[HANASHIR:6327] Re: solo singing

[Freedabet <Freedabet...>]

Speaking of conversion, the Alto at our synagogue will be completing her 
conversion later this summer!   I doubt it would have occurred to her to 
convert to Judaism had she not been hired to sing in the choir.

Michael

-------- REPLY, Original message follows --------

> Date: Monday, 19-Jun-00 07:20 PM
> 
> From: Laura Ferguson           \ Internet:    (allenderl (at) acm(dot)org)
> To:   Hanashir Mail Server     \ Internet:    (hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org)
> 
> Subject:  [HANASHIR:6314] Re: solo singing
> 
> Sender: owner-hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org
> Reply-to:       hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org
> To:     hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org
> 
> >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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