Kol Haverim’s Voice of Friendship band and choir, directed by Tami Cherdak, performed at the Shabbat Shira event: (l to r) Eva Salzer, Laura Bennett Weinstein, Cindy Rischall, Susan Lowenkron, Alyssa Berman, Tori Tucker, Kol Haverim spiritual leader Rabbi Craig Marantz, Richard Harris, Jarrod Post, Loni Figura, Dr. Aaron Sherman, Tami Cherdack, Rabbi Sarah Gershuny, Maida Wasserman. Photo by Lisa O’Brien

Shabbat Shira — literally the Sabbath of Song – is so called because it is the Shabbat on which the parsha is read containing the song sung by Israel after the splitting of the Red Sea. And so, Shabbat Shira – which fell this year on Jan. 10 – was the perfect occasion for Congregation Kol Haverim in Glastonbury to pay tribute to Cantorial Soloist Tami Cherdak, who is celebrating her “chai” anniversary with the Reform shul. “Music and Magic” was the theme of the day (18 years of making magical music at Kol Haverim!) and Dr. Aaron Sherman, a professional magician, was guest performer. A band, vocalists and cups players were also on hand to make the celebration complete.