3 minute read
Worship in Action: The Ruach Stands With Israel
January 2024
Several months ago, The Ruach began supporting other non-profit organizations by providing them a platform at The Shabbat Experience, modern services built on Jewish tradition. These services have since become known as The Shabbat for Good. On Friday, Nov. 17, The Shabbat for Good lent its support to the 2023 Israel Emergency Campaign of the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte (JFGC).
That evening, The Ruach Community gathered in the concert hall of Heist Brewery and Barrel Arts to experience Shabbat. As attendees entered the hall, they were greeted by 240 blue and white tea lights glowing on a table in front of the rabbi’s lectern. Each light represented one of the hostages taken by Hamas. Jewish Rock Radio provided a backdrop of music.
Before, during, and after the service, worshippers had the opportunity to order food and beverages. Heist Brewery generously provided the venue free of charge and donated a portion of the evening's sales proceeds to the Israel Emergency Fund.
Around 6 p.m., the background music faded, and the band greeted everyone with an incredible version of "Hinei Mah Tov," written by international reggae star Lior Ben Hur. As the band played, Rabbi Rachel Smookler, draped in an Israeli flag, took her place before the tea lights. Following the song, she welcomed the nearly 100 people in attendance.
The service was filled with modern musical pieces written by today's top Jewish artists and meaningful messages delivered by Rabbi Smookler and Stephanie DiPaolo. Prayers for the State of Israel and those held captive by Hamas were also included. After the prayer for the captives, Sam Bernstein, chief development and marketing officer of Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte, was invited to the stage. He shared the uplifting news that Federation’s Campaign had exceeded its goal, eliciting enthusiastic applause. He also noted the ongoing need for contributions, and attendees were provided with a QR code to facilitate donations.
Before Rabbi Smookler's sermon, a screen slowly lowered, and a short, powerful video entitled “Bring Them Home” was projected. The video showed the photos of the hostages and a countdown of the days, hours, and minutes they've been held. Rabbi Smookler's cousin, Ilit Ben-Dan from Israel, who was involved in the video's production, provided it. The video, also displayed at Anu, the Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv and for a few weeks outside the JFGC office, is updated daily and can be viewed online at www.anumuseum.org.il. At the video's conclusion, chants of “Bring them home” erupted from the audience.
The service concluded with Rabbi Smookler leading everyone in singing “Hatikvah,” the Israeli national anthem, accompanied by The Ruach playing “The Hope,” an anthem for Israel written by Jewish Rock Radio founder Rick Recht 20 years ago.
The Shabbat Experience takes place on the fourth Fri day of each month at different locations around Charlotte. To stay informed, email the.ruach. band@gmail.com to be added to the distribution list. You can also like and follow The Ruach on Facebook at www.facebook.com/theruachband and on Ins tagram (@the.ruach.new.jewish. music). Additionally, The Ruach has a YouTube channel at www. youtube.com/theruachband.
The Ruach is a 501c3 organi zation whose mission is to spread the joy of Judaism through new Jewish music and modern ser vices built on Jewish tradition. Don’t just observe Judaism… EXPERIENCE IT!
