[HANASHIR:14093] Re: Pre-Pesach Thoughts

[Andy Curry <acurry...>]

Dear Joel et al,

This issue is a good one, I think.

Responsibility to the liturgy:

In terms of liturgy, I'm somewhat Conservadox.  But, even so, the example 
cited of "Elokai N'shama" is one of those prayers which is not required in 
public prayer; it is meant to be recited at home shortly after rising 
(actually, after "rofey chol basar...", the bathroom bracha).

Similarly, Ma Tovu is "meant" to be recited as one enters the beit tfila - 
not after you've donned tallit and entered the sanctuary.

Other pieces of liturgy (e.g., Ashrei) are *required* in their 
entirety.  So, if one wants to chant Elokai N'shama, I don't see the 
problem.  In effect, we have ADDED it to the regular service in whatever 
form it takes.  Where I disagree with some postmodern practice is that so 
much time and attention is given to these preliminary prayers that the 
"regular" service receives short shrift.

Accents:
I agree that where possible AND musical, Hebrew should be accented 
properly.  An example is "Hakadosh Baruch Hu" in the Alenu (or Shalom 
Alechem).  It's sung everywhere "haKAdosh Baruch Hu".  When I sing, whether 
following or leading, I sing "HakaDOSH Baruch Hu", even knowing that the 
congregation will not sing it that way.  But I feel okay doing it because 
a) it's still musical, and b) I won't throw anybody off singing it this way.

Any new writing should, IMO, reflect proper accenting.  But for existing 
pieces, trying to make it fit can take some musicality away.  Trying to 
make Carlebach proper can resemble emasculation.  Our congregation sings a 
Kel Adon which absolutely mangles the Hebrew, but it's one of the coolest 
pieces we do.  I wouldn't want to change it.

Thanks for the topic.

May we all have a chag kasher v'sameach,
Andy

At 03:19 PM 4/14/2003 +0300, you wrote:


Andy Curry, Kansas City
acurry (at) lenexa(dot)sema(dot)slb(dot)com

------------------------ hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org -----------------------+