A cappella music, Flamingle, tai chi, and more!

Charles Flum, President

have wondered how AI would work to write an article. To that end, I asked ChatGPT for the topic “Judaism and music.” This is what I got back:

Jewish music is a diverse and rich art form that reflects the historical, sociological and religious experiences of the Jewish people. There are many different types of Jewish music, including klezmer, piyyut, nigun and zemirot.

Music has always been an integral part of Jewish life and culture, and is often used to express joy, sorrow and spiritual devotion. In fact, some Jewish scholars believe that music was the catalyst for creation itself.

Jewish music has evolved over time, with different Jewish communities developing their own unique styles and traditions. For example, the earliest synagogal music was based on the system used in the Temple in Jerusalem and the Mishnah gives several accounts of Temple music. After the destruction of the Temple in 70 C.E., versions of the public singing in the Temple were continued in the new institution of the synagogue.

Today, Jewish music continues to thrive and evolve, with modern Jewish composers drawing inspiration from the different traditions of Jewish music. Whether it’s the haunting melodies of klezmer or the joyous songs of zemirot, Jewish music remains an important part of Jewish culture and identity.

Why this prompt? Sunday, March 10, 7 p.m. at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center, Naples Jewish Congregation and the Federation will present Listen Up!, an a cappella group from Chicago consisting of Steve and Rebecca Singer, Eli Taylor and Aron Wolgel. They sing Jewish music meant to awaken your Yiddishkeit. Tickets may be purchased at naplesjewishcongregation.org. Don’t wait, they are selling quickly!

Do you know what lamed vuvnick is? According to Jewish mysticism, they are the 36 righteous people because of whom the world continues to exist. Even they themselves do not know who they are. This is just one factoid we learned at Rabbi Herman’s lifelong learning session. Look for the upcoming March lifelong learning session date.

Want to Flamingle? When you join NJC, you can partake in this fun gathering. In February, we played miniature golf and had lunch together. Another as yet unknown fun get together is planned for March.

Book club discussions, tai chi, etc. — this is what you get when you join our sisterhood. Men are not excluded from many of the activities.

Come check us out at naplesjewish congregation.org. You’ll be glad you did.