[HANASHIR:5993] Re: Taping AND Edelweiss

[Burton A. Zipser <zipmusic...>]

    With all due respect to the communicators, there are very simple answers to
both questions:
1) In re to taping:  Professional organizations (orchestras, operas) prohibit
such practices. If the activity does not prohibit the practice, then the
individual should be free to do so.  I routinely tape any event I attend at
which the speeches are not likely to be reproduced in a journal.  I use an
inexpensive Radio Shack voice-operated tape recorder.  If it has automatic
reverse, you can tape up to 90 minutes without bothering anyone.  A tape which
can handle 120 minutes is usually too flimsy to stand repeated usage. The only
time I have been prohibited from recording was with a speaker on Jewish
ethnomusicology in Toronto--a pity since the presentation was highly
knowledgible. The best place to sit is not near the speaker, unless no
amplification is being used.  You would then be on the side and not bother
anyone.
2) In re to musical performance choices at a bar mitzvah:  The young man or
woman is most likely to be a member of the congregation.  The congregation
should discuss such situations with the rabbi and the cantor and should have a
guide book available which discusses all or most of the questions which are
likely to come up in regard to the bar/bat mitzvah and the service.  The rabbi
is often quite willing (in Reform congregations) to even allow a change of Torah
portion--not to a different portion but to a different party of the same Torah
portion for that particular date, inasmuch as Reform congregations do not
usually read the entire section.  This is the area in which the meaning should
be something the bar/bat mitzvah will find memorable.  One of  my own sons had a
portion of which included a long litany of "begats".  What he read was much more
meaningful.
    Besides, Jewish musicians are now facing many problems because of the
strange interpretations of the discussions at the UAHC conference in Atlanta.
It would not be improper for those with experience to take a stand and use the
ceremony (or any similar ceremony) as a method of really teaching Jews what
Judaism is all about.  But, of course, that presumes that those in positions of
responsibility are willing to do their homework and explain with knowledge,
rather than arriving at a concensus based upon the offerings of commetns in such
a forum as this one (with no disrespect to any of the contributors).
        Burton A. Zipser, Director, Intl. Archive of Jewish Music

Andy Curry wrote:

> My response to the idea of taping services is this:  How can one put
> his/her entire energy into praising Hakadosh Baruch Hu when he/she is
> concerned about making a record of the service?  It is hard enough to pray
> when there are no distractions.
>
> Does your synagogue allow congregants to take photographs during services?
> I doubt it.
>
> One of the most important words in Judaism is "zayin-khaf-resh" - remember.
>  Even if I HAD a tape of HN services, I wouldn't listen to it because I
> prefer to REMEMBER, not to reproduce.
>
> And the discussion of Edelweiss and every other non-worship song we are
> asked to sing at bnai mitzvah services is of a similar shape.  The cantor
> has an opportunity to remind people that the point of becoming bar mitzvah
> is to demonstrate loyalty to (love for) God.  Save the Broadway tunes and
> the videotaping for the party!
>
> Kol tuv,
> Andy
>
> At 06:02 PM 5/8/00 EDT, you wrote:
> >Noah, the objections raised about taping at services was NOT because it was
> >being taped on Shabbat.  Audio- and videotaping and
> >microphone/amplifier/keyboard use on Shabbat were not being questioned.
> >
> >The original concern was voice by Debbie and other leaders that the the
> >clicking on and off of tape recorders disturbs the beauty and flow of the
> >services.  It would be impossible to recreate the same spontaneity and
> >certainly group singing and prayer with some special non-service session.
> >
> >Instead, I was suggesting that we all get tapes with 90 minutes on a side,
> so
> >we can start them before services, and not interrupt the service by turning
> >the tapes over.
> >
> >Or -- let's all just bring CD-RW machines and avoid this whole problem.
> >
> >However, I would NEVER have wanted to miss some of the incredible melodies I
> >have learned and picked up from others at HN services over the years.  This
> >music has enhanced the lives of so many others.  Heck, I even have a VERY
> >Orthodox shul using Debbie's tunes for Havdalah!  If I cannot tape, I will
> >wear a "wire"!
> >
> >Brian Serle
> >Milwaukee, Wisconsin
> >
> >
> >
> >
> *******************************
> Andy Curry
> CellNet Data Systems
> 11146 Thompson Ave
> Lenexa KS 66219
> Office: 913-312-4739
> Facsimile: 913-312-4701
> Home : 816-363-8381
> E-Mail: acurry (at) cellnet(dot)com
> *******************************
>