www.rockymountainjewgrass.com
Telephone: 303-748-4185
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Saul Rosenthal (AKA, Shalom Feivel) began singing from the pulpit of his Philadelphia-area synagogue at age 10. Then, after several forgettable attempts to master the cello and the piano, he finally picked up the guitar at age 17. Today Saul is cantor at Congregation Rodef Shalom in Denver, composer of contemporary Jewish music, and, by day, a public relations consultant. Saul sings lead vocals, plays guitar, and writes for his band, the Rocky Mountain Jewgrass.
Instrumental Music on Shabbat in the Conservative Movement
A Panel Discussion of the Halachic and Cultural Issues
Sandra Cohen,
Saul Rosenthal,
David Cher
Arts & Performance,
Ritual & Prayer
Shul bands are enlivening Shabbat services in Conservative congregations all over the country. But this recent trend is controversial because Conservative Judaism considers itself a halachic movement, and its culture can be resistant to innovation. In this panel, we will examine the halachic and cultural arguments, both pro and con, including biblical and rabbinic texts and a recent draft responsum from the movement’s Rabbinical Assembly. As a case study of the cultural issues, we will consider the experience of Rodef Shalom, a Conservative congregation in Denver, Colorado, which now has a shul band that leads Shabbat services on a regular basis.
This panel discussion is Part 1 of a two-part presentation. Please join us for Part 2, during the Cabaret Limmud, when Shir Rodef, the musical ensemble of Congregation Rodef Shalom, will present a mini-demonstration of their Shabbat morning service, “Shabbat with a Backbeat”.
Shabbat with a Backbeat
presented by Shir Rodef
Arts & Performance,
Ritual & Prayer
What is the latest cultural news in Conservative Judaism? All over the country, shul bands are enlivening Shabbat services! Congregation Rodef Shalom in Denver is at the forefront of this movement, with its own ensemble, Shir Rodef. We have a core volunteer group of eight musicians and 14 vocalists, who seek to beautify and energize our traditional Conservative Shabbat and holiday services with music by great Jewish songwriters of the modern era. This evening Shir Rodef invites your participation in a mini-simulation of our Shabbat morning service, which we call “Shabbat with a Backbeat”. Your job is to stomp your feet, clap your hands and sing along. This is a follow-up demonstration to this afternoon's panel discussion on "Instrumental Music on Shabbat in the Conservative Movement."
Live Concert: Shalom Feivel and the Rocky Mountain Jewgrass
Ben Cohen,
Gail DeVore,
Eric Roberts,
Saul Rosenthal
Shalom Feivel and Rocky Mountain Jewgrass®, launched in 2007, has quickly become a Colorado and regional favorite, entertaining Jewish and non-Jewish audiences alike. The band provides an energetic and entertaining show, blending traditional bluegrass style playing with contemporary and classic Jewish themes and music. Great stage presence and a heavy dose of humor combine with beautiful harmonies and skilled musicianship to create a new form of Jewish music entertainment that delights audiences of all ages.
With a little “picklin’ and grinning”, and a “high lonesome kvetch,” Rocky Mountain Jewgrass is foot stompin’ fun. (But be careful you shouldn’t hurt yourself.)
