July 4 Picnic &
Drumming Circle
 

Here are links to photos Elyn Zerfas and Bob Heaton Heaton  took.   

The heartbeat of TAO was felt by all as we hosted our 2nd Annual July 4th Picnic and Drumming at the Ken Fisher's magnificent Ft. Lauderdale beachside home.  Some 100 members and guests gathered, enjoyed the pool, patio and ocean followed by a stunning, delicious and overflowing bounty of kosher and vegetarian food.

As wonderful as the afternoon was, it is the drumming and Service that will be talked about for years. Led masterfully by Rabbi Marc, we were taken on a mind/body/spirit journey that first asked us to tap into the rhythm of our thumping heartbeats.  Then, with the wonderful talent of Bob Offer’s drumming, we were guided into increasing levels of “letting go” and ultimately into a frenzy of spiritual expansion and expression.  Bob put it well when he said, "The drumming was so intense, after it was over I felt like having a cigarette!"  Rabbi Marc parlayed the energy of the drumming into a simple and sweet Shabbat Service that expressed the soul of our community.  It's what makes us so magnetic.

There was candle lighting, music and singing.  Oh, the singing!  I’d like to think that God listened a little more closely to our Shema last night because He/She noticed the passionate, honest holiness and love with which it was sung. 

As his final gift of the evening, inspired by Rabbi Marcia Prager, Rabbi Marc treated us to the words of the Declaration of Independence set to traditional prayer rhythm and phrasing.  It was strangely prayerful and political at the same time.  Together As One, we were captivated. 

While the weather ultimately did not cooperate, it did not damper a spirit.  We were in a beautiful, multi-level home with a pool table and ping pong for our teens and tweens and plenty of room to move about, hug and laugh.  Thank you again Ken for your generosity and kind heart.  There are no words to express our gratitude for what you do for TAO. 

In the thanks department, a HUGE THANK YOU to Gail Rogers, who coordinated the raffle and the fantastic signs which were noticed by all.  Your extraordinary effort and contribution played a huge part in the success of the event-plus it was a pleasure to work with you!    Richard Kramer cooked his heart out for us.  Richard, it’s good to have you back.  Bob Heaton, where would we be without you?  Your music is an integral part of who we are.  Once again, our collective love and thanks.  And thank you to all the helpers, from the “decorators” who set the stage with the balloons and “chatchkes” to the background music, cleanup crews, chair movers and registration desk staffers and everything else not mentioned... Rhonda Hey, Carol & Les Himmel, Heidi List, Sandy King, Donna Levine, Rifka Maidan, Bob Offer, Karen Rosenberg and her friend Mike, Shirley Shelpman, Helen Skinner, Hindi Stegman, Arnie Welber and Myrna Wolf.  A big “Rabbi Phil” hug to you all!

Thanks to auction donors: