[HANASHIR:4770] Re: Instrumental music on Shabbat [was Re: Shabbat Shirah]

[MHersher <MHersher...>]

Mitch,

Its amazing how many variations there are out there, especially in smaller 
communities where one synogogue has to meet the needs of a very diverse group 
of Jews.

My congregation is coming out of a period I have heard referred to as 
"classical Reform."  It is moving in the direction of more traditional 
observance and more participatory services.  It used to have an organ with a 
full choir every Friday night, but the organ is out of use now.  On a typical 
evev Shabbat we have a cantor who accompanies himself on the piano and is 
joined by a professional oboeist. Once a month, the choir sings with piano 
accompaniment at a regular service. Once a month, I lead a Friday service 
that is billed as a "camp-style family service."  I use a guitar and 
sometimes have drum accompaniment.  I also lead a service on Shabbat morning 
once a month that incorporates guitar and drums.  Its a lay-led service 
patterned after the UAHC "Kallot" for adults.  Nobody seems to object to any 
of this instrumental presence at any service. On the contrary, everybody 
seems to love it and the rabbis (we have two) are the biggest advocates for 
instrumentation and participation.   As you can see, we are trying to offer a 
range of very different worship experiences that appeal to different parts of 
the congregation.  Its like the Walmarts of Judaism.

Mike Hersher
Sacramento, CA

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