Shoreshim Congregation Presents Mosaic Harmony in Concert for Haiti Earthquake Survivors

March 4, 2010 - PRLog -- Oakton, VA - Mosaic Harmony, an interfaith, multicultural community choir based in Northern Virginia, has been selected to perform at a fundraiser benefitting Haiti earthquake survivors.  The concert marks a return of the choir to St. Anne's Episcopal Church, where the choir has performed previously for other events; however, it is the first time they are being presented by the Shoreshim Congregation.

Mosaic Harmony Alto and Shoreshim congregation member Shana Spiegel was instrumental in bringing the choir to the event and noted that even though there is no formal arrangement between Shoreshim and St. Anne's, they have developed over time informal mutual respect and learning opportunities.  For example, the St. Anne's congregation has invited Shoreshim members to host an annual Passover Seder for their members. Aptly put by a St. Anne’s church member, we are "two affiliated worship communities"; it is a very positive connection.  Spiegel felt that given Mosaic Harmony's mission of unifying the world one song at a time; this would be the perfect opportunity to bring people of like-minded goals together to lend a hand in another part of the world.

Founded more than 30 years ago, Shoreshim is a vibrant "synagogue without walls."  We like to explore, renew and reinvent our Jewish experience.  We usually have around 50 families as members and they live in Reston, Herndon, Ashburn, Vienna, Oakton and Great Falls.  Shoreshim's services, celebrations and Religious School are held in the Reston area of Northern Virginia.  Shoreshim means "roots".  Our members include Jews and non-Jews, theists and non-theists.  Our creative energies help us to develop and celebrate joyous Shabbat (Sabbath) and holiday services, social gatherings, study activities and life cycle events.

Participatory and lay-led, Shoreshim chooses not to employ the services of a full time Rabbi.  Instead, we work with outside resources (Rabbis, Cantors and Judaic Scholars) to assist with select services or celebrations and to help us learn.  

The concert will be held at the St. Anne's Episcopal Church, 1700 Wainwright Drive, Reston, Virginia on Saturday, March 13, 2010 at 7:30pm and is open to the public free of charge; a free will offering will be collected.  For more information on Mosaic Harmony and their performance schedule, visit them on the web at www.mosaicharmony.org

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Mosaic Harmony’s concerts are high-energy, inspiring performances that leave their audiences feeling uplifted and encouraged. Music performed by the choir includes traditional and contemporary gospel to new music written by its dynamic and talented director, the Reverend David K. North. Mosaic Harmony draws on the rich heritage of African-American inspirational music to demonstrate and encourage unity in the midst of diversity. Mosaic Harmony brings together people of diverse cultures, ages, backgrounds, and more than 17 faith traditions to celebrate humanity. Their mission is to unify the world, one song at a time..