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Miriam: Still Singing After All These Years Cantor Ilan Davidson cantor@bethelsp.org Every year in the month of January, Cantors (and the more musical Rabbis) begin to get excited about a particular Shabbat. This Shabbat is lovingly named Shabbat Shirah, the Shabbat of Song. This Shabbat was not just some randomly selected service to give us […]
Rededicate to Community Cantor Ilan Davidson cantor@bethelsp.org As Hanukkah begins, it is a time for rededication and reflection. As our ancestors celebrated the first Hanukkah, they understood they needed to rededicate themselves to their service to the Temple, but perhaps more importantly, they realized a need to rededicate themselves to community. In those days, we […]
Mar Heshvan – A Month of Gratitude Cantor Ilan Davidson cantor@bethelsp.org Does anybody know what important Jewish holidays take place in the month of Heshvan? That’s right, you got it, the Holy Day of NOTHING!!! Yes, the month of Heshvan, the month following Tishrei, when we celebrate the High Holy Days, Sukkot, and Simhat Torah, […]
Sefer HaChayim – The Book of Life Cantor Ilan Davidson cantor@bethelsp.org Each year, as we navigate our way through the liturgy of the High Holy Days, I am often asked about different troubling texts in our prayers. Texts like Unetane Tokef, speaking of who shall live and who shall die, or Avinu Malkeinu, referring to […]
Marathon, Shmarathon Cantor Ilan Davidson cantor@bethelsp.org As the month of August begins, I can’t help but spend time thinking about longevity. You see, during this month, I will celebrate a momentous birthday. Now, I totally understand that I am nowhere near some of the tremendously significant birthdays of some of my dear friends, so they […]
In-Dependence Day Cantor Ilan Davidson cantor@bethelsp.org Every year on July 4, we, the United States of America, celebrate Independence Day. It wasn’t until my wedding day, 19 years ago, on the 4th of July, that I ever even started thinking of the meaning of Independence. And now, in 2020, I’m realizing this meaning even more. […]
Blessing of a Virtual Summer? Cantor Ilan Davidson cantor@bethelsp.org As I write this article, the sun is shining on a glorious Southern California spring day, my family is sleeping safely in their rooms, I’ve spent some wonderful time with friends and colleagues, and, while it’s virtual, our work at the Temple marches onward, serving the […]
Z’man Matan Torah, The Gift of Interpreting Torah Cantor Ilan Davidson cantor@bethelsp.org In ancient, more orthodox days of Judaism, when somebody wanted to understand what the Torah was teaching, they would ask the Rabbi. The Rabbi would then provide them “the” answer, and they would go home, satisfied (or perhaps not) that they were “told” […]
Music Speaks Louder Than Words Cantor Ilan Davidson cantor@bethelsp.org In 1983, Peter, Paul, & Mary recorded their song, Music Speaks Louder Than Words. In it, they professed that “it’s the only thing that the whole world listens to” and that “when you sing, people understand.” It never fails, when I visit somebody who is ill, […]
Four Mitzvah — No Waiting! Cantor Ilan Davidson cantor@bethelsp.org Every Jewish holiday is typically surrounded by customs, traditions, and mitzvot – commandments. Purim is no exception. On this festive holiday there are four mitzvot, or commandments that the Jewish people should fulfill. I know what you think they are – silliness, drunkenness, spieliness, and costumes! […]
