Tidewater’s musical weekend with Rick Recht combines fun and inspiration
Rick Recht at Shabbat Family Sing-a-long for Hebrew Academy of Tidewater and Strelitz Early Childhood Center.
Rick Recht spent four days in Tidewater connecting with educators, NFTY and BBYO high school students, Hebrew Academy of Tidewater and Strelitz Early Childhood Center students and their families, participants of community services at Ohef Sholom Temple and Congregation Beth El, and with hundreds more at Latkepalooza and Camp Extravaganza at the Simon Family JCC.
Here’s what some say about their experiences:
Educator’s Training
Thursday, Nov. 29, Sandler Family Campus
“Rick Recht’s workshop was inspirational and I was moved on both an educational and spiritual level. His unique ability to connect with everyone on a personal level allowed each person in the room to leave with their own meaning and relevance as a leader in the Jewish community,” says Elyssa Brinn.
Shabbat Family Sing-a-long
Friday, Nov. 30, Hebrew Academy of Tidewater and Strelitz Early Childhood Center
“My three kids had such a wonderful time hearing Rick Recht this weekend. My preschoolers were in awe that the “man from the songs” came to sing the exact same songs they know and love from school. These were beautiful, inspiring events that included the entire community, and it was lovely seeing the singer and the community members, faith leaders and children together on the stage. We loved it! “ says Mical Raz.
Shabbat Service
Friday, Nov. 30, Ohef Sholom Temple
“It was inspirational and great bringing in Shabbat in such a fun and musical way. It was nice seeing so many people from the community come together to celebrate Shabbat in such a warm and inviting synagogue,” says Jody Laibstain.
Moms Mical Raz, Amy Weinstein, and Pam Trompeter.
Shabbat Service
Saturday, Dec. 1, Congregation Beth El
“I loved learning the Hebrew sign language during his leading of services. Oh what a fabulous voice he has,” says Brenda Kozak.
Rick Recht with community teens.
Latkepalooza and Camp Extravaganza
Sunday, Dec. 2, Sandler Family Campus
Ohef Sholom Temple and Beth El Sunday and Religious Schools kicked off the day of family fun with their school sessions at the Simon Family JCC. A latke lunch and camp activities from six Jewish sleepaway camps followed the learning sessions.
Children’s book authors, Rabbi Jamie Korngold (Sadie’s Almost Marvelous Menorah and Sadie’s Snowy Tu B’Shevat) and Carrie Jones (The Spy Who Played Baseball) read stories to parents and children and fielded questions from children on topics such as what it’s like to be an author and write stories as a career.
Rick Recht then performed a live concert, which brought generations together in song.
“I felt a strong sense of community and found Rick Recht’s concert to be invigorating and very uplifting. My daughter Margo and I thoroughly enjoyed being with the whole community seeing such a mixture of young and old,” says Nicole Gamboa.