[HANASHIR:10898] Re: Adon Olam to Rock Around the Clock

[QuelliPG <QuelliPG...>]

My view about using pop tunes for adon olam aside, as I don't even have the 
energy now to get into the discussion, something struck me about Beau 
Shapiro's post.  In every congregation I've ever been affliliated with, (all 
Conservative) the cantor was/is the one who makes all decisions about what 
melodies to use in the synagogue service, often with some input, or at least 
approval from the rabbi.  Since when does a bar mitzvah kid dictate what 
melodies a congregation uses?  Is this a standard practice in Reform temples? 
 Are B'nai mitzvah ceremonies separate from the service where the "regulars" 
attend?  Beau, you say you don't really like it, but the kid requested it so 
you have to do it?  I don't know  you, and don't know whether you're a 
cantor, service leader/shaliach tzibur or just a guy they hire to play a 
instrument.  I don't mean this as a personal attack - I'm just amazed that a 
13 year old would have that much control over what takes place at a service!

baffled in Dallas
(aka Raquel Gershon)  

------------------------ hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org -----------------------+