Get Ready For the Swiftie Shabbat

The Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center will celebrate the end of summer with a unique Taylor Swift-themed Shabbat at State Beach on Friday.

While the Hebrew Center often holds a Shabbat by the sea, Rabbi Caryn Broitman said this is the first time they have decided to include the illustrious pop-star’s music in their program. The service begins at 6 p.m. on August 23, and will include sing-a-longs and analysis of five of Ms. Swift’s hits, such as Invisible String and You Need To Calm Down.

Rabbi Broitman said she started listening to Ms. Swift’s music about a year ago per the recommendation of her daughter. She said she thought Ms. Swift’s poetic lyrics reflected the spirit of Jewish culture, and wanted to share her analysis with the community.

“I’ve found music, especially music with a poignant and spiritual poetry, to really enhance a prayer experience,” Rabbi Broitman said. “I think that Taylor Swift is one of the most powerful lyricists today.”

While Ms. Swift often speaks about her Christian faith and includes references to the Bible in many of her songs, Rabbi Broitman said her music still resonates with Jewish people.

“The kinds of things [Ms. Swift] sings are the kinds of things that Jewish tradition thinks about, teaches and has wisdom for,” Rabbi Broitman said.