[HANASHIR:15227] Re: High Holy Day choices

[ISP <ISP...>]

Hi folks,

As someone who sits in the pews for services, it has been interesting to 
follow this conversation. Our Reform synagogue, which has moved more and more 
to 
participatory music throughout the year, tends to be very "classical" on the 
HHD - complete with professional choir. For me, and others, it can be less than 
satisfying. There are moments where I do appreciate the time to just sit back 
and reflect, but for the most part I find myself very disconnected from the 
service because even if the liturgy being sung is something I know, it is seen 
as a time that I am expected to listen to, not worship. 

So, though someone posted that perhaps it is the community is different for 
the HHD (with the 2x/year worshippers), I would pose that perhaps the music 
chosen keeps those who are attending for the first time in a while from feeling 
connected and wanting to come back.

Many contemporary pieces not only offer more "singable" melodies but they 
also offer more English, and English in a form that for some people, allows 
them 
for the first time to understand and connect to the prayers - seeing them as 
relevant, not just words to say. 

Just another perspective,

Iris Petroff
Program Director
Temple Society of Concord