Greetings,
As we move through CRC Week of Music, we wanted to share a brief reflection on what’s unfolding—and what we’re discovering together.
This week has been deeply energizing. We’re learning what truly invites participation, what helps people feel at home, and what it takes to build real trust and creative partnership with visiting artists. Supporting national artists well means showing up prepared, open, and generous—and our community and band have done exactly that.
So far, we’ve shared three beautiful and very different musical experiences—two at CRC and one at MaTovu—each infused with joy, depth, and genuine collaboration. With limited rehearsal time, our band brought thoughtful, nuanced arrangements to life, adapting guest artists’ material with care and confidence. That kind of musical responsiveness reflects a group that listens deeply, trusts one another, and is committed to serving the moment, the prayer, and the community.
The affirmation from our visiting artists has been deeply meaningful. Again and again, they’ve reflected back that something truly special is brewing here—a musical culture rooted in openness, excellence, and heart. Hearing that from artists who travel the country and see many communities up close has been powerful.
What’s also stood out is how radically inclusive this week has felt. People are singing, dancing, clapping, and participating freely. Shabbat morning welcomed roughly 150 people into the building. MaTovu drew about 50 people on a rainy South City night. Sunday morning’s breakfast taco brunch and open rehearsal—also around 50 people—was especially revelatory. Opening rehearsals to the congregation and inviting everyone into the learning process feels like a meaningful shift toward a more transparent, communal, and joyful way of making music together.
The energy is mutual. Musicians, guests, and congregants are inspiring one another in real time, and the sense of shared ownership has been palpable.
Food has been a joyful connector as well—from Shabbat kiddush to breakfast tacos—helping turn each gathering into a full communal experience. We’ve also captured wonderful video from the week so far and look forward to sharing more moments soon.
There is still plenty ahead this week, but already the learning, trust-building, and shared joy feel deeply worth it. Thank you to the musicians, staff, artists, partners, and community members who are helping bring this vision to life. We’re grateful—and excited—for what’s emerging.