Singer-Songwriter Naomi Less to Perform at Congregation Beth Israel

Congregation Beth Israel (CBI) in Scotch Plains will hold an Artist-in-Residence weekend from Friday evening, January 30, through Saturday evening, January 31, featuring musical artist Naomi Less. The weekend is open to the community, with several events offered for free.

Naomi Less is co-founder, ritual leader, and Associate Director of Lab/Shul in New York City. She is one of today’s top Jewish musical artists. She is a Core Educator at Songleader Boot Camp and host of “Jewish Women Rock” on Jewish Rock Radio. Naomi is known for her innovative approaches to prayer and Torah. Her original music is sung in worship communities worldwide.

“CBI is beyond fortunate to welcome one of today’s leading singer-songwriters, song leaders, and spiritual leaders, Naomi Less,” said Jacob Greenberg, Cantor of Congregation Beth Israel. “Each time I have worked with Naomi, she has always left everyone in awe by her immense talent and her magnetic personality. We are surely in for a treat.”

The Artist-in-Residence weekend begins on Friday night, January 30. Shabbat services will start that evening at 6 PM. During Friday night services, Naomi Less will lead the congregation in lively singing for the Kabbalat Shabbat service, highlighting themes of Shabbat Shira (the Shabbat of Song) and Tu BiShvat (the New Year of the Trees), which are both celebrated at that time. A traditional Shabbat dinner will follow at 7 PM in the synagogue’s social hall.

On Saturday, January 31, Shabbat morning services will start at 9:30 AM. Naomi Less will lead a special morning gratitude practice of song and meditation. She will also deliver “Words of Torah & Tefillah” and engage in an interactive Torah reading, inspired by her theatrical background.

After Saturday morning services, there will be a free Kiddush lunch at 11:45 AM. This will be followed by CBI’s “Lunch & Learn,” where Naomi Less will do a close reading of the Torah Portion Beshalach through her renowned “Storahtelling” method.

The Artist-in-Residence weekend will culminate on Saturday evening, January 31, at 7 PM with a “Melaveh Malkah” concert. Melaveh Malkah (Escorting the Queen) is the tradition of gathering together on Saturday night to enjoy the spirit of Shabbat for one last moment and start the new week on an energized note. After refreshments are served, there will be a spiritual, musical Havdalah experience, followed by a participatory concert featuring Naomi and her band.

While most of the Artist-in-Residence weekend is free to attend, registration is required for all events. To register online, go to cbinj.org/event/artist5786. Friday night dinner costs $25 per adult (ages 12+) and $15 per child (ages 2-11). Children under 2-years-old are free. Saturday evening’s concert costs $18 per person or $54 for a 4-pack of tickets.

For more information, call the synagogue office at 908-889-1830. Congregation Beth Israel is located at 18 Shalom Way, Scotch Plains, NJ (corner of Martine Avenue).