[HANASHIR:9181] In re to Organ and Halacha

[Burton A. Zipser <zipmusic...>]

        The debate in re to "organ vs. halacha" have reminded me of 
the quotation (I believe it is from Nietsche) which says "whatever 
does not kill you makes you stronger". I would paraphrase that 
statement by suggesting that "whatever adds to your knowledge and 
understanding makes you wiser and perhaps more tolerant".
        As we grow older we tend to become more conservative (which 
is not presented in the current American political context) as we go 
back to basic ideas to find, assess, or reassess, our lives.  Since 
most of us are involved in music, please note a basic difference 
between music and art.  In music we begin our studies with 
traditional subjects and progress to more advanced topics and ways of 
using the concepts of the past to find unifying threads which can 
connect us to the future.  These threads reappear continually and 
allow both musical practicioners and listeners to rediscover music 
and musicians which may have been out of favor.  To cite the most 
recent example:  The music of Hildegarde von Bingen was rediscovered 
in the past ten years and has spurred an interest in unison singing 
as characterized by the interest in Gregorian and other chant styles. 
When this occurs we invariably discuss the circumstances relating to 
that musical style.  In the world of fine art the tendency since 1875 
has sometimes been to not study the past but to simply "do your own 
thing" which may or may not find an audience.
        I prefer the approach used in music.
        The recent discussions in regard to the use of the organ and 
the halacha involved in deciding whether or not to use instruments, 
serve only to pinpoint the diversity which continues to make Judaism 
a meaningful spiritual, emotional, and intellectually-stimulating and 
-motivating religious philosophy.  We are by definition argumentative 
and debate-prone, as reflected in the aphorism: "Two Jews--three 
opinions".
        I doubt that any Orthodox Jews will deviate from the 
traditions of their  religious mode of thought, worship, and 
practice. Nor should they. (On the other hand, we have the "Women of 
the Wall" who are motivated by study to request an opportunity to 
pray at the Kotel.)  In Reform congregations, if there is an organ 
and a competent organist, music will be presented which utilizes the 
"king of the instruments", because that is the minhag or tradition 
which is the basis of the (perhaps) unique difference which is 
symbolic of the liberal mode of Jewish practice.  What we need to do 
is to respect all of these differences.
        In "Fiddler on the Roof" Tevye asks whether his request "will 
destroy G-d's vast eternal plan".  Probably not, but, as in these 
on-line discussions, it will provide us with enlightenment and point 
us in new directions.
        And (to quote Martha Stewart):  "That's a good thing".
                Burton Zipser

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