[HANASHIR:8253] RE: HANASHIR digest 1149 Kol Isha

[Adrian Durlester <durleste...>]

I would respond that the challenge that Gd has presented to you needs to be
solved by what YOU do, and not by asking others to change what THEY do. You
do have the option to utilize the gift that Gd gave you - in many times and
places. So I do not understand your complaint. No one is preventing you from
singing. Do you really feel you have the right to demand that you be able to
do this at all times and places? Do not those who hold by the ancient
traditions have any rights?

Should I expect to be able to go to a Shabbat worship service at an Orthodox
synagogue and be able to play my piano? Of course not. But the fact that
this is so in no way diminishes my ability to play the piano in support of a
Reform worship service on Shabbat.

I teach during the week at a traditional day school. There I cannot say or
do certain things I might be able to do at the Reform synagogue where I am
music director and also teach Sunday school. In each of those places, I am
able to use the gifts that Gd gave me. But in each of those places I respect
the belief and practices of the community.

And not that I am suggesting that you or anyone should do this, but
sometimes when Gd asks us not to do a thing we are inclined to do, maybe it
is best for us not to do it. We shouldn't reject this idea out of hand. For
some, kashrut is outdated, outmoded, or simply irrelevant. For others, these
daily acts of self-denial are the key to a greater siprituality and a deeper
sense of Jewish identity.

You ask how you can deny this gift of music that Gd has given you. You
don't. But can you expect everyone who hears you to praise and approve of
your singing? As an artist, would you expect only good reviews of your work?
For 3500 years the Jews have failed to harken as well as they should to Gd's
messages to us. Should anyone of us expect more than Gd gets-that all would
listen to our voice? Think about the hubris involved in such an attitude.

I my heart, I know when I have done well providing music to enhance a
worship experience. And, like others, I often get lots of positive feedback.
But even at those times I have been subject to complaints, criticisms, etc.
This reminds me that, as special as I may perceive my gift, not all who
receive it perceive it as similarly special, or even want to receive it. And
I should not wail against such people-they have free will the same as I.

Adrian

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adrian A. Durlester, M.T.S.  - durleste (at) home(dot)com
http://members.home.net/durleste/
Hebrew, Judaica & Music Instructor, Akiva School, Nashville TN
Music Director, Congregation Micah, Nashville, TN http://www.micahnash.org/
List-Owner for hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org; Co-Owner for L-Torah (at) 
shamash(dot)org
http://uahc.org/hanashir
Editor, Bim Bam (for Torah Aura Productions) http://www.torahaura.com/
Evening Program Chair, CAJE 26, Aug. 5-9, 2001, Colorado State University
Member-at-Large, CAJE Board of Directors

> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org [mailto:owner-hanashir (at) 
> shamash(dot)org]On
> Behalf Of ItaSara (at) aol(dot)com
> Sent: Monday, February 19, 2001 1:59 PM
> To: hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org
> Subject: [HANASHIR:8250] HANASHIR digest 1149 Kol Isha
>
>
> If a woman's voice is not to be heard in public or before men,
> what is this
> inner voice I have that urges me to sing? It is not the voice of man
> (generally speaking); it isn't a sin or flaw of my character; it
> must be the
> voice of God, otherwise why would God have given me this talent
> and urge?
> I know I can effect in some people a spiritual feeling about a song or a
> prayer on the occassional times I have this opportunity. I feel I
> am doing
> something to make the day special for someone else whether it be
> at Temple,
> or at a nursing home, or other places; at least that is the
> impression I have
> from the feedback I have received. This is my contribution
> because that is
> who I am.  It would be torture for me, not self discipline or religious
> discipline, to pretend to agree with the age old custom to not sing in
> public. Believe me I'm not doing it to make an income!!
>
> The world has changed and changed and I think the whole issue of Halacha
> needs to be looked at again;  Hence comes other denominations of Judaism,
> because if Halacha were the "only" way, then I think there would
> be no need
> for opposition just as if we all believed the Xtian ideology was the true
> ideology, we'd all go in that direction too, but in our hearts we
> cannot. And
> in my heart I know that the female voice needs to be heard along with the
> male voice.
>
> I posted my feeling in the Jewish Community at AOL, and an orthodox rabbi
> responded that there are other ways to find happiness in Jewish
> life.  As a
> singer, I could not disagree more. I would be a lot more depressed  if I
> tried to hide or ignore  an inborn skill and inborn desire to do
> something
> special in my life.
>
> itasara (at) aol(dot)com

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