-As I type this, a fresh batch of Travel Cajons is drying nearby. Tomorrow, after the glue is completely dry, I will sand the edges, apply a little clear-coat as needed, and attach hardware so each one can be played while standing, worn on a guitar strap (See the photo at left for an example).

I will take reservations for these cajons from folks who want delivery at either Limmud-Seattle in January, OR at Song Leader Boot Camp (SLBC) in February. Taking delivery at either of these events will save you shipping costs, but you will have to sort out how to get it home (pack light and leave room in your carry-on bag).

Each Travel Cajon is made from a recycled wooden cigar box, with drum hardware added inside to give the drum its traditional "snappy" sound. On a drum of this size the snares are NOT adjutable; however, each set is installed with sound quality in mind.

The Travel Cajon, being small and portable, is not meant to take the place of a full-size Cajon in a large hall; rather, this is a great practice drum for late-night hotel room sessions, or a nice accompaniment for intimate firepit gatherings in someone's backyard.

Each cajon is created by hand, one at a time, by Yours Truly, and sells for $50 including strap buttons so you can add a strap. (If you would prefer one without strap buttons and you just want to play it on your lap, tell me when you order and I'll make sure you get a buttonless model.)

Once in awhile, I make a smaller cajon which sells for a little less, and these usually do not include strap buttons. Think of it as a "pocket" cajon, great for amusing yourself in airport terminals without annoying your neighbors. If you want one of these, let me know.

And remember to make room each day for a little bit of rhythm.

To see one of these beauties in action, check out this video at Facebook.

I got home late last night from Florida, ending a tour of 12 days that took me to communities throughout central and south Florida and which was named for a sandwich.
Along the way, I was stunned by the beauty of the sky, the ocean and intercoastal waterways, the egrets, grey herons, cranes and iguanas, and a special visit to see manatees that took my breath away. (I had hoped for a glimpse of an alligator but they were apparently shy.)
I marveled at how exotic it all felt.
At the same time, I also winced a little at the evidence of vast wealth I saw everywhere I looked. The largest Jewish communities I visited -- Orlando, West Palm Beach and Boca Raton -- are basically rolling in money. The Jewish high school where Limmud was held looked so modern, so gleaming clean and white, it could have been finished twenty minutes before I arrived. Clearly, being Jewish in these places is very different than being Jewish at home.
And that's partly the point of my travels.

I travel in order to share my music far and wide with Jews across North America -- and to experience a little taste of what Jewish life is like beyond the borders of my home state. As Abigail Adams was believed to have said upon returning from France with her husband, the future President John,  "Travel is broadening." And so it is.

What I found everywhere I stopped were friendly, welcoming people who were curious about what Jewish life is like in the rainy Northwest, and who embraced me and my music warmly at every stop. I never felt like a total stranger, because I was among fellow Jews, fellow travelers, and we all sensed that. Yes, we have differences of opinion and some of them are, frankly, too onerous for me to bear for more than a day's visit; but underneath it all we share a common spirit of hope, generosity and love that is our heritage.
And that is why, the day after arriving home, I feel so grateful for the opportunity to travel and to give my songs and stories away. Because I come home with new perspectives, new questions to consider, and above all new friends.

Thank you, Florida, for a wonderful visit and for a joyous Chanukah on the road.
Buckets of peace to you and yours.

Stay tuned. Next month I'll head to Seattle for house concerts and a day at Limmud Seattle. Details coming soon!
Let's all learn something from these darker days, and revel in the light that is soon to return.