Imagine being in a room with dozens of other Jewish women and girls—ages 4 months to 90-something years—mothers, daughters, friends, who gathered together to give each other strength and inspiration through music and tefillah. Then, imagine learning from an Israeli social worker/RPRY parent about the courage of the women during the time of the Maccabim, and how to derive chizuk from our ancestors in times of uncertainty and sadness. On top of all this, imagine there are tables laid out with beautiful tambourines, reminiscent of tof Miriam, waiting to be painted with glorious colors. What foresight Miriam and the women leaving Egypt had, to bring their instruments with them, knowing they would have a reason to celebrate Hashem’s freeing them from slavery, and the miracle of the splitting of the Yam Suf.
This piece of Jewish history is the inspiration behind the Tambourine Together: One Heart, One Beat program, joining with our sisters around the world, yearning for redemption. The Highland Park/Edison/East Brunswick community gathering was coordinated by RPRY+ and run by RPRY’s beloved bnot sherut Ayala and Ortal, this past Motzei Shabbat. The program opened with an introduction to the purpose and premise of the evening, whose profits will be going to supporting families of IDF Reservists. Everyone joined RPRY’s talented Morah Judy Schwarzberg for a beautiful kumzitz, as she played her guitar in heartfelt song and emotional expression—including such powerful songs as “Acheinu,” “Ha’neshama Lach” and “Ani Ma’amin.”
Following a short video of renowned rebbeim and scholars, such as Rabbi Moshe Weinberger and Rabbinit Shani Taragin, speaking about the importance of our belief in the future redemption, it was time to let the creative juices flow. With the blank canvases of tambourines, participants searched their souls for messages and drawings that would depict their experience and tefillot: “Am Yisrael Chai;” Kriat Yam Suf; flowers and dancers; the menorah and olive branches, symbol of the State of Israel; many a Magen David; “Lo Le’fached Klal;” “Yisrael Betach Ba’Hashem;” “Kol Ha’Neshama Te’hallel Ya.”
This meaningful program uplifted and inspired, and left everyone feeling grateful and hopeful—and with magnificent tambourines of redemption in hand!
