Temple Rodeph Torah (TRT)’s "Rock Shabbat" Service to be Covered by Optimum TV’s Neighborhood Journal

MARLBORO, N.J. (March 19, 2011) — The enormous popularity of TRT’s progressive “Rock Shabbat” Friday night service continues to rise, and in the process attract attention outside of Marlboro. This Friday, March 23rd, at 8 pm, TRT and its guests once again welcome the Sabbath with an extraordinary spiritual service that combines traditional Friday night songs with original rock and roll arrangements, bringing excitement and energy to prayer and to congregants and guests. Optimum TV’s Neighborhood Journal, a 30 minute magazine style program focused on people, places, and events of interest, will be at TRT taping a segment on TRTs “Rock Shabbat.” The show will give the community in and around Marlboro an opportunity to get a taste of TRT’s unique “Rock Shabbat” service and the musical movement behind it.
The energizing quintet of Cantor Joanna Alexander, New Jersey songwriter and musician Eric Komar and TRT congregants, Bruce Cooper and Charlie Pearlman, and professional drummer Kevin Werbel will once again lead the congregation in prayer. “In the span of just about an hour this service will rid your body and mind of all its tensions. It is a perfect way to end the work week and welcome the Sabbath,” said Cantor Alexander.
As an added attraction, the first 100 attendees to arrive at the March 23rd service will receive a free “Rock Shabbat” t-shirt. See accompanying picture.
Beginning in April, TRT’s “Rock Shabbat” will welcome some new artists. In April, Eric Komar , musician, singer/songwriter and Jewish educator will join Cantor Alexander in leading services. In May, Todd Herzog, acoustic, spiritual pop music writer will support Cantor Alexander and the other musicians.
For those of you who have not been able to attend this unique musical and spiritual experience, it is “must see and must hear” for people of all ages and all religions. Come ready to clap, sing, and rock. There will be special youth and teen Onegs following services. Additional dates and information will be posted at www.rockshabbatnj.com or the TRT Rock Shabbat Facebook page, www.facebook.com/rockshabbatnj.
About Temple Rodeph Torah
Temple Rodeph Torah is a member of the Union for Reform Judaism, with a traditional approach to prayer. Temple Rodeph Torah, located at 15 Mohawk Drive in Marlboro, N.J., is led by Rabbi Donald Weber and Cantor Joanna Alexander and home to more than 1,000 congregants.