Musical Scholars in Residence
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Click here to learn more about the Zohars and listen to their music.
Musical Shabbat with the Zohars
by Hazzan Michael Krausman - - Jewish Press, 11-29-24
Rabbi Or and Feliza Zohar are internationally renowned singers, composers, and spiritual ambassadors recently came to America from the Upper Galilee region of Israel, and we are excited to announce that they will be joining the Beth El Community as musical scholars-in-residence December 6 and 7, 2024. Their inspirational settings of our sacred texts show a high degree of empathy while at the same time being extremely engaging and accessible.
I met Or and Feliza a few years ago when they visited Omaha at the tail end of the COVID pandemic, and when we were in the midst of doing a major renovation of our sanctuary. Despite these issues, all who attended were treated to a remarkable experience. The Zohar’s very deep love and affinity for Jewish music and liturgy is only matched by their warm and engaging personalities.
During the winter of 2023 when I was in Israel with the JFO teen trip, I had the opportunity to reconnect with Rabbi Or and Feliza. Not only did they give us a warm welcome to Israel, but we had the chance to visit the Galilee, which is where they spent several years as spiritual leaders. At that time, I had no clue that only a year later, Nahariya, the lovely city in which we met, would be the subject of merciless rocket attacks by Hezbollah terrorists.
In speaking to Rabbi Or, he commented on how impressed he has been with the warm and welcoming Beth El community during the two times he visited Omaha. “Feliza and I are so excited to reconnect with our Omaha friends, share some of our music, and help create a meaningful, spiritual, and uplifting worship experience while at the same time having a wonderful time with all who attend.”
We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome the Zohars back to the Beth El community. Please plan to join us Friday, December 6 at 6 pm, as we begin the weekend with a lively and spirited Kabbalat Shabbat Service. Feliza and Rabbi Or will combine a sampling of their outstanding original prayer settings together with some of our familiar melodies, and be accompanied by an ensemble of our own Beth El musicians,. Not only will the service be spiritually moving, but physically moving, too, as it is almost impossible to sit still when experiencing the wonderful music.
Jacobs's Ladders – A Shabbat Morning Journey, is the theme of our Shabbat morning service, starting at 10 am on Saturday, December 7. We will enjoy another unforgettable, vibrant prayer and learning experience with the Zohars. During services, Rabbi Or and Feliza will skillfully interweave beautiful, dynamic original and traditional music with an engaging dialogue centered around the focus of the weekly Torah reading. Rabbi Or will draw on his extensive knowledge of Kabbalah— Jewish mysticism— to illuminate some of the sacred teachings of the Torah. Services will be folowed by a Kiddush luncheon.
On Saturday evening, we will bid farewell to Shabbat as we transition into the new week with a magnificent Havdalah Coffee House beginning at 7 pm. This will be a fundraising event for a vital organization that provides support for families in the North of Israel who have been impacted by the war. We will once again be inspired and entertained by this diverse and extremely talented musical duo, accompanied by our local musicians. “Jo on the Go” will be on hand to provide crafted coffee drinks. Wine and light refreshments will also be served. While there is no charge to attend Shabbat services and lunch, on Saturday evening we ask for a voluntary donation from adults; students and children are free.
Rabbi Or Zohar is the Senior Rabbi at Temple Sinai, a Jewish Reform congregation in Rochester, NY. Previously, Rabbi Zohar served as the Rabbi of the Misgav Region in the Galilee, the Rabbi of Congregation Maalot Tivon in Kiryat Tivon, and was the Founding Rabbi of Congregation Kehilat Halev in Tel Aviv. He was also the founding director of the Spirit of the Galilee Association in Israel. Rabbi Zohar was ordained at the Jerusalem campus of HUC in 2012 and holds a Master’s degree in Jewish Philosophy from Tel Aviv University, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Jewish Thought and Indian Religions from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Feliza Bascara-Zohar is a singer-songwriter, song leader, artist, and choreographer. She teaches a mindful holistic approach to worship, which she calls Embodied Prayer, and practices Voice Movement Therapy. She has an MA in Expressive Art Therapies from Tel Aviv University and a BA in Musicology and Literature from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Rabbi Steven Abraham remarked, “Welcoming Feliza and Or Zohar is a joy—they bring soulful, sacred music that connects deeply with our tradition and spirit. Their melodies carry the heart of Israel, weaving timeless teachings into moments of profound connection and joy.”
The entire family will want to take this rare opportunity to experience some wonderful new music from Israel, explore a slightly different approach to Shabbat services, and meet, sing with, and learn from Rabbi Or and Feliza. Our goal is to enrich our congregation with meaningful connections to Israel and spirituality, and we invite each participant to make deeper connections to their faith. We are deeply appreciative of the Borden family for sponsoring this incredible weekend.
