Sunday, February 27 was Zimyiyah, a music festival of choirs from all the Jewish schools, both days schools and supplemental, in the GTA. Keren, our little star, chose to participate this year. It constantly strikes me that the repeated theme in Jewish music is peace- "Oh Lord give us peace." It stands in stark contrast to those who march chanting "Death to Israel," or to America, or to [insert group name here]. The theme of almost every public gathering is peace.
This year, out of 26 songs/medleys, more than half focused on peace. It's amazing how much of our music centers around peace. As a people who have been persecuted for thousands of years, we could easily be bitter; wondering "why us", "when will it end", or asking for revenge on our enemies. But no! We sing of hopes and dreams, of goodness and light, and of a future when we and all the world will live together in peace. Rak shiru shir l'shalom; only sing of peace. Lo nafsik lashir; we will not cease to sing.
Robbins Hebrew Academy was definitely one of the best, although I realize I am a biased parent, but I'm also a pretty good objective observer. The Toronto Heschel School was just as good, especially considering so small. Leo Baeck was adorable, but unfortunately their piano was so loud the children were inaudible. It's a shame the musician didn't pay attention to the voices of the children. It must have been a keen disappointment for the parents of those children.
The Leo Baeck Middle School chose a completely secular performance, not surprising, but also completely English and North American, non-Jewish composers. With so much "cool" Israeli music, could they not have found one Hebrew song?
Still, I beautiful, music-filled day.
