Shabbat Shira at Temple Isaiah of Great Neck

In honor of Shabbat Shirah (the "Sabbath of Song"), acclaimed harpist Karen Louise Strauss, President emeritus of the Long Island Chapter of the American Harp Society, will participate in Temple Isaiah's Shabbat service to celebrate Jewish music and add a layer of ancient authenticity. 

The harp accompaniment will reproduce the full harmonies that the composers of the liturgy intended worshipers to experience. The harp's sound is elegant, luxurious and full, with a physical beauty, and was the favorite instrument of King David. The harp has a long Jewish history and Psalm 92 references the harp being played on the Sabbath day.

A kiddush and oneg will follow the service.

A Brief History of Harp Music on Shabbat:

On Shabbat, in the holy temple at Jerusalem, special sacrifices were offered, bible passages were read and a psalm for Shabbat, Psalm 92, was sung by the Levites, the priests who were responsible for the music in the Temple.

Psalm 92 is still included in the beginning of our evening Shabbat worship. The song begins with the words, Mizmor Shir; both words meaning “song.”

There are nine other psalms that begin with the same two words but this psalm describes some of the musical sounds that were used to celebrate the joy and delight of the day.

Call the Temple Isaiah of Great Neck office at (516)-487-5373 for more information.