From Cantor Havilio:

There is something quite magical about standing next to a person who chants from the Torah for the very first time.  It is so powerful to witness the growth and learning of both children and adults as they reach this point in their lives. They study a Torah portion and bring it to life through their voices and hearts.  Whether a student is 12 or they are 80, it truly is an awesome moment.  

(I remember standing next to an 83 year old Holocaust survivor in Israel and teaching her how to sing the words of “the Song of the Sea”.  Each time she learned how to chant a new verse, tears would well up in her eyes, and mine and we all were witness to the survival of the Jewish people through Torah coming to life through her voice.  As she stood up for her aliyah she exclaimed to everyone that she was chanting for all of those who never could have a Bar or Bat mitzvah in her family.)

Not everyone grows up thinking or believing that they will have a chance to learn how to chant from the Torah- it is truly a gift. 

Please join me in a Cantillation Journey Class on Sunday mornings where we will learn Torah Cantillation from the beginning. 

Whether you want to celebrate an Adult B’Nai Mitzvah or just learn to become one of our Cantor’s Chanters here at Bet Shalom, please join me in fun and meaningful study!  You can join the class in-person OR on zoom. 

Email ajia.collins@betshalom.org for the Zoom link.