Adult Volunteer Choir


This talented all-volunteer choir leads the congregation in prayer and shares the rich heritage of Jewish music with the congregation at Shabbat services (once a month), High Holy Day services, and special temple events throughout the year. Composed of men and women, this group is open to all members who love music and enjoy singing. No previous choral experience is required. Come join us and "sing unto God a new song."

The Choir rehearses three times a month on Wednesday evenings from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Please contact Sandor Szabo, our Choir Director at sszabo1266@aol.com, or Cantor Samantha Natov at cantor@nertamid.org if you are interested in joining.

Purimspiel

Every spring Temple Ner Tamid members compose and perform the story of Queen Esther in a unique way. Parodies of songs made famous by a certain artist, or from a certain time period or genre, are used to act out the Megillah — the story of how Esther saved the Jews of Persia. Each production integrates the tone and style of that time period, or that singer/composer, to make that Megillah a reflection of that particular body of work.

Over the past decade the Purim story has been told through the music of Broadway, Frank Sinatra, Disney, the Beatles, Motown, Cole Porter, My Fair Lady, Elvis, Woodstock and Country-Western. The cast includes more than 40 congregants of all ages, while many other temple members play in the band or work backstage. Several families use this as a cross-generational shared experience since it provides appropriate roles for all ages and appeals to different family members in different ways. Others just attend the performance for the pleasure of watching their friends on stage. Whatever the level of commitment, the evening is enjoyed by all.

Anyone who would like to be involved can contact Brian O’Reilly at boreilly@collegeboard.org.

Klezmer Band


The Klezmer Band, a revival-style band specializing in traditional Jewish folk melodies, is open to any Temple member with an interest and ability to play musical instruments. (A little rhythm wouldn't hurt either.) The band can often be heard at our Simchat Torah and Hanukkah celebrations. Anyone interested should contact Larry Degenshein at ldegen16@comcast.net.


Tarbut/Culture Committee


The Tarbut Committee is focused on bringing a diverse program of cultural events to the Temple community. Among our most successful programs has been the Havdalah Café, an evening of wonderful music set in an informal setting with a havaldah service. Past cafés have included the Klezmer Conservatory Band, Jay Ungar and Molly Mason, the Afro-Semitic Experience and our own homegrown Hav-Dylan Café (songs from Bob Dylan-era performed by temple members). Additionally the Tarbut Committee has sponsored the showing of films such as a Rocky Horror-style presentation of Fiddler on The Roof, Ferry Tales and Trembling before God.

In the upcoming year we plan to continue offering diverse cultural events, some of which will be:

• havdalah campfire night
• cooking series
• film series
• artist showcase
• youth temple band
• youth dances
• music series (including the Havdalah Café)

Anyone who would like to be involved can contact Bob Mellman at rbmellman@aol.com.

We meet every 6 weeks and plan 4 to 6 events a year.


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