Renew our days as before

As I walk through the deserted streets of Amsterdam-Zuid on this early Shabbat morning, my mind wanders. I’m on my way to the Obrecht Synagogue, a monumental building and a stunning example of architecture, which offers me a weekly moment of peace. Once the beating heart of Jewish Amsterdam, the synagogue—officially named the Rav Aron Schuster Synagogue—has since lost its central role to smaller, better-attended prayer houses in the neighbourhoods of Amstelveen and Buitenveldert. But today, the service will be different.

Usually, a small and dedicated group of worshippers attends, some walking for hours to ensure there are enough men for a minyan. This week, however, it will be much busier. Shulem Lemmer, a world-renowned cantor, will lead the service. As the first Hasidic singer signed by Universal Music, many won’t miss the opportunity to hear this Brooklyn native. I wonder if my weekly moment of tranquility and prayer will be disrupted by what could feel more like a concert—musically flawless, but perhaps lacking in neshama (soul).

The service begins, and the cantor captivates the congregation with his melodies—some familiar, others new. The synagogue is unusually quiet; the usual murmurings are absent. During the prayer for the State of Israel, the Avinu Shebashamayim, a small choir hums Hatikva softly, without instruments, as it is Shabbat. The atmosphere is deeply moving.

Next is the prayer for the Israeli soldiers, chanted to the tune of a song from the movie Entebbe, which tells the story of Israel’s 1976 operation to rescue 106 hostages held in Uganda. I recall a remark made by Dutch politician Ien van den Heuvel about the mission: “Boundaries were crossed here, this really isn’t acceptable. You can’t just invade another country.”

My eyes fall on one of the regular worshippers, whose grandson serves in the Israeli army. His visible emotion during this prayer touches me every week. Today is no different; he prays with all his heart and soul for his grandson’s safety.

The Torah scroll is returned to the ark, and the cantor, now full of neshama, begins a new melody on the words, “Chadesh yameinu k’kedem”—renew our days as before. Taking the hands of his fellow cantor, he begins to dance. This spontaneous and joyful ending feels somewhat out of place in the formal setting of an Amsterdam synagogue service, and yet…”Chadesh yameinu k’kedem – Renew our days as before.”