Musical enhancements enable fervor-filled services at SOJC

Participating in services at the Southwest Orlando Jewish Congregation (SOJC) is an opportunity for congregants to issue their praise and appreciation to HaShem (G-D). Under the leadership of Rabbi Hillel Skolnik and Cantor Doug Ramsay the services are warm, heart-felt and sincere. However, at SOJC there is always room for new ideas, innovation and improvement. Their latest innovation stems from the configuration of services in biblical times when the Children of Israel filled their prayers with song and music.

On Friday evening, Aug. 7 at 7:30 p.m., SOJC will introduce a guitar accompaniment by Ezra Sagotsky, a member of the SOJC choir. The guitar will accompany the Kabbalat Shabbat service through the end of L'Cha Dodi.

The congregation is anxiously looking forward to this new format. The services currently are enthusiastic and strongly supported by the congregation's singing ... remember the active support of the Cantorial Choir, SOJC's youth organization.

One can only imagine the new plateaus the services will reach.

"We are tremendously excited to bring this experience to SOJC and are grateful to Cantor Ramsay and to Ezra Sagotsky for their incredible work bringing this music to our spiritual lives," said Rabbi Skolnik. "We look forward to it being a fixture of our summer services schedule for many years to come and invite everyone to come and join us."

Cantor Ramsay added, "It has been a satisfying creative process working with Ezra and Rabbi Skolnik to produce an experience that is both accessible and uplifting for the participatory nature of our congregation."

All are welcome to Friday night and Shabbat morning services and everyone is invited to join SOJC as they bring this innovation into the community. Friday night services begin at 7:30 p.m. and Shabbat morning services begin at 9:30 a.m.