[HANASHIR:11830] RE: minhag questions compiled

[Adrian Durlester <adrian...>]

Ellen:
 
May I format and post this to the web site as well?
 
Thanks,
 
Adrian
 
Adrian A. Durlester, MTS
E-mail: adrian (at) durlester(dot)com  URL:www.durlester.com
Director of Education, Beth El Hebrew Congregation, Alexandria, VA
Chair, CAJE 27, August 4-8, 2002, Trinity University, San Antonio, TX
List Owner, hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org; Jewish Songleaders/Performers List
Co-Owner, l-torah (at) shamash(dot)org; Liberal Torah Discussion List


-----Original Message-----
From: owner-hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org [mailto:owner-hanashir (at) 
shamash(dot)org] On
Behalf Of Ellen Allard
Sent: Monday, July 08, 2002 11:00 PM
To: hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org
Subject: [HANASHIR:11829] minhag questions compiled


These are some of the questions suggested in response to my inquiry
about the minhag at congregations where one is visiting to lead
services, songlead, perform etc.? Thank you to Jeff Klepper and Judy
Caplan Ginsburgh for emailing me their questions. I greatly appreciate
their input, their expertise, and the time they took to provide the
information.

Ellen Allard
Worcester, MA

€What sidur is used?
€Does the congregation face the ark for barchu? amida?
€What tune is used for Avot/G'vurot?
€What is the choreography for the Torah service?
€Is there a printed program handed out to congregants?
€Is the custon to wear a kippah on the bimah? Tallit?
€What melodies does the congregation feel ownership in?  In other words,
are there particular melodies that you would never change because they
provide a certain level of comfort and spirituality for the congregants?
Always be sensitive to this and preserve some degree of familiarity when
choosing music.
€Would the rabbi, cantor, soloist, etc. who is usually there like to
chant or does someone have time to sit down with you prior to the
service and review nuances that might be specific to the congregation?
Every congregation chants V'ahavta, Avot, etc. just a bit differently.
You either have to do some checking or you will be leading something
they are not familiar with.
€Are clapping, finger-snapping, rhythm instruments, etc. allowed?
€Does the congregation recite the Barchu and Shema spoken first and then
sung or do they just sing it?
€Definitely ask for a cue sheet so that you know when to come in, where
the kiddush is recited, etc.
€Many congregations sing the same opening and closing songs each Shabbat
(more so the closing song).  Can this be changed to a different song?
Or can you offer a different melody of the same text?
€Are there other participants who will be sharing the service with you
-- cantor, rabbi, soloist, board member, organist, etc.?
€What is the typical demographic of the congregation or to whom is the
service geared?  Is this a family service, mostly adult, tot, etc.?
€Which prayerbook do you use or are you using a creative service?
€Would you be allowed to offer Kabbalat Shabbat music prior to the
service or a selection of songs prior to the Aleynu?
€Don't be afraid to offer suggestions or ask about adding something that
is unique to you.  
€If there is a choir, offer to do something with them during the
service. You can send music in advance and work with them prior to the
service.  It is always a thrill for the choir to be included.