Omer Count for 2013
It’s here! The new Omer Counting Guide for 2013!
On being blind
Sometimes we act blind to the acts of others in order to give them the benefit of the doubt when they act basely. Other times we wear a veil that shields our eyes from actions which we know need to be taken, but have trouble reconciling with our moral compass.
Remembering a Friend
This post was originally written for HUC’s Blog of Continuing Jewish Learning on September 5, 2012. Bonia passed away August 30. He was a great inspiration to me personally, and I was honored and privileged to call him “friend.”
Why Do We Sing?
Our ability to express ourselves freely is important for two reasons: One, because in our vulnerability, when we emote, we become lucid communicators, letting others know our authentic selves; Two because when we experience others’ vulnerability and expressiveness, we become emboldened and empowered to express ourselves.
Ki Teitzei—Don’t Hide Your Eyes
Tell me if this sounds familiar: You hear from a friend, whether by mail, e-mail, or facebook, about some cause for which she is fundraising. Perhaps it’s a cause particularly close to her heart. But you know she’s reached out to hundreds of her friends. You know she...
Tomatoes
For years, I’ve been teaching my bar/bat mitzvah students about time management and focus during studying. I developed a system by which students study for 5-10 minutes at a time, understanding that the brain fills up to a point and then loses focus. It was a great idea that I invented.
Or so I thought.
A new Modim
I always enjoy composing when the inspiration hits. Being invited to compose in honor of someone is truly inspiring.
Dear Reince Priebus…
We are sisters and brothers in the human family
No matter whom we love
Or how we love
You are hurting your family
Stop it.
A wonderful tribute
My congregation, Temple Israel of New Rochelle, just honored me at their annual gala fundraiser for ten years of service. It was a really lovely evening.
Get a free piece of music!
I recently composed a setting of V’sham’ru for my congregation. It’s a call and response and you can have your community singing it without much teaching at all! And I want to share it with you for free!
Counting the Omer for 2012
For the past few years, we’ve reclaimed the tradition of counting the Omer at our Temple. I like it because of the anticipation of counting up (not down!) to Shavuot, the anniversary of the receiving of the Torah, and celebrating our Confirmation students.
Sholem Aleichem dir, Amerike!
I'm really looking forward to singing with the Jewish People's Philharmonic Chorus in their production of Sholem Aleichem dir, Amerike! The 1956 Birnbaum/Rauch operetta, is based on Sholom Aleichem's Motl, Peyse dem khazns ("Motl, Peyse the Cantors' Son"), and was...
Member Organizations
Erik Contzius
503 W. Sumnerr Ave.
Spokane, WA 99204