Joe Buchanan Coming to Temple Kol Ami

Charlotte Jewish News March 2022

By Shari Baum

Some things are just worth waiting for! Patience, in the sense of trusting in G-d and letting things take their course, is one of the core teachings of the Torah. At Temple Kol Ami, we have patiently waited to reschedule nationally known Jewish recording artist Joe Buchanan for his artist-in-residence weekend with our congregation in Fort Mill. After our having to postpone his visit in March of 2020, the time has finally come!

Jewish Americana musician Joe Buchanan will bring his talents to Fort Mill on the weekend of April 1. A Jew by choice, Joe is a rising star in the Jewish music scene who has released two albums, including his most recent “Back from Babylon.” He will lead us in a musical Kabbalat Shabbat service and a Saturday night concert featuring his original music. As an added bonus, hometown favorite band The Ruach will be joining Joe for the Friday night service.

Texas born and Southern raised, Joe Buchanan makes country music that is steeped in Torah and the trials of the human spirit. He grew up struggling with religion and his place in the world until one day outside of the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C., and 13 years into their marriage, his wife revealed that she was Jewish. An exploration of faith led the way home for the whole family and ultimately led to Joe’s debut album titled “Unbroken.”

Since his conversion, he has toured the country leading prayer, concerts, and workshops. Joe’s goal is to help connect us all and to hold the door for other seekers. A blend of Southern soul and country charm, his music is grounded in the belief that there is always more room at the table.

We are thrilled to welcome Joe to the bimah at Temple Kol Ami (Philadelphia United Methodist Church, 1691 SC-160, Fort Mill) on April 1 and 2, and you are invited to join us (masks are required in the sanctuary). All events are free and open to the public thanks to funding through the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte. Please check our website at www.templekolamisc.org for start times.

We hope you will join us at Temple Kol Ami for any and all of our wonderful programming and bi-weekly Shabbat services. If you live in York County or the South Charlotte area, Temple Kol Ami might be the place for you! We are a warm and inclusive Reform congregation comprising Jews from diverse backgrounds. Come find your Jewish home in our welcoming community. For more information, contact us at yorksynagogue@gmail.com.