‘As we entered the Jewish year 5786, I prayed that it would inspire in us a renewed commitment to justice, solidarity, hope, and peace. Now, looking back on the High Holy Days, may we carry forward the strength, unity, and sense of purpose they awakened within us. May this year continue to deepen our connection to our heritage, traditions, and values — and remind us to proudly celebrate the enduring resilience of our people.’
Rabbi Idan Irelander
In addition to the spectacular, professional musicians displayed above, we were once again privileged to have the following vocal talent join us this year:
CHORUS: Shirley M. Fountain – Soprano, David Traugot – Tenor; Eliomar Nascimento – Bass/Baritone; Nancy Armstrong – Soprano; Kamala Soparkar – Mezzo. ADDITIONAL VOICES for 5786: Sally Mandelbaum, Donna Sack, and Minda Reidy. SHOFAR BLOWER: Truda Bloom
To relive some of this year’s treasured moments, click on the video blocks below.
Kol Nidrei, “Anti-Zionism or Antisemitism? Unmasking the Double Standard”
During this year’s Yom Kippur Kol Nidrei service, Rabbi Idan’s sermon, “Anti-Zionism or Antisemitism? Unmasking the Double Standard,” invites reflection on what it means to uphold truth, identity, and moral clarity as Jewish people in a complicated world.
Sermon by Rabbi Idan Irelander | Musical Anthem: “True Colors” (Recorded by Cyndi Lauper; written by Billy Steinberg & Tom Kelly)
🕯️ “In every generation, we remember.”
During our 2025 Yom Kippur service, founding member Kenny Heffron offered a moving reflection on his family’s deep roots at Congregation Ansha Sholum, where his father and grandfather once prayed.
He concluded with the beloved poem “We Remember Them” by Sylvan Kamens and Rabbi Jack Riemer—a timeless reminder that memory is more than recollection. It is legacy.
Congregation Ahavat Olam’s 2024 HIGH HOLIDAY SEASON was nothing short of an awe-inspiring journey through this exceptionally special time of year for the Jewish Community. Rabbi Idan, with his special magic and warmth, 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, Kamala Soparkar – Mezzo
ADDITIONAL VOICES for 5785: Sally Mandelbaum, Donna Sack, and Minda Reidy.
Relive this special season with a sampling of highlights below.
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.
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
Below is a sampling of highlights.
– 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, and Kamala Soparkar – Mezzo.
Click here to visit Congregation Ahavat Olam’s YouTube channel for more videos.
