Welcome to Shirat HaNefesh
From Rabbi Gerry Serotta and Hazzan Ramón Tasat
Gerry Serotta
The name Shirat HaNefesh (Song of the Soul) itself indicates that we seek a path where individuals can express the unique song of their souls in harmony with a welcoming community. Nefesh is only one of the Hebrew words for “soul,” and it is the one which most clearly references the full personhood of the individual. As a community and not just as individuals, Shirat HaNefesh also seeks to powerfully embody the Jewish values of social justice (Tikkun Olam), which we define as our Jewish “job description.” But Tikkun Olam is best achieved where individuals also pay full attention to Tikkun HaLev (the balancing of each and every heart) among ourselves. It is surely no coincidence that the new independent community choir which will be in residence at Shirat HaNefesh has chosen the name Kolot HaLev, the Voices of the Heart.
Hazzan Dr. Ramón Tasat
It is the morning. With the rooster’s sounds welcoming the day, we are reminded that it is time to offer thanks; to celebrate that we have been conceded yet another day to continue making the world a better place; to acknowledge the miracles which are with us daily.
Every morning is special and this one tastes even sweeter: Shirat HaNefesh is here!
Like a sukkah she is tender, special–as only children are. Already at this early stage she has learned that freedom in itself isn’t enough, that human beings are more than hunger for meat and thirst for water; they need to be connected to their neshamah, their spiritual being.