[HANASHIR:8438] Re: Use of Hashem or Ad-nai

[DurlKare <DurlKare...>]

As a singer/songwriter, I wanted to comment on this very controversial topic!  
And I'd like to hear more singers'/songwriters' thoughts!

I first realized the extent of this argument when criticized by some for using 
"Hashem" in my song Y'varech'cha.  How to explain: it just "felt" right, it fit 
the melody. Dare I say...it gave the song (in my opinion) an old-world, Shlomo 
Carlebach sort of feel....

On the other hand, I have written other songs using Ad-onai freely, and that 
has offended some people.  In those cases, I felt like because my goal was 
teaching a prayer or blessing through the use of song, I wanted the listener to 
learn it the "right" way, as it would be used for its real purposes!  Example: 
Shabbat Blessings (for young children).  If the song used "Hashem" maybe the 
young children wouldn't know to substitute Ad-nai at the right time!

I have had people use my songs in their own congregations and change the 
wording, accordingly, to fit their own belief and minhag.  That is just fine 
with me.  The song is a vessel which each singer/cantor/pray-or must fill.  In 
fact, at times they have changed more than just the name of G-d to suit their 
own belief, and that too is fine with me.

Other comments?

-Karen Daniel
www.karendaniel.com

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