the cantor and the now

"Meredith Greenberg has been the Cantor of Temple Ner Tamid since July 2008. She was ordained in May 2009 by the Academy for Jewish Religion...She has a Bachelor of Music in Voice from the Manhattan School of Music. She has performed professionally as a soprano soloist in both Jewish and secular musical genres and venues, taught theory and general music in New York City schools, and for a few years even co-owned a catering and opera company called Divas’ Delite Inc. with her spouse, Leora Perlman. As a spiritual leader at Ner Tamid, Meredith seeks Lahavot Eish, ‘to spark the fire’ within each of us, by creating meaningful davening experiences through music and prayer."

- Clergy and Staff of Temple Ner Tamid

I had the privilege to hear

a talk and liturgical music demonstration by Meredith Greenberg tonight at my university.

It was a blessed event.

Her voice is gorgeous.

The fact that she was praising G_d made the experience so meaningful.

It was an educational lecture, a concert and a prayer experience all in one.

It was good to forget everything and to be immersed in music, drenched with the Divine.

In class tonight, prior to the cantor experience, I was lecturing on being in the moment. We were covering Eastern religions. 

I talked about attachment and how we cling to things because our Ego wants to experience safety and belonging. Sometimes we cling to things/people/ideas in a way that is detrimental to our well being. A student asked how to become un-attached.

I showed a clip from 'Peaceful Warrior' about "taking out the trash", the trash being the past we cling to and the future we fret about. I said we should try to be in the moment; to enjoy the now.

The musical event  was the perfect way to be in the moment, to appreciate music, to appreciate the ability to appreciate, and to forget the past and future in favor of the blessed present.

I searched on YouTube and found a clip from Meredith's album of liturgical music. 

She's doing all the voices!
Enjoy the now.

click here or click below