June 2026 - Make for Me a Sanctuary, Part 1

“V’asu li mikdash, v’shachanti b’tocham.” This phrase from Exodus 25:8 says, “They shall make for Me a sanctuary, so that I may dwell among them.” In honor of my 25th anniversary of Cantorial Ordination, I gifted 2 pieces of art to Beth Samuel. Created by the talented Joanne Fink, they hang now in our sanctuary as another expression of beautification. This article, Part 1, addresses one of the 2 pictures, and next month I will reference the other.

The picture on the right on the wall in the sanctuary is entitled, “Shiru L’Adonai, Sing Unto God,” Psalm 96:1, from the Friday evening Shabbat liturgy. The verse actually says, “Sing unto God a new song,” and many people wonder how it can be a new song if we are singing the same one every week! One way, is to use a different melody now and then. Our musical heritage is rich and varied, with a myriad of melodies, and contemporary composers are writing new ones, adding to the repertoire continually.

Another element that may make an old song feel new is how we feel at the time we are singing it. Each week we come to Shabbat with a unique perspective, depending on what is going on in our lives and what happened over the past week. An old, traditional melody can seem new to us and can enlighten us, just as a new one can, depending on our mindset.

May we proudly carry on our musical heritage singing new songs together and being inspired by the beautiful art work of Joanne Fink.  

B’shalom,
Cantor Rena