[HANASHIR:12587] Re: Adding Pro Singers To Choir

[Sue & David Esterman <estermans...>]

Well, you;re not radical at all, as I see it, Karen.
In NZ the idea of using non-jewish musicians during services is completely
off the wall. It just doesn't happen. However, we also have a much more
low-key musical tradition than many of you do, I know. Still, I agree it's
wrong to pay non-Jewish professionals to lead services, or to participate.
After all, surely our own "joyful noise"
is what's required??
Sue Esterman
Wellington, New Zealand
  -----Original Message-----
  From: owner-hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org [mailto:owner-hanashir (at) 
shamash(dot)org]On
Behalf Of Danielkare (at) aol(dot)com
  Sent: Tuesday, 22 October 2002 8:38 a.m.
  To: hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org
  Subject: [HANASHIR:12583] Re: Adding Pro Singers To Choir


  I apologize if I offend anyone, but I have a strong opinion on the idea of
bringing in non-member, non-Jewish paid professionals to a religious
service...if they are singing or playing an instrument in a
synagogue/temple, they are participating in the prayer service, helping to
lead prayer, and in fact, praying for the people (like a shaliach tsibur).
Therefore, they should be part of the congregation or at least share similar
beliefs as the congregation.  It has always bothered me to know that my
congregation and other Jewish organizations paid non-Jewish non-members to
sing (or play an instrument) while the Jewish members volunteered.  Can't
the song choices adapt to the talent available in the congregational or
organizational membership?  Does paying outsiders really help, in any way,
to improve the quality of the prayer service, not to mention, support Jewish
musicians?  Am I really that radical in my thinking?

  -Karen Daniel