[HANASHIR:11669] re: Another opinion about sharing our music

[Shirona <shirona...>]

Beautiful words, Noah, wise and true!  

I just wanted to correct myself on one point - it's not *all* about the text... 
I happen to interpret Hebrew text through music - but for all the songwriters 
such as yourself, who write songs in English, based on Jewish themes - it's 
another matter. It's critical that we have great Jewish songs in English to 
keep kids (and communities) excited about being Jewish.

Shirona
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 
Singer, Songwriter and Teacher of Jewish Music
 Visit my website at    www.shirona.com
Listen to my music at www.mp3.com/shirona
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: NBudin (at) aol(dot)com 
  To: hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org 
  Sent: Thursday, June 06, 2002 3:00 PM
  Subject: [HANASHIR:11665] re: Another opinion about sharing our music


  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