Let the Music Play On

By Miriam Liebermann, MSW

Music has always been an integral part of my life. I grew up with classical music. Sunday morning was opera time. I recall dusting the grooves in the dining room furniture – that was my designated job Sunday mornings – with La Traviata in the background. We had two relatively large pieces of furniture in either corner of our dining room. That was our stereo system. As a little girl, I truly believed that there were little people inside those boxes who created music for us. How far we’ve come since then!

My mother’s lullabies still echo in my heart and mind. I sang them to my children, and now, I sing them to the next generation. My father’s Shabbos zemiros were the highlight of my week. He sang with such gusto and feeling. I do the same.

I took 2-3 years of piano lessons as a young girl. Mrs. Bing, my teacher, actually quit on me. “This is a waste of money. Miriam’s not practicing. No reason to continue lessons.” usually Abie Rotenberg’s songs. I’d play piano, we handed out song sheets, and sang away. Those were the days!

Mrs. Bing must have given me a good foundation during those few years. I continued playing on my own and never ever stopped. Thank you, Mrs. Bing!

Living on the West Side those years was a blessing. With so many young people opting to live in the city, I was able to connect with several musicians who had studied music seriously in their earlier lives, and so I dueted with violinists, cellists, flautists and pianists. We would perform at charity functions and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. What a joy!

Moving to the Five Towns several years ago, I knew that I had to find new musical outlets. It’s a gift from Above that must be shared with others. I contacted the JCC in Cedarhurst. Thankfully, my dear cousin, Miriam Adler, and I create the opportunity. And here is the opportunity to acknowledge and offer copious thanks to Debby Eizikowitz who has been providing a fabulous venue for years here in Lawrence.

Do you remember how we would sing our hearts out during our camp years? So many women have almost forgotten how to sing. It’s as if they’ve lost their voices. They are so timid and uncomfortable when it comes to singing in a group. Can we help them find their voices again? Do you sing in the shower? That’s a great place to practice! Yes, we can find those voices again! And we must!

Over the years, we would host music recitals in our home. We would invite both married and single individuals. Rather than call it a singles’ function, we referred to it as a musical recital, more comfortable all around. I recruited professionals to play. We would raise funds for a deserving charity – no shortage of those. Our children would perform, have been leading monthly singalongs. Singing the classic Hebrew and Israeli songs along with Broadway show tunes, a grand time is had by all. Singing releases stress. Singing with others adds the social aspect that we all need so desperately.

As religious women, we don’t often have the opportunity to sing. We must

I just reconnected with a lovely woman who actually performed in my home many years ago. We’ll be getting together next week to duet together. I just went through my piles of music and am counting down the days till we get together. Thank YOU for the music! Hodu l’Hashem ki tov!

Keep singing!