Tu B’shvat and Spring

A note from Anita: This was one of my mother's favorite musicals, and in her memory, I'm re-airing this episode. She believed in the magic of making a beautiful world; she believed in the promise of humanity, and the glory of gardens. In memory of Charlene Salzman, I hope you think of her as you listen.  Paradise: what creeps in to make it crumble? Join Rachel and Anita as they explore "Camelot" from Camelot, and the text from Genesis and the Garden of Eden. Follow along at https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/418659?lang=bi  

Join Verses for an exploration of making a journey to find our life’s dreams. We’ll listen to “Climb Every Mountain” from Sound of Music and the Counting of the Omer, between Passover and Shavuot. Follow along with the scripture here.

Happy Passover! Join Anita as she explores the Exodus story and “Why we tell the Story” from Once on this Island.  You can follow along with the lyrics and the Biblical text here. Feel free to share and follow! And let me know what you like, or would like more/less of here at our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/941182063491276

Now is the time for feasting, folly, and hiding behind masks! Join Rabbi Anita Silvert, with special co-host Sarah Sapperstein, for an exploration into the story of Esther and Purim, and the Cinderella song from Sondheim’s “Into the Woods”. Who are you, behind the mask? Who’s hiding? Who isn’t? And who are you without the mask? Follow along with the scripture here.

It’s almost spring….somewhere. We are quickly approaching Tu B’Shvat, the annual birthday of trees and a harbinger of spring. Join Verses as we connect this holiday with a spring song from “A New Brain” by William Finn. Dig out those planting tools! Follow along with the scripture here.

Love can make you do some wild and sometimes dangerous things! Join me as we explore the stories of Frank Butler in Annie Get Your Gun, and Samson. We discuss love (philandering?), ego, vows, and the famous Mr. and Mrs. Manoach in the book of Judges. Guest co-host is Rabbi Lisa Ann Wharton. Check out her website at www.pnaishore.org, and to connect with me, you can join the Facebook page Verses-Where Broadway and Torah Meet. You can also subscribe to my Substack for more of my musings! Follow along with the scripture here.

It’s the darkest time of the year,  yet we find light. Join us as we explore light and darkness, day and night, and of course Chanukah! We’ll be hearing music from A Little Night Music, and look at texts from Creation, Joshua, and more.  Link to source sheet.

While you’re cooking for Thanksgiving’s meal, take a listen as we look at the idea of fitting into a community, whether it’s two people at your table, or 20 or more. We bring together wisdom from Pirke Avot and Pippin’s Corner of the Sky.  Follow along with the scripture here.

It’s election time….finally. Listen as we explore how women stood up and demanded their rights, both in the Torah and the new musical “Suffs”, about the suffragettes in the early 20th century. Follow along with the scripture here.

Global economy, foreclosures, mortgages, finding work, and swimming against a tide of political and social changes. Sound familiar? It should! Join me as we explore Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) and “For Now” from Avenue Q.  Follow along with the scripture here.