Cantor Perry Fine of Temple Beth Shalom in Livingston will offer a free two-part series, titled “Sounds of October Rain,” exploring Israeli popular song in the aftermath of the Oct. 7, 2023 terrorist attack in Israel. The series will take place via Zoom on Thursdays, Feb. 6 and 13 at 1 p.m.
Cantor Fine’s program is coordinated by National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW), West Morris Section’s Our Jewish World program, under the leadership of Ilene Dorf Manahan and Melanie Levitan.
Cantor Perry Fine
Cantor Fine will examine a wide range of musical responses to the events of Oct. 7, reflecting a myriad of emotions–from sadness to anger to resolve, and the role of music in helping to heal a nation. With the cantor’s insightful guidance, participants will study the poetry of each song, which often is laced with biblical allusions, and how the music helps bring out the meaning of the text.
Session one will look at a variety of newly composed songs, including “October Rain,” the Israeli song entry in the prestigious Eurovision Song Contest 2024. The cantor will delve into the lyrics’ meaning and significance, and the controversy surrounding the song’s inclusion in the song festival.
Session two will focus on how popular songs of the past, including those by Naomi Shemer and James Taylor, were reintroduced to the public in new arrangements, and how these classics, reimagined, took on new meaning to fit the times.
During 2024, Cantor Fine celebrated his 33rd year in the cantorate and his 13th at Temple Beth Shalom. A graduate of the University of Michigan and the Jewish Theological Seminary, Cantor Fine has given numerous concerts and lectures, including many years as part of the NCJW, West Morris Section’s Clergy lecture series.
Cantor Fine is the co-founder and principal conductor of Voices in Harmony, an interfaith choral ensemble that has served the greater Essex County community for the past 27 years. He has been awarded the Conservative Movement’s Nathan H. Winter Award for Professional Excellence, and in April 2024, he was honored by both the South Orange/Maplewood Interfaith Holocaust Remembrance Service and the Seton Hall Sister Rose Thering Jewish/Christian Studies Program for lifetime achievement.
For the past 28 years, Cantor Fine has served on the faculty of the Jewish Theological Seminary, teaching biblical cantillation to a generation of budding cantorial students.
Preregistration is required for “Sounds of October Rain.” To register, email iadpr@aol.com.