The Bet Shira Congregation 20th annual Tu B’Shevat Concert, featuring internationally famous superstar of Jewish music Craig Taubman, will take place on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 23, 4 p.m., at Bet Shira Congregation, located at 7500 SW 120 St. in Pinecrest.
Craig Taubman’s dynamic music and moving performance style have inspired the Jewish community for three decades. His magical and enchanting music brings to life the joy and spirit of the Jewish heritage, appealing to all ages captivating audiences everywhere.
Taubman’s songs bridge traditional Jewish themes and ancient teachings with passages and experiences of contemporary Jewish life. He speaks a language that is comfortable and acceptable. His recordings weave song and spirit into the fabric of Jewish life. Taubman’s performances of Friday Night Live and One Shabbat Morning have reinvigorated Shabbat services across the nation.
Taubman enjoys a successful career in television and film composing as well. He has composed and directed the music for the Fox children’s series Rimba’s Island, and the critically acclaimed HBO animated series Happily Ever After. His music has been featured at the Coca Cola Olympic Pavilion in Atlanta as well as in the Paramount Pictures feature film Andre, New Line Cinema’s Pinocchio, and Disney’s animated short film Recycle Rex.
Such respected artists as Chita Rivera and Jennifer Holliday have recorded his songs. Taubman’s sell-out concerts draw thousands of fans at respected venues as Ravinia in Chicago, Valley Forge in Pennsylvania, Westbury Music Fair in New York, the Greek Theater in Los Angeles and three special performances at The White House.
This is Taubman’s only South Florida concert scheduled this year. There are still some seats available for the event, so contact Bet Shira to reserve your tickets at 305-238-2601 or online at <www.betshira.org>. Students and seniors’ tickets are $9; general admission is $18; reserved seating is $36; Patrons are $180 and above; sponsors are $1,800 and above. Sponsors and patrons will join Craig Taubman for a wine and cheese party following the concert.
Other supporters of Bet Shira’s 20th Annual Tu B’Shevat Concert include Bet Breira Samu-El Or Olom, Beth David Congregation, Beth Or, Dave and Mary Alper JCC, Greenfield Day School, Temple Beth Am, and Temple Judea.
Tu B’Shevat, the 15th day of the Hebrew month Shevat, is the “New Year for Trees.” Most know this day to be Jewish Earth Day. Based in Jewish literature for over 2,000 years, the lesson is clear to love this earth as a great gift from God. Judaism dictates the awareness of nature as a blessing that brings comfort and inspiration.
“Bet Shira Congregation has marked the past 20 years of Tu B’Shevat sacredness with song,” said its Cantor Mark H. Kula. “The synagogue has celebrated with music concerts including local and international artists, instrumental and vocal mediums, and classical to rock styles. Jewish culture remains one of the strongest promoters of Jewish identity and community connection. Jewish Music, the language of our souls, secures our Jewish bonds.”
Rabbi Brian Schuldenfrei is excited to be at Bet Shira during his first year as the congregation’s spiritual leader and in helping to provide high level programs and concerts.
“Craig’s passion fills the room and reaches out to everyone present,” Rabbi Schuldenfrei said. “This is what we are trying to accomplish as a synagogue — reaching out to the community. We feel blessed to have Craig kick off a year filled with new and innovative programming.”
Call Bet Shira Congregation Synagogue office at 305-238-2601 or visit www.betshira.org for more information or to reserve your tickets. Various other sponsorships are available. Proceeds are used to benefit the community programs offered at Bet Shira Congregation.
