1
Jashua Nelson performing at Temple Anshe Sholom.25 October 2004
Temple Anshe Sholom, 215 Cline Avenue, Hamilton, Ontario
Credits:Photo Courtesy of Madeleine Levy.
2
Both musically and culturally, the walls came tumbling down during performances delivered by African American Jewish gospel singer, Joshua Nelson, in October 2004. Nelson came to Hamilton under the auspices of Temple Anshe Sholom and the Stewart Memorial Church in a joint fundraiser to assist in repairs to the Temple's Torah scrolls and to build an elevator for the church to provide greater accessibility to the building.3
Reverend Horton, Joshua Nelson, Madeleine Levy and Barry Bender.25 October 2004
Temple Anshe Sholom, 215 Cline Avenue, Hamilton, Ontario
4
On Sunday, October 24th, Nelson conducted a very well attended workshop on the origins of gospel music at the Centenary Baptist Church. On Monday, October 25th Nelson delivered a musical and spiritual performance at Anshe Sholom that may never be equaled. The events were organized by Temple members, Barry Bender and Madeleine Levy.5
Holland Awards Dinner co-chairs25 October 2004
Temple Anshe Sholom, 215 Cline Avenue, Hamilton, Ontario
6
Gospel music workshop24 October 2004
Centenary Baptist Church, Hamilton, Ontario
7
The performances themselves were nothing short of electric. Along with being remarkably informative, the Sunday workshop set a wonderful tone for the entire weekend of activity: upbeat, spiritual and bridge-building. The Monday evening concert went even further. Accompanied by Hamilton's Jericho Victory Singers, Nelson entertained a standing-room-only crowd with a repertoire that ranged from traditional and familiar gospel tunes to unique gospel versions of Hebrew liturgy such as Eli Eli and Adon Olam.8
1999 John Holland Arts Award24 October 2004
Centenary Baptist Church, Hamilton, Ontario
9
Hamilton Youth Steel Orchestra25 October 2004
Temple Anshe Sholom, 215 Cline Avenue, Hamilton, Ontario
10
Jashua Nelson performing at Temple Anshe Sholom.25 October 2004
Temple Anshe Sholom, 215 Cline Avenue, Hamilton, Ontario
Credits:Photo Courtesy of Madeleine Levy.
11
Before the program concluded, Nelson had the entire audience hold hands and sing a gospel rendition of "We Shall Overcome". For many in both the Black and Jewish communities this was a moment of near catharsis, not only for the noble expression of the lyrics but also for its recreation of that sense of partnership shared by the Black and Jewish communities during the height of the civil rights movement. The moment captured something special not just the sentiment over a glorious time now past. It captured a true sense of what it can feel like to come out of our respective isolation and hold each others hand in an expression of shared hope for a better future for all of us.12
Joshua Nelson performing at Temple Anshe Sholom.25 October 2004
Temple Anshe Sholom, 215 Cline Avenue, Hamilton, Ontario
Credits:Photo Courtesy of Madeleine Levy.
 |
 |
 |
 |