R’ Shlomo Carlebach – A Soul Doctor in our time

On the evening of the 13^th November, begins the 25th Yahrzeit of Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach z”l. Reb Shlomo as he was known to his followers had and continues to inspire a more joyful, singing form of Prayer in Shuls around the world in all denominations.

He was, in essence,  a Soul Doctor – not only through his music but also through his storytelling. In fact, both music and the power of storytelling are so integral to our current Generation – not only in the Jewish World. We have a lot to be grateful for Reb Shlomo’s Legacy here.

For a more detailed biography, please go here.

He has inspired and continues to inspire generations of soul seekers, teachers, musicians as the featured video in this blog testifies.

I would like to share a Newsletter from the Happy Minyan in Los Angelos. This is true for Many Shlomo inspired Communities.

“It was expressed how grateful we are to be connected to one another and that the Minyan often feels like our tevah (ark). We acknowledged with gratitude that over the last two decades our humble minyan has lifted one another up and has been a source of positivity and support. We reminisced over the many milestones we have celebrated together. We recognized how we have grown together, dreamed together, prayed deeply and joyously together and of course, how we are still dancing together from Shabbos to Shabbos to Shabbos….

None of this would have come to be without Reb Shlomo’s dreams and prayers. His vision of returning every Jewish soul to its Master through prayer, music, dancing and joy is the thread that sews our lives together. It has become the dots on the timeline of our lives; open gates for connection and refueling. It is that momentum, that healing, that song, which ultimately allows us to leap off the line and reach for more; to do more; to learn more; and to grow further.

The seeds of light that Reb Shlomo planted in this world are flourishing, thriving and sprouting! May we continue to care for this tremendous garden of Torah, prayer and dreams together. May we merit, like the merit of Mordecai and Esther, to bring Moshiach immediately.”

As usual, there is a host of activities surrounding his Yartzeit. This year is the 25th anniversary of his passing and his music & influence is growing. Just look around the Shabbat Project where most of the tunes of the Kabbalat Shabbat and special Havdalah are his. In fact, any Jewish gathering that involves a guitar has its roots with Reb Shlomo.

There is a growing interest in his music and message among different “tribes” including Chareidi followers.  If you want to witness real unity and inspiration, then I suggest you visit the gathering at his gravesite, attended by hundreds of Jews of all stripes… The gathering starts at 2:30 pm on Thursday the 14th of November, in Har Menuchot in Jerusalem, and lasts for about 3 hours. You can expect to hear Tehillim sung in the tunes of Reb Shlomo’s nigunim, accompanied by guitars, drums, and percussion instruments.

After this, there is a Mincha that is just out of this world, a small piece of heaven you may say, and this lasts over an hour. The service is sung to the tune of various moving niggunim and is an absolute must. For a glimpse of how spectacular this can be, just do a quick search on YouTube.

Even more remarkable, are the number of events marking his life and celebrating his contribution to Judaism.

For a list of these go to http://shlomocarlebachfoundation.org/carlebach-events-2/carlebach-events-2/

This year, the main event The Shlomo Carlebach Foundation together with Jerusalem Municipality is hosting a memorial concert on 13^th November, the anniversary of Carlebach’s death.  For those of you who did not manage to get tickets, there is also a Shlomo Jam at Gan Sacher from 8pm Wednesday 13^th November.

What is the power of this Music?

Shlomo Carlebach’s Legacy is uniting the Jewish people more & more every year — through his Torahs and melodies, through prayer and action.  This UNITY and his message of Ahavat Yisrael – unconditional love of every Jew and Person is needed more than ever today.

The whole world is singing Shlomo melodies – Shlomo’s melodies are everywhere – at the Kotel, on Erev Shabbat at shuls all around the world, at Simchas, Weddings anywhere where Jews are trying to closer to Hashem through Music…

But to a lot of people – these is just inspirational Music…They do not know there is another world to Shlomo – that is his Torah, his message of the deeper connections to Shabbat, Prayer, closeness to  Hashem, his love for every Jew, Jerusalem, Israel & the holy soldier. The list is endless. He was passionate about so many important issues.

So what was unique about Reb Shlomo Carlebach? Reb Shlomo was a Gate Opener.

Gates – Shlomo opened many gates, and even now his music, Torahs, teachings and stories are still opening many gates.  Gates allow people to either come in or leave. Shlomo opened so many gates to so many people and these gates are still being opened through the use of methods of outreach, Music, Stories and more.

So, what are these Gates?

The Gate of Jewish Music – Shlomo’s music is so much part of mainstream Jewish music that it is impossible to identify it.  In fact, when inquiries we made about collecting royalties, his melodies were identified as National Music, as a National Treasure. From Am Yisrael Chai to Holocaust Memorials, from Weddings to Kumsitz – communal singing.

The Gateway to Jewish Education & inspiration – Shlomo opened a new spiritual path that combines Judaism with its spiritual and creative side. As a result, we have three generations of teachers leading this. These soul doctors include environmentalists, artists, and musicians combining their talents with Torah & Jewish mysticism. Other examples include Yeshivat Simchat Shlomo in Jerusalem, The House of Love and Prayer in Safed (and Tel Aviv), or the numerous Carlebach Friday night services which are havens for those seeking a closer connection to God through Judaism.

The Gate of Jewish caring – social awareness – enhancing the rights of women. There is so much to write about here. Shlomo opened so many gates here.

Useful Links                                                                                      

Want more inspiration – Other Sites dedicated to Red Shlomo are:

https://www.facebook.com/CarlebachCenter/

http://www.shlomocarlebachfoundation.org

www.souldoctorstories.com

www.ohelshlomo.com

http://jewishoutlook.com

http://www.carlebach.intzfat.info

http://kolchevra.com

http://rebshlomo.peacechannels.org

https://www.simpletoremember.com/articles/a/carlebach

http://www.shlomofriends.com