Dear Valley Beth Shalom Families,
It is with great joy that we present to you That Shabbat Feeling: Tot Shabbat at Valley Beth Shalom—a brand new album of Jewish music for our VBS children and families, as well as the larger Jewish community.
This project was a labor of love over the course of many months. It began when longtime VBS members Allyn Levine and Judy Schlosberg approached me with the wonderful idea of recording songs that our youngest members (and their parents and grandparents) could sing along to, nurturing pride in their Jewish identities. They also suggested the creation of a songbook with lyrics so that everyone could learn the songs.
Inspired by their vision, I proposed the creation of a high-quality, full-length album and accompanying lyric booklet featuring the songs our littlest ones have come to know and love from our ECC Tot Shabbat services – classic Jewish children’s songs, traditional prayers, and original pieces I have composed over the years. These songs have become staples not only for our ECC families, but also across multiple generations in our community through our various Shabbat services. Allyn and Jeff Levine, and Judy and Carl Schlosberg, generously agreed to sponsor the project; I am so grateful to Allyn and Judy for their trust, enthusiasm, and partnership in making this dream a reality.
One of the things that sets this album apart is the presence of truly world-class musicians who bring each song to life. This album would not be what it is without Daniel Raijman’s masterful, virtuosic production and musical partnership.
As a cantor, composer, and parent, I believe music is one of the most powerful ways we pass on our stories, values, and traditions from generation to generation. It is my hope that That Shabbat Feeling becomes a soundtrack for your family’s Jewish life—something you can enjoy together at home, on the go, or wherever you find yourselves singing.
To help you learn and share the music, this beautiful lyric booklet, designed by VBS’s own talented Liat Cohen, will be available monthly during our Tot Shabbat morning services. It will also be sent home as a welcome gift to our ECC Oaks students.
May these songs bring you and your loved ones warmth, Jewish joy, and that unmistakable, soaring Shabbat Feeling.
With love and song,
Jacqueline Rafii
Senior Cantor, Valley Beth Shalom
P.s. I dedicate this album with love to Lev, Adira, and Keila. You’ll notice from the pictures I was very pregnant with Keila when recording, which made for lots of laughs and sitting-down breaks!
