By Cantor Danielle Rodnizki
There are moments when music does more than simply fill the air. It stirs the soul, opens the heart, and connects us to something greater than ourselves. This December, Temple Beth El will host two extraordinarily gifted musicians who know how to create those kinds of moments: Elana Arian and Iván Barenboim.
Elana Arian is one of the most influential voices in contemporary Jewish music. A singer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist, her melodies have found their way into synagogues, summer camps, and living rooms across the world. Her music carries the power to turn prayer into song and song into prayer, weaving Jewish tradition with the language of the spirit. Sometimes called a modern-day Debbie Friedman( z” l), Elana’ s soulful compositions and skillful teaching help make worship more communal and accessible through folk-inspired melodies.
Sharing the bimah with her is masterful clarinetist, Iván Barenboim. Known for his warm, soulful sound and his ability to move seamlessly between klezmer, jazz, and classical traditions, Iván brings a depth and artistry that elevates every collaboration. Together, Elana and Iván create something magical: music that feels both timeless and brand new, intimate and expansive.
From Friday evening, December 5, through Sunday, December 7, our community will have the chance to experience their gifts up close on a weekend designed to awaken the heart and strengthen our sense of connection.
The weekend begins with a joyful Kabbalat Shabbat service on Friday evening at 6:13 p. m., during which Elana and Iván will share a sermon-in-song and join our clergy team in leading us in prayer. On Shabbat morning, Elana will teach Torah Study at 9:00 a. m., inviting us to learn about Music as Midrash— the ways our prayers can be explored and interpreted through different melodies. That evening, we will host an intimate Saturday night coffeehouse concert at 7:30 p. m., where their artistry will shine in full, inviting us to lift up our voices and open our hearts through song. On Sunday, Elana will spend time with our students and families, the morning culminating in a Religious School concert at 10:30 a. m., ensuring the joy and inspiration of the weekend continues into the week ahead.
Artist-in-Residence weekends are always a highlight at Temple Beth El, an opportunity to gather as a community not only to listen but to participate— to lift our voices together, to pray together, and to be moved together. With Elana Arian and Iván Barenboim, we are promised a
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weekend of music and spirit we won’ t soon forget.
This special experience is made possible through the generosity of the Sadie W. Levin Guest Speaker Endowment for Temple Beth El. All are welcome to join us for Shabbat services and the Sunday morning concert at no cost. The Saturday evening Havdalah Coffeehouse Concert will be a ticketed program, designed to create a warm and inviting setting for music and community.
To see the full schedule and register, visit templebethel. org / artistinresidence. All are welcome— come sing, celebrate, and be inspired.
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Elana Arian Iván Barenboim
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