BRIEF REFLECTIONS By Liz Kruger

I am very proud to be releasing my CD Shabbat Shalom from the Hebrew Home in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington and my 25th year as their musician-in residence. The songs follow the order of our weekly Oneg Shabbat programs, featuring upbeat instrumental and vocal arrangements of Hebrew, Yiddish, and English songs and prayers. The last track, God Bless America, features the residents at the Hebrew Home singing their own heartfelt rendition of this favorite patriotic song. I will be donating 10% of net profits from CD sales to the Hebrew Home.

For music lovers of all ages, this recording includes upbeat Jewish melodies, beautiful vocal harmonies and lively instrumental arrangements,

In July 1984, my husband, David and I moved to our new home in Silver Spring, Md., from Charlottesville, Virginia. I was 7 months pregnant with our first child, and anxious to find something meaningful to do before the baby arrived. My husband suggested that I take my guitar to the Hebrew Home, and sing for the residents. Hedy Peyser, Director of Volunteers, gladly arranged for me to lead weekly sing-a-longs with my repertoire of English, Yiddish, and Hebrew songs. The residents seemed to appreciate my programs and my growing belly in equal measure, and thus began my long and fulfilling musical journey at the Hebrew Home.

After the birth of our daughter, Zahava, my volunteer status evolved into a part-time position as a musician- in residence with the Activities Department. Now my work is funded in part by the Guardian Campaign.

My initial repertoire through the years has grown to include Russian songs, standards, and Broadway show tunes, with the focus always remaining Yiddish, Hebrew, and Jewish holiday songs. Recently, I have found great pleasure in adding popular songs from the 1960’s to my programs – given the generational change of the residents over the past 25 years.

May this recording be a tribute to the joy and celebration of sharing the magic of music and the peace of Shabbat across the generations, and we may find ourselves singing and dancing our way to Shabbat all week long.