Two weeks ago, Shomrei experienced a very special Shabbat – one, that for many of us, felt transformative. Aided by our musical scholar-in-residence, Joey Weinsenberg, we engaged in services – whether it be by humming a nigun (a wordless melody) or chanting a prayer – with a stronger sense of freedom to sing and to express ourselves.  Our collective voices filled the sanctuary as one.

I have received so many comments from congregants about how special this Shabbat was.   There is interest among us in building a “singing community” at Shomrei and we plan to continue with components of what Joey taught us in our services.

One of Joey’s recommendations was that we form a group of interested congregants who meet once or twice a month to practice nigunim and singing.  These folks can help guide the rest of us by setting an example and/or by acting as informal “song leaders.”  This is an open invite to the Shomrei community.  Anyone interested in joining such a group should email Nick Levitin at 

I look forward to singing together.

Sara Ann Erichson
President, Congregation Shomrei Emunah