[HANASHIR:14669] Re: secular music

[Golda18 <Golda18...>]

> Why is it so important for us to sing American folk songs instead of these 
> ageless and timeless words from G-d and from our sages and ancestors? 

Why does it have to be an either/or issue?  Can't some be appropriate for one 
moment while others are appropriate for others.  Some ocassions cry out for a 
piece that the khal understands and can sing.  Our Hebrew texts don't always 
fulfill this role. Ignoring the congregations needs is a sure fire way to turn 
them off.  As a temple educator, I don't start with a "volunteer"audience so 
a good mix is fine.  

It's a fine line that we have between keeping our essence and accomodating 
the congregation.  Instead of saying we can only be on one side of the line 
can't we move back and forth.  I believe that the key is balance.  Without that 
we 
will either lose who we are or lose our audience.

Gail Nalven