www.bethsholom.net/cantor-moses-and-friends.htm#Cantor Moses and Friends

ONE NIGHT ONLY, APRIL 5, 2011

On Rosh Hashana, I find it is important to look back on the year that has passed.  Our time in shul throughout the holidays should serve as an opportunity to pray, but also to reflect on the challenges overcome and milestones attained.  So much can change in a year – new people enter our lives through birth, marriage or new friendships and sadly people depart from our lives through death, divorce or other circumstances.  Each year we honour lives well lived by attending shiva houses or funerals, and we celebrate life at weddings, birthdays and anniversaries. 

It is hard to believe that ten years have passed since I joined the Beth Sholom family.  While this is but a small milestone in what I hope will be a long association with our synagogue, I want to personally invite you to come and celebrate with me.  On Tuesday, April 5, 2011 Beth Sholom will be hosting a gala concert to mark this occasion.  PLEASE HOLD THE DATE!

This great evening of music will feature the incredibly talented Joshua Nelson – better known as the king of kosher gospel.  Joshua performs with a backup group of gospel singers, grand piano, double bass and drums in an experience which will truly have you dancing in the aisles.  He has performed around the world, for Presidents, major music festivals—and for Oprah, who named him a “Next Big Thing.” He has sung with stars from Aretha Franklin to the Klezmatics, and served as the subject of the acclaimed documentary film ‘Keep on Walking.’ Please visit his website at www.joshuanelson.com – it is worth just listening to his rendition of Barchu on the homepage! 

I am also happy to welcome my older brother Alex to join me on stage.  He is no stranger to our community as the director of so many musical productions across the city.  As the director of the Act One Academy, he brings incredible charisma and a stunning voice to the stage.  We may even perform together as we did when we were kids!

Back by popular demand, my good friends Gideon Zelermyer and Stephen Glass will be joining me from Montreal.  Gideon’s beautiful voice and Stephen’s ability to make a piano sound like an orchestra will elevate you to great musical heights. 

I have a surprise performance of my own as well.  While it has been over twenty years since I last performed this in public, you will have to come to the concert to see what secret I am keeping. 

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work with some incredibly talented children.  Many of them are not children anymore and are working towards careers in theatre and music.  In a short while, they will be receiving my call, asking them to join me on stage for this incredible evening.

An evening such as this truly comes along once in a decade!  It takes a great deal of planning, a large budget and a concerted effort to put together.  I am grateful to my two platinum sponsors to date, Kenny and Hyla Wise & family and Dr. Norman Talsky for their generous financial support.  While tickets will not go on sale for some time yet, there are ways to get involved.  If you would like to help in anyway, please email me at cantor@bethsholom.net or call me at 416-783-6103 ext. 224.  To become a sponsor there are two possibilities: 

PLATINUM SPONSOR - $5000 (includes 10 tickets - best seats to the show, post concert reception, Joshua Nelson autographed CD, valet parking and tax receipt).

GOLD SPONSOR -- $1800 (includes 4 tickets - best seats to the show, post concert reception, Joshua Nelson autographed CD, valet parking and tax receipt).

I want to thank you in advance for what promises to be an unforgettable evening of great music in the main sanctuary at Beth Sholom.  Our capacity is 810 seats and I hope to fill them all. 

On behalf of my wife Melissa and my children, Sammy, Aviva and Talia, I wish you a year filled with good health and happiness.  Remember to celebrate life and may all your dreams come true. 

Shana Tovah