprised of 15 choristers, some of whom have sung since the first Shabbat Shira 23 years ago.

On Shabbat Shira, Cantor Lichterman delivers the sermon — in song. He shares a Torah lesson with musical interludes pertaining to the verses he discusses. This year’s sermon will also include a review — or is that revue? — of the past 23 years of Shabbat Shira, as it will be Cantor Lichterman’s final one at BMH-BJ. He will be leaving his position this summer.

Over these past 23 years, Cantor Lichterman has continuously asked: “How can I make services more accessible to the congregation? How can I draw them in? On what level are they participating?” His answer has always been music. “Music elevates the liturgy and draws people in so they can participate.”
Larry Hankin can be reached at larry@ijn.com.

Shabbat Shira

In 1995 Cantor Joel Lichterman took up the position of Cantor at BMH Congregation and hit the deck running. He immediately introduced a new musical and teaching vision, the BMH-BJ Male Choir, Kids Korus and the widely acclaimed Shabbat Shira initiative.

On Shabbat Shira, the Shabbat of Song, Parashat Beshalach includes the poetic Song of the Sea and corresponding Haftarah. This Song was the catalyst for Cantor Joel to create an engaging participatory Shabbat experience dedicated to exploring and introducing new styles and genres of Jewish music to the liturgy.

This year's program celebrates the recent 50th anniversary of the unification of Jerusalem and Israel’s upcoming 70th anniversary.  Cantor Joel will skillfully incorporate familiar traditional and new Israeli music into the liturgy.

Recognized for his musical creativity and ability to reach all segments of the community, Shabbat Shira musical presentations are the platform from which Cantor Joel  connects his “musical neshama” to congregants and visitors and to the spirit of this Shabbat. Throughout the service he uses witty sermons and subtle commentaries to teach Torah and share the lighter side of communal life. 

All are welcome to join Cantor Joel Lichterman and the BMH-BJ Male Choir on its 23^rd Shabbat Shira in “Creating Harmony Through Music”.