The Clubdate Singer Speaks! Chapter 9: Oseh Shalom
Disclaimer: The following story is an
actual event, as all of the vignettes in the 'Clubdate Singer Speaks'
series are. For 8 years, I was a member of one of the top Orchestras in
the nation. Though it was an enjoyable time, it was also at times, quite
painful. I took to writing initially to assuage my distress, and this
is one of those times when the pen (or keyboard) proved to be a healing
tool. I have considered publishing this series, and would appreciate
your thoughts...
"Oseh Shalom" -New York City Subway - November 2005
So, I was on my way to rehearsal one night, riding the L train. I took the train going in the opposite direction, and got off at 6th avenue to catch the train going my way (easier to board when you get on earlier).
As I'm standing on the platform, I see/hear musicians.
Two Elderly Jewish men playing traditional Jewish songs (on violin and accordion).
As they were finishing ‘Oseh Shalom’ (He who makes peace), I put a dollar in the violin case, and the accordion player thanked me. My train was pulling in, and I felt a little like singing so I did. I sang the last line of ‘Oseh Shalom’, and as they began ‘Shalom Aleichem’ (Peace be with you!) I went right with them.
The accordion player's eyes nearly exploded out of his head, as he jumped up, and we stood on the platform singing (loud) together :
"Havenu Shalom Aleichem, Havenu Shalom Aleichem,
Havenu Shalom Aleichem, Havenu Shalom shalom, shalom Aleichem!"
As we were coming to the close of the chorus, I stepped onto the train, we shook hands, and exchanged blessings. His smile warmed my heart.
I didn't even mind the surprised stares of my fellow passengers.
Oseh Shalom bim'romav
Hu ya'aseh shalom aleinu
V'al kol yisrael
V'imru imru amen!
"May He who makes peace in the heavens,
grant peace to us and to all our people;
and let us say amen"
.... Only in New York
"Oseh Shalom" -New York City Subway - November 2005
So, I was on my way to rehearsal one night, riding the L train. I took the train going in the opposite direction, and got off at 6th avenue to catch the train going my way (easier to board when you get on earlier).
As I'm standing on the platform, I see/hear musicians.
Two Elderly Jewish men playing traditional Jewish songs (on violin and accordion).
As they were finishing ‘Oseh Shalom’ (He who makes peace), I put a dollar in the violin case, and the accordion player thanked me. My train was pulling in, and I felt a little like singing so I did. I sang the last line of ‘Oseh Shalom’, and as they began ‘Shalom Aleichem’ (Peace be with you!) I went right with them.
The accordion player's eyes nearly exploded out of his head, as he jumped up, and we stood on the platform singing (loud) together :
"Havenu Shalom Aleichem, Havenu Shalom Aleichem,
Havenu Shalom Aleichem, Havenu Shalom shalom, shalom Aleichem!"
As we were coming to the close of the chorus, I stepped onto the train, we shook hands, and exchanged blessings. His smile warmed my heart.
I didn't even mind the surprised stares of my fellow passengers.
Oseh Shalom bim'romav
Hu ya'aseh shalom aleinu
V'al kol yisrael
V'imru imru amen!
"May He who makes peace in the heavens,
grant peace to us and to all our people;
and let us say amen"
.... Only in New York
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