[HANASHIR:9228] Re: Online Ruach

[Adrian Durlester <durleste...>]

Yes Frank, I am, because you have crossed the line and started to
proselytize. That is not acceptable.

Adrian

> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org [mailto:owner-hanashir (at) 
> shamash(dot)org]On
> Behalf Of Frank Freeman
> Sent: Friday, June 01, 2001 8:58 PM
> To: hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org
> Subject: [HANASHIR:9225] Re: Online Ruach
>
>
> Hello,
>
> In response to Adrian Durlester's question: "So share some stories about
> how Judaism and your involvement with Jewish music has affected
> your life!"
>
> I was propagated Jewish, raised as nothing and ultimately became
> Christian by faith. For many years now it has been my ministry to
> provide music to seniors in Retirement, Assisted Living, Convalescent
> and Alzheimer (dementia) facilities in Southern California. I married
> Patty 10 years ago who has since joined me in this ministry. She is one
> of the finest unknown singers around. Many of the 1 hour long programs
> we do are at facilities catering to Jewish seniors. These kind folks
> have a greater identification with Jewish pop music than with music sung
> at the Temple. Example: Anytime we sing songs popularized by Al Jolson
> or Sophie Tucker we are rewarded with much applause. In fact, several
> Temple organizations have asked us to perform for their functions.
> Please understand, our music cuts across many borders. Not only do we do
> "Jewish" music, but Christian, pop, Italian, Irish, etc.
>
> Now here is a problem: We have difficulty finding excellent Jewish songs
> written in English. All residents in attendance need to understand what
> we are singing. As a result, I have written some Jewish songs which are
> now very popular with Jewish residents (and most others as well). Not
> long ago, I performed one of my songs called "The Passover Song." The
> song is written as though it is expressed by a first born youngster.
> This song identifies the reason and history of Passover. Afterwards 10
> Jewish Senior men and women asked us what I meant by the song. It was
> apparent, though they celebrate the Passover, they have no clue why!
> Naturally, being a student of the Bible, I explained what they
> needed to know.
>
> I have also written a dynamic Hora called "Happy Hanukkah!" When I
> perform this I give the residents the history behind Hanukkah. Now,
> despite the fact that most Jewish residents celebrate Hanukkah as they
> were brought up, they  really don't know why. My song identifies the
> history of Hanukkah as well as some of the events that Jewish people
> identify with that celebration. An added benefit is that non Jewish
> people now get to know what some Jewish celebrations are all about.
>
> Patty and I need some more songs like that. If you have one or more and
> would like to share with me, please do so. I will also gladly make
> available my songs and even a demo tape recording. We would love for a
> Jewish publisher to try our songs. Are you one? Please let me know. Good
> songs need to be shared.
>
> And as an aside, if you ever want to know how this Jewish boy escaped
> the Nazis when living in Holland, save a couple of hours and I'll share
> my story. And if you want to know why this Jewish boy became a
> Christian....... well. you get the idea. Adrian, you're not going to run
> me off now, are you?
>
> Frank Freeman
> Freemusic (at) earthlink(dot)net
>
>
>

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