[HANASHIR:5996] Re: Edelweiss

[LSalvay <LSalvay...>]

Perhaps this is merely a superfluous comment at this point -- but, I just 
attended at bat mitzvah this past Shabbat at which the Bat Mitzvah's younger 
brother played the theme from "Chariots of Fire" on the flute during the 
silent Amidah.  While I know it was meant to enhance the service and give the 
brother a meaningful way of participating (and, while it was even noted in 
the "program"), it seemed that the musical interlude did more to perplex the 
worshipers than inspire them.  As a "low buzz" went around the congregation, 
it was pretty obvious what they were whispering to each other: "Why did he 
choose THAT piece to play? What does it have to do with the service?" And, at 
the end, you could see everyone deciding whether they should politely 
applaud, as if attending a talent show. (Fortunately, they didn't.)

These musical tributes are done with the best of intentions, I'm sure. But I 
imagine they rarely hit the mark.

For what it's worth,
Linda Salvay
LSalvay (at) aol(dot)com

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