Video Library

It’s been a terrific year of celebrating Israel at 75. PAS was particularly honored in this anniversary year to host the annual collaborative Tekes Me’avar, a transitional ceremony between Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzma’ut.

As we begin Shavuot, we recall the original receiving of the Torah. At festive moments such as Rosh Hashanah, the congregation receives the Torah differently, making personal gestures of respect as it is carried around the sanctuary in procession (hakafah) with great reverence.

This week, we celebrate the reunification of Jerusalem, one of the miracles of our time, which allows all peoples to visit a city that is holy to many.

Can you think of a piece of music that brings you joy whenever you hear it or sing along to it in services? This Shabbat is a time of celebration at PAS, as we wish mazal tov to Cantor Schwartz on the occasion of his son’s Bar Mitzvah.

As all eyes are on London, we offer this setting of Yigdal in the British tradition. We pray for every blessing on King Charles and Queen Camilla, and on the many peoples and nations around the world the King serves as head of state. 

In memory of Harry Belafonte, who passed away this past week, Cantor Schwartz sings Ein Keloheinu to the tune of "The Banana Boat Song" (Day-O), which was performed live during these past Shabbat services. May his memory be for a blessing.

As an exclamation point to Israel week, here is a setting of Adon Olam in a Middle Eastern style, commissioned by PAS from our Composer-in-Residence, Oran Eldor.

This song bridges Yemeni musical heritage with a Western sound world, an Eastern melody with orchestral accompaniment. The song also resounds through the generations: Cantor Schwartz’s grandmother taught him this text, which he now sings with his son.

We have just said the Yizkor memorial service on the eighth day of Passover, and we are preparing for Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, on April 17.

As we conclude the Passover Seder, an evocative phrase from the Haggadah captures our imaginations: “Next year, in Jerusalem.” Many might have different feelings when we think about Israel this year.