Music has played a significant role in Jewish life since ancient times and continues to be a crucial component of both religious and cultural experiences. Today, there is no shortage of what can be called “Jewish Music.” There is Israeli Jewish music, American Jewish music, Jewish a cappella as well as work from America’s greatest composers and songwriters such as Aaron Copland, George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Carole King, and Bob Dylan.
But what perhaps links all Jewish music together is the common goal of helping people find a spiritual and meaningful home for themselves to live lives filled with purpose. This idea is what Jewish musician, composer and Rabbi Josh Warshawsky has dedicated his life and career to.
Warshawsky is bringing his music and his teachings to B’nai Amoona during their “Musical Scholar in Residence Weekend,” on Feb. 16 and 17. The weekend of music is open to all Jewish music lovers and fans.
Who is Rabbi Warshawsky?
“I am guided and motivated by my belief that human beings are spiritual seekers and meaning makers. We can find that meaning through Jewish sacred text and ritual,” said Warshawsky. “Through prayer, through song and harmony, through spirituality, through ritual, through community, and justice and fairness, the way is illuminated and becomes clear.”
Originally from the Chicago suburbs, Warsshawsky has shared his original melodies with more than 100 Jewish communities throughout the US, Canada, the UK, and Israel. He has released five albums of Jewish music.
“Josh is an incredibly talented musician and teacher. When he is with us, he engages the audience to participate with him so that all of us are uplifted,” said Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham of B’nai Amoona. “Josh takes aspects from the prayers and teaches why he chose to utilize a certain melody or tune he wrote to that prayer. The connection behind the meaning of the prayer with the music is what makes Josh so special.”
The highlight of the Musical Scholar in Residence Weekend is the Saturday, Feb. 17th evening concert “Magic of Music: An Evening with Josh” at 7 p.m. Warshawsky will be joined by Lior Shragg on percussion) and Coleen Dieker on violin and vocals.
“If you enjoy Jewish music and want to be inspired while learning some new melodies, coming to hear Rabbi Josh Warshawsky is for you. Anyone in the community is invited to come and be a part of this meaningful and spiritual experience together,” said Abraham.
Musical Scholar in Residence Weekend
What: Music as Midrash: Behind the Music of Prayer
Where: B’nai Amoona, 324 S. Mason R. St. Louis, MO. 63141
When: Friday, February 16
- 6:00 pm: Friday Night Services led by Rabbi Josh Warshawsky with Lior Shragg on percussion
- 7:15 pm: Dinner (Registration required below)
- 8:15 pm: Music as Midrash: Behind the Music of Prayer
What: The Magic of Music: An Evening with Josh
Where: B’nai Amoona, 324 S. Mason R. St. Louis, MO. 63141
When: Saturday, February 17
- 9:00 am: Shabbat Morning Services with Rabbi Josh Warshawsky followed
by Kiddush Lunch - 4:30 pm: Minchah/Seudah Shlishit/Ma’ariv/Havdallah with Rabbi Josh Warshawsky
- 7:00 pm: The Magic of Music: An Evening with Josh
Visit B’nai Amoona Online For More Information
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