[HANASHIR:6314] Re: solo singing

[Laura Ferguson <allenderl...>]

>Andy wrote:
>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.

I understand this problem, but in my experience, it is not the problem it 
seems to be.  First off, many synagogue professional staffs include 
non-Jewish music directors, accompanists and soloists.  I have had 
experiences with all three and never felt that they detracted from the 
service for me.  Our non-Jewish music director (who retired after 15 years) 
became enamored enough with our religion that we often find him attending 
services now that he has retired.   He is a mensch, a true friend and 
extremely respectful of our traditions.  Yes, his interpretations of music 
were a little different than our current conductor (who is Jewish), but I 
would assert that this is more of a cultural difference than anything (like 
Mozart vs. Beethoven).  Our former director (who is an organist by 
training) knew the music and services nearly by heart.  One year he subbed 
at the organ when our accompanist (Jewish) dissappeared before our second 
Kol Nidre service. That year he played the Kol Nidre service on an organ 
with only a choral score -- the congregation never knew something was 
wrong.   For us, he is an honorary Jew and this does not diminish him or 
us, rather we are all better because we can accept each other's differences.

Further, I've had many positive experiences with non-Jewish soloists and 
accompanists at other synagogues.

If you are planning a classical reform style service (soloists, choir, 
organ/piano) I think that the essential factors are:
1) the service is developed with the Rabbi by the Cantor, cantorial soloist 
or someone well versed in Jewish ritual music works
2) the soloists are carefully chosen for musical talent and attitude
3) the soloists have experience reading and pronouncing Hebrew (or someone 
to coach them)
4) the professionals hired are able to do the job -- ie. they show up and 
are able to learn a VAST amount of music (especially for HH)

If the person you hire can't do 4, it won't matter what religion they are.

Finally, I think that inclusion of "others" leads to them joining the 
group.  I'm not talking about proselytizing.  But if a group experience is 
positive and inclusive, then some percentage of folks will eventually want 
to be full members of the group.  Given the current level of attrition, 
this can't hurt.

Respectfully,
Laura Ferguson
allenderL (at) acm(dot)org

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