[HANASHIR:5049] Re: Performance vs. praying

[Rachelle and Howard Shubert <notfranz...>]

In response to Brian's comments, I appreciate and relate to the feeling of
excitement when congregants sing and move, especially after the description
of the experience of Craig Taubman's Friday Night Live service.  Indeed, as
a cantorial soloist and choir director I aim to set the conditions for full
congregational participation.

But I would argue with the idea that it is only when people are noticeably
participating that they are having a religious experience.  As Craig has
commented, there is room for silence and quiet.  I am quite sure that there
are congregants who are having a religious experience without noticeably
expressing emotion.  In my experience, even as someone who tends to wear her
heart on her sleeve, still waters often run deep.  More formal and reticent
people also need a place to pray where they will not feel threatened by too
much excitement.  I have come to notice that joy is not the only motivation
for prayer or a way to measure its success.

Rachelle Shubert
Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom
Montreal


>
>

------------------------ hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org -----------------------+