Kol Ami to Celebrate Shabbat Shirah and Shabbat Zachor

The Charlotte Jewish News, February 2023

By Shari Baum

Shabbat is always a special time each week to let go of the stresses of previous days, rest, and re-energize. However, there are some extra special Shabbatot on which certain events are commemorated. Temple Kol Ami is excited to celebrate two of these unique Shabbatot in February and March.

Shabbat Shirah, or Sabbath of Song, is the name given to the Shabbat that includes Parsha Beshalach, which starts at sundown on February 3. The Torah reading of the week contains the Shirat HaYam, the Song of the Sea sung by the Children of Israel after their safe passage through the Red Sea. This is also the part of the Torah from which the rabbis selected Mi Chamocha to become part of our worship. Traditionally, this Shabbat service has become immersed in music as we commemorate Moses and Miriam leading the Israelites to freedom. Temple Kol Ami is excited to welcome Ann Baumgarten, a seasoned song leader, and wonderful musician, to help lead us in this special musical Shabbat. We also look forward to other musical congregants participating in this service!

In March, we will observe Shabbat Zachor, the Sabbath of Remembrance, which is on the Sabbath immediately preceding Purim. Deuteronomy 25:17-19, describing the attack by Amalek, is recounted. There is a tradition from the Talmud that Haman, the antagonist of the Purim story, is descended from Amalek. Temple Kol Ami will celebrate Shabbat Zachor on March 3 with a service led by congregant Helene Schilian. Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, has adopted Shabbat Zachor as Hadassah Shabbat as it was just a week before Purim in 1912 that Hadassah was created, the name taken from the Hebrew name of the heroine of the Purim story, Queen Esther. Helene, who is an active member of the Charlotte chapter of Hadassah, will combine inspirational readings with a traditional Shabbat service. The service will be completely led by women as we honor the woman, Queen Esther, who literally saved the Jewish nation, as well as all of the women who are so active in Hadassah and other Jewish organizations that help to sustain the Jewish people.

All are invited to join us for these special Shabbatot as well as our regular Kabbalat Shabbat services at Philadelphia United Methodist Church, 1691 SC-160, Fort Mill. We generally meet on the first and third Fridays of each month but it is always best to check the TKA calendar on our website, www.templekolamisc. org, to verify. If you live in York County or the Ballantyne area, Temple Kol Ami might be the

Photo caption: TKA Ann Baumgarten will lead Shabbat Shira