[HANASHIR:5018] Re: Forever Young

[Andy Curry <acurry...>]

Dear Chaverim,

A few years ago the Confirmation class here at Temple decided to do
"Forever Young" for their confirmation ceremony.  I didn't see anything
wrong with it until Cantor Silbersher, whom I respect greatly, ask if the
message of the song is appropriate.  I don't remember his exact words, but
a paraphrase would be "Maturation is a process of recognizing that one is
not the center of the universe, a process which is necessary and good,
especially in the eyes of Israel; why would we want to sing the praises of
staying young?"

Don't get me wrong:  I like much of Bob Dylan's material, and it's a good
song.  But isn't the bar mitzvah observance supposed to mark a passage FROM
childhood, not a continuation of it?

Respectfully,
Andy

At 12:01 PM 1/20/00 EST, you wrote:
>I just heard that "Forever Young" song on the radio this morning (for the 
>first time, believe it or not, even tho I'm 39) and thought to myself - this 
>would be a nice song for a bar mitzvah or babynaming!  
>another song I like is on Margie & Ilene's tape called "Reflections" - it's 
>the hebrew song Y'did nefesh with an english counterpoint behind it that's 
>about a bat mitzvah girl.  don't remember who wrote it, but it's very pretty 
>and I've sung it at a couple of b'not mitzvah.  
>
>Raquel Gershon
>singer/songwriter/Jewish educator/etc.
>Dallas, TX   (yes, ah live here)
>
>
>
>
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What if the Hokey Pokey IS what it's all about?
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Andy Curry
6016 Holmes St
Kansas City MO 64110-3034
Home: (816)363-8381
Work: (913)312-4739

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