Shalom Always Shalom: Below is a link to a BEAUTIFUL site which is the singing of "Kol Nidre" (All Vows) by Moishe Oysher of Vilna, Lituania gleaned from a 1939 film. It is extraordinary that it survived and it is poignant in its symbolism as the 1939 Holocaust had officially begun against the Jew and against the world. There were in the Vilna Ghetto, 40,000 Jews, collected and summarily executed by not only Nazis but by the police of Lithuania itself long known for its hatred of the Jew. Kol Nidre, for those who do not know, is one of the most beautiful cantorial Jewish chants. It is plaintive to its core as the Jewish people on this night plead to be inscribed in the Book of Life for yet another coming year. It is said on Rosh Hashannah (the New Year) it is written and ten days later on Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) it is sealed. God or fate determines how many shall be born, how many will live and how many will die. Kol Nidre declares ALL VOWS null and void so that we can begin fresh and renew our human spirit through forgiveness of immoral behavior and a promise to do better in the coming year.

One does not, I think, even have to believe to have its meaning pierce one's heart. This rendition is gorgeous. I cry EVERY time as its beauty goes to my very soul. I think about the six million ALWAYS, I think of my parents, I think about all those gone from my life and the ones who remain who are so precious to me.

I hope beyond hope for the world at this time to find the all too illusive peace. The most solemn of Jewish holidays, Yom Kippur, when Kol Nidre is sung reminds us of the fragility of life and the strength of the human spirit to always strive to do better. To my Christian and Muslim friends I say Shalom always Shalom!


sitehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vkpsFwsQY4&feature=related