The Ruach: Helping Build Community Beyond Charlotte

The Charlotte Jewish News August 2022

By Cherie Flitton

A sense of belonging is central to who we are as human beings. Gathering in a space that is welcoming, comfortable, meaningful, and spiritual brings value to our lives. Whether or not you are literate in Hebrew, someone who is looking for a meaningful alternative Shabbat prayer experience, or wish to improve your understanding of Jewish prayers and of Torah, the Shabbat and High Holy Days Experiences should resonate with you. Perhaps you have asked, “Why is this experience meaningful to me? Would I return and become a part of the community that offers experiential services that stimulate eye-opening, mind and heart-opening receptivity to sense the wonder and grandeur that may be derived from Jewish prayers and music?”

The Ruach Community offers a welcoming and joyful opportunity for those not currently attending services, and for those seeking something different from the traditional services, to take another look at what is offered in the Jewish community. It is exactly what my husband, John, and I were looking for a few years ago when we were seeking a different spiritual community. With the knowledge and the motivation to step outside the box, The Ruach Community is a place to come as you are and enjoy uplifting and truly meaningful services filled with new Jewish music. Building on Jewish tradition, services are created in a modern way that allows attendees to understand the prayers and realize how the music brings the prayers to life.

In early June, John and I traveled from Charlotte to Wilmington, North Carolina, where The Ruach was leading Friday night services. B’nai Israel Congregation was celebrating the installation of Rabbi Chaya Bender as rabbi of B’nai Israel Congregation and the rededication of the congregation’s newly renovated sanctuary, which had been destroyed by Hurricane Florence. We knew it would be an incredible experience, and we did not want to miss it.

On Thursday night, a festive evening with a gala featuring The Ruach brought the Wilmington Jewish community together. Joining The Ruach was special guest and friend of The Ruach, Mitch Gordon, adjunct faculty of spirituality and sacred drumming at Hebrew College. We agreed with the sentiments shared by Amy B. DeLoach, president of B’nai Israel Congregation, “The Ruach brought new Jewish music

that everyone enjoyed. The music truly created the perfect atmosphere for this important event for the synagogue.”

On Friday night, the Shabbat service was designed to celebrate a new beginning. After many years of rebuilding their congregation, physically and spiritually, Rabbi Chaya Bender declared, “It was wonderful to have The Ruach fill our sanctuary with song and lift our souls to new heights.” “The musical connection to prayers made for both a spiritual and meaningful service that was felt by everyone,” Amy added.

The Ruach Community welcomes all who want to be a part of the Jewish community, including folks who are culturally Jewish, spiritually Jewish, Jew-curious, leaving Judaism, returning to Judaism, freethinkers, and those just trying to find meaning in each day. There is no financial obligation to belong. The Ruach Community is supported by donations from attendees like us who find incredible value in the services and the impact we are making in the community.

With no physical building, The Ruach Community gathers in many different settings in Charlotte. The Ruach Community congregates anywhere — from a park to a parking deck — a true community, a true Jewish involvement, setting the stage for success and friendships. Services include powerful, thought-provoking messages by Rabbi Rachel Smookler. Her messages encourage us to approach the world with intellect, kindness, and compassion. It’s more than just singing songs and saying prayers; we experience connections and friendships. We encourage you to be a part of this wonderful Jewish community.

The Ruach is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to build community and spread the joy of Judaism through modern worship experiences that are filled with new uplifting, spiritual and joyous meaningful music. Experiences are supported solely through voluntary contributions together with a small grant from The Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte. Follow on Facebook and Instagram. Email the.ruach. band@gmail.com to receive updates.

Photo Caption: The Ruach at the re-dedication of B’nai Israel Congregation in Wilmington and installation of their new rabbi, Chaya Bender