While it is not celebrated here in Israel, I would like to wish those of you who do partake a happy Halloween. If you are interested in the origins of Halloween, which actually go back to ancient times, you might want to check out this site: http://theunexplainedmysteries.com/Halloween.html.
This past week for me was spent in rather intensive study and practice. Tomorrow I will be performing all of the pieces I have received for the Saturday morning service. This covers roughly half of that service.
I observed in my previous post that I seem to be moving a little faster in picking up pieces. This seems to be correct as I feel I am close to mastery of most of the material I received last Monday as well as what I had received before. I will find out for sure tomorrow evening just how much I still need to work on each piece. I anticipate receiving more music and to continue with the Saturday morning service. I am anticipating moving on to the Saturday afternoon, Saturday evening, Sabbath conclusion and Havdalah (literally “distinction”, the Havdalah service fulfills part of the commandment to remember the Sabbath in that this service verbalized the distinction of the Sabbath from other days*).
As I mentioned last week, I went to one of the settlements just north of Jerusalem for Shabbat. As usual it was a very peaceful experience. Shortly after Shabbat was over I went to a small gathering there that was put together. One of the people there was a Rabbi/author/concert pianist who played Broadway show tunes for us while we attempted to sing along. It was very enjoyable and I wish to thank the hosts as well as all those who attended for a wonderful time.
On another subject, a friend from the US will be here in just over a week touring Israel. I look forward to meeting up with him and his family in Jerusalem, and wish them safe travels. This will be their first time here so I am anxious to see how they react to the level of spirituality that this city contains.
*Adapted from the ArtScroll Series of prayer books, the Messorah collection
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