[HANASHIR:9102] Re: Jewish/nonJewish singers/organists

[DurlKare <DurlKare...>]

Um...such a controversial subject but I guess every now and then I TRY to say 
something intelligent here...here goes!

I always understood the cantor to be the shaliach tzibur, or "voice" of the 
congregation, and especially, taking on the duties of praying for those in the 
congregation who can't pray for themselves, and to me any musician or 
songleader plays that role in a synagogue setting.  In our tradition, whether 
you want to call it Orthodox, the olden days, rabbinical literature, or 
whatever, someone fulfilling that role had to be shomer Shabbat etc. It's a 
majorly important role in Jewish life, just as the rabbi, the butcher, etc. 
were all important roles.  The roles of songleading or playing the organ in a 
service have changed; let each person on the hanashir list make up their own 
mind regarding what that role should be...but I think preference should be 
given to Jewish (or perhaps those in the process of converting) congregational 
members who wish to fulfill this precious role rather than just to professional 
musicians who happen to have musical skills.  Sometimes we overemphasize th!
e musical knowledge rather than 
the spiritual component.  I happen to also think this is important for choir 
members, religious school teachers, etc.

Just my 2 cents worth for the day, 
-Karen Daniel
Nashville, TN
www.karendaniel.com
see you at caje!

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