[HANASHIR:9098] Re: Jewish organists

[DMG686 <DMG686...>]

Just to add my two cents to the debate on Jewish vs Non Jewish organists.  We 
had a wonderful non Jewish organist at our shul for twenty five.  He could 
play any Jewish tune in any key flawlessly and with appropriate Kavannah or 
feeling.  He unfortunately retired.  We now have another wonderful 
accompanist who happens to be a Russian Jew who grew up with very little 
Jewish religious background.  Now that she has been with us a couple of 
years, she also can play as well as the previous accompanist.  There is no 
doubt that in my mind that once a person has been exposed to a particular 
genre of music that they can develop the proper feel for the music, whether 
Jewish or not.  By the way, my voice teacher who is not Jewish has coached me 
on many a Jewish song.  He can sing a Kol Nidre that would match many of the 
great cantors.

B'Shirah,
Donna Gordon

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