Shabbat Shalom! Tomorrow morning, in the Torah portion called Beshalach, we will read the story of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea, finally getting their freedom after 400 years of slavery under the Egyptians. We will also read about the Israelites all singing a song of celebration with Moses upon reaching the other side of the sea.
In honor of Shabbat Shirah, I’d like to share with you some of the Jewish songs that have been on my mind lately. But first, please note: the HEA is collaborating with Temple Sinai to put on a Shabbat Shirah concert tomorrow night, Saturday, February 8, from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Temple Sinai.Cantorial Soloist Ruthie Lipshulch and I will sing fun and uplifting duets from Broadway, the movies and the synagogue. The awesome backing band features David Ross on piano, Andreas Schmid on drums and Ben Cohen on bass. Get your tickets for $18HERE.
Without further ado: the Jewish albums that have formed the soundtrack of my life lately include:
Beit El by the band Jacob’s Ladder. Track to check out: Esa Einai
Simu Lev by the band Kedma. Track to check out: Adon Olam
The Long Short Path by Marni Loffman. Track to check out: Tefilat Haderech
Chaverai Nevarech Vol. IV by Rabbi Josh Warshawsky. Track to check out: Ahavah Rabbah(co-written by Coleen Dieker)
Yevarechecha by Batya Levine. Track to check out: Sim Shalom (Batya is coming to the HEA on September 11th, 2025!)
Atzeres by Yoni Stokar. Track to check out: Hachasidim
Judah by the band Voices of Yemen. Track to check out: Ayuma Hamshi
If you listen through these albums and still can’t get enough, or if you just want to be part of the HEA’s biggest music event of the year, please join me on March 30th for Selah! Joey Weisenberg in Concert with the Rising Song Ensemble. Tickets availableHERE. The March 30th event is made possible by the Alpert Family Memorial Fund, and all of the HEA’s music programming is supported by the HEA Music Circle.
May it be G-d’s will that we will each experience a feeling of liberation so strong that we can’t help but burst into song.
- Eitan Kantor, Music Director
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Coming Up!
A Taste of Shabbat at Home Friday, Feb 7th 5:00p to 8:00p Thank you to all the hosts and guests who signed up for Shabbat dinners with members of our community to forge connections, and to create a feeling of belonging.
Torah for Today Class Shabbat, Feb 8th 10:30a to 11:15a With Rabbi Mordecai Magencey, Ph.D. - Pesach: Questioning what you think you know
Tot Shabbat Shabbat, Feb 8th 10:45a to 12:00p A fun and spirited playtime and Tot Shabbat service.
Shabbat Shira Concert Saturday, Feb 8th 7:00p to 9:00p Dazzling Duets featuring Ruthie Lipshulch (Cantorial Soloist at Temple Sinai) and HEA Music Director Eitan Kantor. Ruthie and Eitan will enchant the audience with duets from Broadway, the synagogue, and the pop world. A collaboration not to be missed! This concert will take place at Temple Sinai.
Preschool Shopping Party at Wish Gifts Monday, Feb 10th 6:00p to 8:00p Come shop and mingle with fellow HEA families! Drinks and lite bites will be provided. 10% of all sales will be donated back to HEA.
Azamra at DU Friday, Feb 14th 6:00p to 9:00p Azamra heads to DU to share Shabbat with DU students and HEA's Young Adults for Tu Bishvat Eco Shabbat! Service led by Rabbi Shulman and Eitan Kantor. Service and candle lighting at 6:00 p.m., followed by a kosher Shabbat dinner. Come and join us!
Bikkur Cholim Team Training Sunday, Feb 16th 11:00a to 12:00p Join Rabbi Shulman and Rabbi Jeffrey Kaye, Director of Chaplaincy Services at Rose Medical Center, for a training on best practices for visiting others in the hospital. This training will officially launch our Bikkur Cholim (Visiting the Sick) Team to support members in the hospital and home-bound.
Whiskey Tasting Wednesday, Feb 26th 7:00p to 9:00p HEA will be hosting a whiskey tasting with Ben Rosen, founder of Colorado Bourbon & Rye Collectors. We will be tasting single-barrel selections that are completely unique to CBRC. Appetizers will be served for the tasting, and, of course, some non-alcoholic drinks will be available.
Traditional Friday Evening Service & Dinner Friday, Feb 28th 6:00p to 9:00p Traditional Kabbalat Shabbat services, followed by a congregational dinner in celebration of Jewish Disabilities Advocacy and Inclusion Month.
