[HANASHIR:9094] RE:chosen people or choosing

[Jonathan Gordon <jbgordon...>]

Regarding the theology of the uniqueness of judaism, anyone who claims not to
understand that judaism has some elements that are different from other
religions and cultures is clearly following some other agenda and expressing it
on this issue. As to the issue of superiority, I think it is best to focus the
discussion. A native practitioner of any art is usually the best exponent of
that art or craft.
others may pick it up, and with their other backround may add interesting
elements to the practice, but the greatest achievments are usually made by
people steeped in the tradition they embrace. People who start basketball late
in life sometimes make it to the nba, but not at the best level. George
Harrison started playing the sitar and helped bring Ravi Shankar to the West,
but never rivaled him. I dont want to accuse a non-jewish organist of
dillitantism, but i will affirm that it would take a dedicated effort on the
part of someone coming out of a non-jewish cultural experience to immerse
themselves in enough jewish musical life to bring an authentic voice to the tam
of jewish music. This can, I believe, be done, and I know non-jewish klezmer
players who have indeed "gone native" and immersed themselves in every possible
way, but that is what it takes.
Sometimes an assimilated Jew will turn to Judaism at an advanced stage in their
lives, but if they dont take the time to master the traditional practices, what
they produce is somewhat out of the way, beautiful but has it got legs in terms
of longevity? I am mostly thinking of classical composers here, but it has
implications for us all.
jonathan gordon


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