} QUOTABLES about Peri ~
It was just such a wonderful afternoon . . . as sometimes concert goers I can tell you that
it was just as exciting and fulfilling as seeing Pete Seeger for the first time at Queens College in 1955 or Joan Baez at Forest Hills in 1963. It takes even more to thrill us now. When are you coming back?
Peri Smilow is truly a shining star. Peri brought her warmth, a million dollar voice and style, and an infectious smile that radiates throughout the room. A very talented lady, who loves what she is doing, and who added so much to the Pacific Central West Regional Biennial.
Peri is a must for your synagogue or Regional Biennial. I can't remember when I have been so moved by a performer. How lucky we are to have Peri sing our songs.
Sharon Silverman, Vice-Chairman, UAHC Pacific Central West Council
Peri Smilow is a gem. Peri is one of those rare Jewish singers who really makes a difference. Peri has taken the world of Jewish music by storm; she is captivating, engaging, and immediately brings everyone to feel included and uplifted. I have seen Peri do this time and time again as she has led many of our UAHC Regional events, including Biennials, in song. For example, at our last UAHC Regional Spirituality Kallah, she had everyone up and dancing one minute, and swaying arm in arm and crying the next. It is impossible to be in the same room with Peri and not be touched by her music, charisma, charm, smile, and her crystal clear voice.
Rabbi David S. Wolfman, Regional Director, UAHC Northeast Council
Wow, what a talent. I donıt think I have ever heard anyone with such a beautiful voice with concurrent masterful guitar skills and originality all woven into one unique package. OK - maybe Joni Mitchell, but I doubt she knows Hebrew and can work with kids like you do. Even my 18 year old daughter said ³Dad, she was really good² (that never happens!!) . . . I know you are ³one of the bright new stars² - wrong - [it] should read ³brightest new star².
I just had to write to let you know how much I enjoyed your musical presence at Camp Eisner. . . It was so very special to have you along with us and your music was a great gift that was definitely the highlight of the retreat for me! I purchased both your CDıs. I listen to your music whenever I get the chance and I love to sing along. It provides that special feeling I got at the retreat - especially when you led our sing-a-long on the dock by the water . . . Thank you again.
How wonderful it was to have you with us. As much as your artistry I thank you for your warmth and your ³connectability² with every possible person and age group from preschoolers to octogenarians. They all loved you. Your music was just the right combination of ruach and reverence - but again, it is your ability to connect at which I marvel. You are a most valuable and precious resource for the Jewish community.
We are so grateful for your performance.
I just wanted to let you know what a pleasure it was to hear you sing and to work with you at Temple Beth Or. The kids loved your visit too. When I taught them on that Sunday morning following your visit they were all buzzing about you and your music. Your visit will always live in a special place in my musical memories. Thanks.
Peri - please do not hesitate to have anyone call me for a reference. If they do not want energy, charisma, charm, warmth and sensitivity then do not have them call me. I can not lie that well.
Event Coordinator, The Heidi
Foundation, Minneapolis, MN
Your concert touched my family and myself so deeply. I play the CD you gave me every morning. My two sons saw the concert as well and loved your music. Peri, it was at your concert that my 7 year old son asked his father to buy him a Star of David which he now wears every day. My ten year old wanted to know where his Star of David chain was which we had been holding for him until he either showed interest or was old enough to have it. You are so special. Please donıt stop singing.
Although I am now one of the senior members of the congregation and attended
[the concert] without children, I still found your performance to be wonderful.
I will look forward to following your success.
Congregant, Temple Beth Or, Washington Township, NJ
I did not know about Peri Smilow and Beth Schafer until a couple of months before they performed at my Synagogue. I received a copy of their CD's prior to the concert, and was very impressed by their songwriting and musicianship. At this point, I was very excited about the concert, and worked to promote and organize the event. I could not have predicted how wonderful the concert would be. Peri and Beth performed together, as well as taking turns with their compositions. They were gracious to join in as our own congregation band played to begin the concert, and invited children to sing on stage as well. Their performance was just fantastic, from "One Small Step" by Peri to Beth's "A Way to Say Ah" - we were treated to more that two hours of music. Those who attended were not only entertained by their beautiful voices and songs, but were moved by their spirit and ability to take you along to a "higher" place. I hope to bring other artists to our synagogue; my only concern is how we will match the Peri and Beth concert.
Seth Molofsky, Concert Program Co-Chair, Kol Haverim, Glastonbury, CT
I just returned from a wonderful concert at our synagogue with Peri Smilow and Beth Schafer. Each is wonderfully talented, but together they were a very special experience! We would highly recommend them for a wonderful musical and spiritual evening.
Janice Hoff, President, Kol Haverim, Glastonbury, CT
Peri was fantastic. Her lively music adaptations, lovely voice and wonderful personality added to the magic of our 10th Anniversary (in our new building) Weekend to Remember. We had over 500 people at our Shabbat Service and Peri had us all participating with her. It was truly a spiritual and fun Shabbat Service and we look forward to a return visit -possibly a weekend so that all of our Religious School children can have the opportunity to meet and hear her.
Jane Vortreflich, Program Administrator, Temple Emanuel, Cherry Hill, NJ
It only takes a couple of words to describe songwriter/singer Peri Smilow's stop at Temple Sinai on April 27th and April 28th. FABULOUS AND FANTASTIC!! ENGAGING, ENERGETIC, EXCITING, ELECTRIC, AND ENTHUSIASTIC!!
Scramble the words in whatever way you want. The result was the same - a magical weekend of music in the Temple for all ages.
Peri's Saturday evening concert blended her own songs with variety of familiar Jewish songs and tunes. The audience sang along without hesitation whether it was in a more traditional or a more contemporary style. Cantor Remmie Brown joined Peri in couple of numbers. One would never have known that they had never sung together before or had only practiced a scant hour before the concert.
On Sunday morning Peri performed as part of a special school program around the subject of Tzedakah... Not only were there children and parents from Temple Sinai, but also from Temple Torat Yisrael, Temple Am David, and The South County Hebrew School. Once again Peri captivated her audience with a variety of tunes and sounds. Audience participation was keen and vibrant. The walls shook on occasion especially with a few OOH! AAH! responses from this youthful throng.
Peri Smilow's concerts at Temple Sinai brought the contemporary sound of Reform Judaism to our sanctuary for the first time. There were over 200 in attendance on Saturday evening and over 300 on Sunday morning - a truly great participation.
This is the fourth spring event that Brotherhood has sponsored and by far the most successful. Each year the number of attendees has been growing. It is magnificent to hear the phrase, "I had a great time. What are you going to do next year?" It is encouraging to know that there is an anticipation level for the next spring event.
A final thought or two. When I first heard Peri Smilow at a Regional Biennial conference in Albany 5 1/2 years ago, I wanted to bring her to Temple Sinai for a concert immediately. Through a variety of reasons that was not possible. The lack of funds and the expectation of a lukewarm participation were two primary reasons. The existence of the Schreiber Fund now allows us at Temple Sinai to contemplate this type of event. Also, I trust that the groundswell of enthusiasm that the Peri Smilow concert engendered will continue to fuel expectation and enthusiasm for future events.
Richard Blackman, Peri Smilow Concert chairperson, Temple Sinai, Cranston, RI