The Power of Music

By Cynthia Schweitzer
Binghamton University

Every college student agrees how hectic and stressful things can get, especially as the semester progresses. Whether running to catch the bus, staying up late to finish a paper or even standing on an endless dining hall line just to get a grilled cheese, my life pretty much feels like it’s on turbo speed. Phone calls, e-mails, texts and even more texts until it’s time to turn my phone off before bed. But there is one thing that slows down my days: music. Whether it’s listening to Idan Raichel on my iPod or rehearsing with my Jewish a cappella group, Kaskeset, music is always on my mind.

The combination of Judaism and music is one of Kaskeset’s goals: spreading it to as many communities as possible. This past year, we toured Boston for a week, singing at schools, synagogues, and nursing homes. The feelings we experienced after singing and the positive feedback we received from the audiences were more meaningful than we could have imagined. We were able to spread Jewish music to people who might not otherwise have had that opportunity.

Fridays can be one of the craziest days of the week: last minute food shopping, cleaning the apartment and deciding what to wear for services are overwhelming. But once six o’clock hits, I am sitting with my friends as we start Kabbalat Shabbat. Hillel services have grown tremendously during my three years at Binghamton, and the last few weeks have been the most memorable; the singing, clapping, harmonies and ruah (spirit) that fill the room were incomparable. People were moved both spiritually and emotionally. My favorite part is always Lecha Dodi, where the shaliah tzibbur (leader) switches melodies halfway through the song. My friends and I excitedly anticipate what the new tune will be and always start singing even louder. Judaism and music bring more than fifty Binghamton students together every Friday night, and it truly is a wonderful sight and sound.

Cynthia Schweitzer is a senior at Binghamton University majoring in psychology. She was the past KOACH Co-Chair and has been with Kaskeset for three years now.

[Posted 3/15/10]