Submitted by Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation
Many synagogues hire Klezmer bands to augment their holiday music. In typical trend-setting fashion, members of the Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation (JRC) came together to form their own in 1989. JRC invites the community to join a lively and participatory Kabbalat Shabbat Service and Hanukkah celebration featuring Heavy Shtetl performing long-time favorites like “Oh Chanukah” and “Ocho Kanelikas” (Eight Little Candles), and even a few originals written by members of the congregation, at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16.
“Klezmer is joyful music, and it just gets everyone into a happy mood!” says JRC member and Heavy Shtetl Band director Lori Lippitz. Lippitz’s lengthy resume includes founder and musical director of the highly acclaimed Maxwell Street Klezmer Band, which played at Carnegie Hall, toured Europe and released five commercial CDs.
JRC’s house band is comprised of synagogue members and volunteer musicians who showcase their talents on clarinet, violin, trumpet, trombone, keyboard, banjo, bass and drums. The result is a lively experience that persuades multi-generations to pop out of their seats, dance and sing along.
“One of our favorite things is when the little kids get out onto the floor and spin each other for ‘I Have a Little Dreydl,'” says Lippitz. The festivities at JRC will also include a special performance by JRC’s Junior Choir. To refuel at the end of the evening, Sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) will be provided to-go.
JRC invites the wider community to join the dancing, singing, laughter and spiritual examination of the holiday, focusing not only on the annually celebrated miracle of oil lasting eight nights, but also on the beauty of community coming together to make sure the lamp was lit in the first place. The entire ritual will be livestreamed on JRC’s Facebook page.
Need a little context about why Jews eat foods fried in oil on Hanukkah or want to dive deeper and learn about the Maccabees and Judith? American Hanukkah focuses on candles and gifts, yet many of these traditions came to be because of the holiday’s proximity to Christmas. JRC’s Rabbi Rachel Wise will lead a Hanukkah discussion for adults from a Reconstructionist perspective titled Chanukah for Grownups: Beyond Gifts and Gelt on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at JRC beginning at 7 p.m.
Check here for details regarding JRC’s Hanukkah programming. All are welcome.