The year 5784/2023 was one of the most difficult and challenging periods for Israel and the global Jewish community. The October 7th massacre and the ongoing wars, provoked by Iran’s proxies, coupled with a surge in antisemitism and a troubling lack of global sympathy, underscore the critical importance of a strong Israel and a cohesive Jewish community worldwide. On October 7, 2023, a page of history was turned.
Experience has taught us that Jewish communities thrive when we remain united and continue to do good, even when our efforts go unrecognized or are met with hostility. We are on the right side of history, and hopefully, justice will ultimately prevail.
As we have entered the Jewish year 5785, I pray that it will inspire a renewed commitment to justice, solidarity, hope, and peace. May it also strengthen our identity and character by deepening our connection to our heritage, traditions, and values. Let this year be one in which we proudly celebrate the resilience of our people.
Wishing you a joyous and meaningful Sukkot and Simchat Torah,
Rabbi Idan Irelander
Rabbi Idan Irelander’s propelling sermon, “The Cracks of Discourse: Lessons from Jewish Tradition and Modern Conflict” from our Kol Nidrei service, was immediately followed by Tutti Druyan’s beautiful performance of ‘October Rain’, (accompanied on piano by Ron Druyan).
Click the button below to access Rabbi Idan’s Kol Nidrei sermon transcript.
Rabbi Idan Irelander’s outstanding sermon, “The Villa in the Jungle: Israel’s Struggle for Identity and Security” from our Rosh Hashanah, Day 1, morning service, immediately followed by Tutti Druyan’s rendition of Whitney Houston’s ‘Greatest Love of All’, (accompanied on piano by Ron Druyan).
Click the button below to access Rabbi Idan’s Rosh Hashanah Morning sermon transcript.
In addition to Rabbi Idan, the musical magic was performed by…
Tutti Druyan — Soloist; Amir Milstein – Flutist; Yael Rubinstein — Cellist; Ron Druyan — Pianist; Beth Bahia Cohen — Violin and Yayli Tanbur; Julia Spiegelman — Clarinet; and Truda Bloom — Shofar.
CHOIR FEATURING:
Shirley M. Fountain — Soprano; David Traugot — Tenor; Eliomar Nascimento — Bass/Baritone; Nancy Armstrong — Soprano; and Kamal Soparkar — Mezzo.
ADDITIONAL VOICES for 5785: Sally Mandelbaum — Mezzo, and Donna Sack — Mezzo.
Congregation Ahavat Olam’s 2023 HIGH HOLIDAY SEASON was nothing short of an awe-inspiring journey through this exceptionally special time of year for the Jewish Community. Our High Holiday Services were once again held at The North Parish of North Andover, Unitarian Church, located in North Andover. Such a beautiful venue. In addition to Rabbi Idan’s special magic and warmth, he was joined by world-class musical talent.
Brilliant musical performances by: Tutti Druyan, Soloist; Amir Milstein, Flutist; Yael Rubinstein, Cellist, and Ron Druyan, Pianist
Choir, featuring: Shirley M. Fountain – Soprano, David Traugot – Tenor, Eliomar Nascimento – Bass/BAritone, Nancy Armstrong – Soprano, Kamal Soparkar – Mezzo
We have compiled a sampling of highlights of our 5784 High Holiday services for your viewing and listening pleasure. ENJOY!
– Untangle Tokef, 00:00:14
– Sh’ma Koleinu, 00:07:00
– Avinu Malkeinu, 00:10:31
– V’Hakohanim, 00:16:14
– The Partisan’s Song (Duet with Rabbi Idan and Tutti Druyan), 00:18:24
– Rabbi’s Sermon “An Emotionally Healthy You Going Into the New Year”, 00:19:57 (Transcript found here.)
– Oseh Shalom (Duet with Rabbi Idan and Tutti Druyan), 00:32:38
Time to gather for reflection, prayer, meditation, singing, and conversation.
‘Help me to endure the suffering and dissolve the fear, renew within me the calm spirit of trust
and peace.’
Tutti Druyan’s phenomenal rendition of ‘Bridge Over Troubled Waters’, 00:17:48
From Rabbi Idan Irelander’s exhilarating sermon to the incredible performances of Tutti and Ron Druyan, as well as the addition of Corey Freedman, it is clear that our blessings as a congregation are bountiful. In this video, we have highlighted some of those moments from this year’s Kol Nidrei service.
– Rabbi’s Sermon, ‘Elusiveness of Happiness in an Era of Advancement’ 00:00:12 (Click here for a transcript of Rabbi Idan’s sermon.)
– Anthem, ‘Bridge Over Troubled Waters’, Performed by Tutti and Ron 00:13:13
– President’s Annual Message, Marc Freedman, 00:17:40
– Yihyu L’Ratzon, Performed by Corey Freedman, 00:30:10
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT! Here is a taste of what Congregation Ahavat Olam’s first official HHD season had to offer. Our High Holiday Services were held at The North Parish of North Andover, Unitarian Church, located at 190 Academy Road, North Andover, MA 01845. We were so very grateful for this gorgeous venue. Early in the preparation process, we quickly realized that the expected attendance at our wonderful starter home, affectionately referred to as the ‘Shul@1600’, would quickly outgrow capacity for the High Holy Day celebrations.
We were honored to have been joined by some of the most incredible artists around today. Tutti Druyan, Soloists; Ron Druyan, Pianist; Amir Milstein, Flutist; Yael Rubinstein, Cellist and of course Rabbi Idan. We are equally honored to welcome a stunning choir of professional singers, Shirley M. Fountain – Soprano, David Traugot – Tenor, Eliomar Nascimento – Bass/Baritone, Nancy Armstrong – soprano, Kamal Soparkar – Mezzo.
Click here to visit Congregation Ahavat Olam’s YouTube channel for more videos.
