Blog

From the Desk of Rabbi David Lyon
July 1, 2011

Would you rather read about the Red Heifer in this week’s Torah portion, or about Cantor Daniel Mutlu? Yes, I thought so. Cantor Daniel Mutlu (pronounced: MOOT-loo) will join us, tonight, on the bemah for the first time. Cantor Mutlu and his wife, Nina, and their son, Saya, will become an integral part of our congregation in quick order. Even as he unpacks his bags and begins to organize his new home with his family, Cantor Mutlu will engage us in worship and song on Shabbat.

                Our Summer Services are relaxed and easy. Guitar, piano, and restful words and thoughts make an hour on Friday night a magnificent way to begin Shabbat and the weekend. Even while the rabbis are trading places for vacation during July, Cantor Mutlu will provide a consistent role in welcoming us on Shabbat.

                When Summer Services end in mid-August, here are a few things I’d like you to anticipate with me in the New Year. Cantor Mutlu is especially interested in broadening the musical experiences we all have at Beth Israel. For example:

-          Children’s Choirs. Boys and Girls love to sing and many demonstrate their talents on their bar/bat mitvahs. In the New Year, they will have a place to continue singing and new venues to perform their songs at Temple and in the community

-          Music Ensembles. Many Beth Israel members are talented musicians. They play a variety of instruments and many perform in groups. In the New Year, they can participate at Beth Israel on a music Shabbat or in new programs to showcase their talents and share the joy of making Jewish music with friends at Temple.

-          Religious School and Shlenker School music. Our children will be singing this year. Jewish music is for worship but it’s also for fun any time of the day. Children will be part of many new ways to sing and enjoy music for modern Jewish living.

-          Sanctuary/Chapel Services. Formal liturgy and casual prayer music can be sung with a sacred quality. Cantor Mutlu masters both with tone and style that welcomes us in and moves us deeply.

-          High Holidays. Everybody is moved by Kol Nidrei and Avinu Malkeinu. They represent the best of our experience on the holidays. There is more and I know that you will cherish the sacred sounds on these sacred days.

-          Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Cantor Mutlu has new plans to take our bar/bat mitzvah program from good to great. We welcome his participation and warm manner with students of all ages and their parents.

In addition to Daniel’s musical achievements, I believe that you will come to know him as a fine man whose kindness and goodness are part of the reputation that precedes him and the qualities you will come to know for yourselves. July 1^st is a holiday weekend and you might be out of town or unavailable. Not to worry. Cantor Mutlu is part of the Beth Israel family, and we look forward to sharing many Sabbaths, holidays, life-cycles, and occasions with him, Nina and Saya.

                Now, if you really want to read about the Red Heifer, you’ll find it beginning in Numbers 19:1. From my family to yours, Shabbat Shalom.