[HANASHIR:12592] Re: A Plan for Shabbat Music?

[JAH29 <JAH29...>]

Dear Chuck,
     Our congregation, completely classical Reform in service mode until 
1990, now utilizes two siddurim.  On Friday nights we use "Gates of Prayer" 
and on Saturday mornings, the "Union Prayer Book".  We have a visiting cantor 
eight times a year and I'm cantorial soloist the rest of the time.  Friday 
nights have a greater variety of music both newly composed, traditional, 
Israeli, Chassidic, etc.  You make a very good point about using new things a 
number of times until the congregation is comfortable with them.  As chair of 
Public Worship here, as well, I'm also glad to see that this is an agenda 
item for your committee in your congregation .
     We use the more classical Reform melodies on Saturdays but have 
introduced some new things; Debbie's "Mi She Berach" is now standard.  When I 
sing things like a "R'tzei", we always read the English, as well.  In other 
words, we may add things but try not to take anything away.  Last Shabbat I 
sang "Lechi Lach" to accompany the Torah portion.  The classical Reform 
members have been comfortable with that.  I may introduce a Ladino/Hebrew 
"Ein Keloheinu" soon (this was a Sephardic congregation when it was started 
in 1733) but we will go right into singing the 1800's Germanic one right 
after it.
     In an effort to make a meld of the two musical traditions, I've started 
using a classical Reform hymn on occasional Friday nights, as well.
     Julie Hirsch
     Congregation Mickve Israel
     Savannah, GA