[HANASHIR:11665] re: Another opinion about sharing our music

[NBudin <NBudin...>]

I am a songwriter who does not use text much in my songs. I do use stories 
and characters from Torah and Tanach. I focus more on some of the larger 
issues of peace, justice, freedom, respecting all human beings, etc. I use a 
variety of musical styles. Some of my songs may not sound "Jewish" (and 
there's that other thread that Shirona so eloquently alluded to), but I 
approach everything from my Jewish perspective. In fact, one of the things I 
do is find the "Jewishness" in secular songs. For instance, I'll usually 
introduce the song "If I Had A Hammer" by saying "This is not a Jewish song. 
But It's NOT NOT a Jewish song. The message in this song encompasses many 
values that I've learned as a Jew, that we teach our Jewish children: Love, 
Justice, Freedom."

In all humility, my CD became fairly popular in many Jewish schools and 
synagogues around the country. I was hopeful and pleased when that happened, 
but not surprised. I was surprised when I started getting calls from 
churches, and emails from non-Jews who loved my work.

Jews and Christians -- we have more in common that either of us like to 
acknowledge This is not a bad thing, having a lot in common It is important, 
and possible, to retain our own unique identities, while sharing with each 
other. It is possible to live side by side and respect each other's 
differences. But, we must learn about each other. Ignorance causes fear, and 
fear brings hatred.

It is possible to read the (so called) New Testament without wanting to 
convert. It is possible to attend a church service and not become a 
Christian. It is possible to say the word "Jesus" and understand his place in 
a historical context while understanding that he is not a part of our 
religion. We don't need to believe that Jesus was the son of God. But aren't 
we all children of God?

Make no mistake, I am Jewish. I do not actively participate in Christian 
worship or religious ceremony. I do actively participate in Jewish ceremony. 
I have also attended church services. I have also sung in churches. I have 
even sung "Oseh Shalom" in churches. I am Jewish, but I am not afraid of 
"them." I have widened my world view, educated myself, understand that people 
are different and respect our diversity. In this way, I am truly able to 
practice Tikun Olam.

It has been stated, and I agree, that if Jews are "straying" it is not 
because of what "they" are doing. It may be that we need to become better 
Jewish educators, parents, practitioners, etc. And we need to practice 
outreach. I do it through music. I have gotten letters from people saying 
that their teenaged children were never interested in anything Jewish -- 
until they heard my music. I don't say this to boast, but I am very proud of 
those testimonials, that I was able to reach a disenfranchised Jew and maybe 
spark his or her interest.

Music is a way to bride gaps. There *are* scary people out there. Be wary. 
But don't be terrified. Sing Strong.

I'm sure I could ramble tangentially for a long time, but I'll rest here.

Peace and Blessings,
Noah Budin
Singer/Songwriter
Actor/Storyteller
NBudin (at) aol(dot)com
Cleveland, OH