[HANASHIR:6313] Re: solo singing

[Andy Curry <acurry...>]

At 12:22 PM 6/19/00 EDT, you wrote:
>I would be interested to hear how you feel about talented congregational 
>singers having the opporunity to  have solo parts during a service or hiring 
>professional singers. 
>
>This has been an ongoing point of controversy for a a long time at the 
>synagogue where I sub for our cantorial soloist (a paying position)  and
sing 
> every Shabbat morning as a volunteer choir member.  Although we now have a 
>part time cantorial soloist, the issues were present when we had a full time 
>cantor. There are pros and cons to both sides of the issue. We have made 
>changes over the years that I would consider improvements from hiring only 
>non-Jewish professionals in the past to the present where most of us are 
>volunteers. 

ItaSara,

Is this ever a can of worms!

One of the primary reasons I quit singing in my Reform synagogue's
volunteer choir is that non-Jews, both professional and amateur, were
invited (and paid) to sing.  I became confused about MY role in the choir,
as well as the role of the choir itself.

Now I really love a lot of Christian music - spirituals, gospel, both black
and white.  I'd like to play it.  And I would also like to sing it...but
only in a PERFORMANCE setting, not a worship service.

The idea of a non-Jew singing Hebrew prayers in a synagogue during worship
seems wrong to me, just as it would be wrong for me to take communion.  It
devalues the religious identities of the singer AND the congregation.
Please, let me hear someone who knows and means what he is singing (and who
doesn't pronounce segol as "ey"!).  I will forgive him his
less-than-perfect delivery.

With respect and resolve,
Andy
Andy Curry
6016 Holmes St
Kansas City MO 64110-3034

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