High Holiday Services
We came together in soulful prayer and song and did so with deep purpose. I am so grateful to all of you for supporting this venture of gathering those not affiliated with a synagogue, yet still wanting to connect to Judaism in a meaningful way. Thank you to each and every individual who attended and participated in services, either in person or virtually; you helped to frame the sacred space we all shared over Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur.
Highlights from our 5784 Services
Photos
Words of Appreciation
Jodi’s version of our High Holy Days left me deeply moved and uplifted.
Last year and this year as well, Jodi created a most meaningful, joyous RH and a soulful Yom Kippur at The Allen center in Newton. There are many of us "wandering Jews" - Jews who are Jewish in their hearts and cells- but unaffiliated with any denomination or congregation. As the Summer winds down most of us start thinking about how to connect to the upcoming holiday. Jodi ‘s been graciously hosting an intimate gathering focused on music and song. Jodi’s voice alone takes us to new spiritual heights. Her accompanists, Adam and Steven, deepen the experience. And the cello on Yom Kippur was profoundly heart opening.
~ Naomi Raiselle
Her warmth and connection to the congregation and to the service wrapped us all in an immeasurable warmth.
I want to thank Jodi for giving people the opportunity to come together on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur - our holiest days of worship. We’re drawn to her workshop services to reaffirm our deep connection to our heritage and our families. Although we may have grown up with different traditions, Jodi gave us a common place to express our Judaism.
Because she drew on the many forms and expressions of Jewish observance, she explained the meanings and significance of her selected texts and songs. Her soulful voice enriched the beauty of our Jewish tradition. In its simplicity of presentation, and the perfectly attuned accompaniment of a second voice, pianist, and guitarist, the music reached our very core.
Just as she drew upon all the elements of our 5,000-year old religion, Jodi brought generations together - young children, teenagers, parents and grandparents - to worship as well as to join her in celebrating the service. Rarely, in religious services, does one find such union and such peace.
The Allen Center, designed for musical performance, offers a special place for our observance - simply furnished, invoking something of its historic mid-19th century heritage. Once a leader in co-educational and inter-racial education, the Allen Center
still radiates a sense of welcome, inclusion and exploration. It was the ideal setting for Jodi’s great artistic and human gifts.
~ State Representative Kay Khan
Jodi has created a congregation that meets us where we are.
She welcomes us to celebrate in a friendly and stunning space if we wish to be in person: Allen House is intimate and warm. She also invites congregants to join from Zoomland as she so affectionately calls the virtual community. The service is a reflection of Jodi: full of lovely music, meaning & education. There is nothing more special than hearing Jodi and her fellow musicians filling the room with prayer set to melody.
~ Jodi Collier
Everything about her services are extremely special!
Our family looks forward to Cantor Blankstein’s High Holiday services year after year! From her dedication and inclusiveness of her congregation to her beautiful voice, and the team that works with her. Every service is very meaningful. We’re already counting down until next years services.
~ Amy Levy
I look forward to next year, when we are gathered together again.
I want to wish everyone a fruitful, happy year, and look forward to next year, when we are gathered together again.