[HANASHIR:8445] Re: Use of Hashem or Ad-nai

[Ketzev2 <Ketzev2...>]

Hey there friends--

I myself am quite sensitive to this issue. But more so when I perform than 
when I write. Let me explain.

I was brought up a Reform Jew, and I'm comfortable in the Reform traditions 
with respect to this issue. I believe that this is all prayer of one type or 
another, so why differentiate.  As long as our prayers are genuine, don't 
worry about it. Now I write usually accordance to the liturgy as it is found 
in the siddur. This is because most of the versions that I write to are for 
use in the worship service. However...

I am very careful to find out the minhag wherever I perform or teach. I have 
often "retrofitted" my own songs so as not to offend my audiences and hosts. 
I specifically ask these types of questions at the outset of all my 
discussions with people who are interested in bringing me to their community. 
For me it's all about sensitivity. If the lyrics need a tweek, or if it 
doesn't sound right to me, I just leave that song out of the show. We MUST be 
sensitive on this issue.  Different opinions really don't matter.  
Sensitivity does!  At the day school where I teach, I have been flexible 
(truly very easy to do) on this issue always. I try not to make it a big deal.

I say-Write the song whichever way you feel it, but sing/perform it with 
sensitivity to the audience and the situation of whom you are with and where 
you are singing. That sensitivity will really make a difference.

Steve Dropkin
Singer/Songwriter
Birmingham, AL