[HANASHIR:10348] Two new indespensible songbooks

[Jeff Klepper <jeffklepper...>]

Friends,

I received two wonderful new books in the mail this week and (my own
participation aside) I could not be happier for what they say about the
state of our music: R'fuah Shleima: Songs of Jewish Healing, published by
Synagogue 2000, and The Complete Shireinu, published by Transcontinental.
Both are distributed by Transcontinental.  (www.eTranson.com)

The Complete Shireinu finally puts into print 350 songs, from liturgical
Gebrauchmusik to Israeli pop songs to NFTY standards and the very latest
camp hits.  (This volume, plus Manginot, could pretty much serve as a
complete Religious School music curriculum, and then some.)

But more compelling is R'fuah Sh'leimah, edited by Merri Arian.  It may turn
out to be one of the most important single volumes of Jewish music ever
published.  It is certainly one of the most beautifully designed.  Each of
its five chapters is preceded by an inspiring introduction.  The contents
range from very simple one-line chants to new choral and accompanied vocal
pieces.  One chapter presents 13 different settings of Mi Shebeirach!

The editors of both books deserve special kudos.  So does Joe Eglash of
Transcon, who is a great lover of new Jewish music.  I am proud to be
associated with both volumes, but even more proud of how far American Nusach
has come in our lifetimes.  These publications tell the story.

Hava wonderful Thanksgiving.

Jeff Klepper


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