Re: Singing Jewish music in church

[Judy Caplan Ginsburgh <jerd...>]

Karen,

One basic question -- are you singing as part of a church service or are you
sharing your Jewish music?  I would probably feel uncomfortable singing as part 
of
a church service, but if I were singing as part of an ecumanical service (like 
our
once a year Thanksgiving service) or presenting a program on Jewish music in a
church, I would feel most comfortable.  In fact, I do quite a lot of this in my
home town.  I agree that this is very educational and the more people understand
about our culture and heritage, the better relations will be.  Here in 
Louisiana,
I experienced a good deal of antisemitism growing up -- most of it I attribute 
to
ignorance on the part of those being ugly.  In the past 5 years, as cantorial
soloist at the only Temple within a 2 hour radius, I am repeatedly called upon 
to
present programs at churches about Jewish music and Jewish beliefs and culture. 
 I
am always glad to do this and feel that it is important.  I am glad they want to
learn instead of wanting to close their eyes to fact that we exist.

Judy : )

DanielKare wrote:

> To all my music friends:
>
> As a new performer of Jewish music, I am always eager to perform my
> songs.....Recently I was asked to sing at a church, for pay.
>
> I would like to hear any comments, opinions, or suggestions which you all have
> on the subject of performing Jewish music in a church setting, and would like
> to share with you some of my thoughts.
>
> Our Temple has been very involved in recent years in interfaith relations,
> inviting ministers to speak, sending our rabbi to speak at churches...in the
> hope of creating more understanding and tolerance.  Part of my reasoning for
> wanting to sing at the church is in the spirit of this type of effort.
>
> Another reason: the people I work with are now trained in the fact that I am
> Jewish, and what that means, and know about my holidays, and so on, but many
> people in the greater community don't have the opportunity to...let's
> say...mingle.  I feel that there is an educational component as well, which I
> can offer, through my music.
>
> I do, however, have some reservations.  I would not want to give the
> impression that I am in any way associated with the church and its beliefs.  I
> would not want anyone to make the assumption that I am a follower of both
> Christianity and Judaism.
>
> Have any of you faced a similar situation and how have you handled it?
>
> -Karen D.



--
Judy Caplan Ginsburgh, Singer/Music Specialist
       http://www.ax.centuryinter.net/jewishentertainment/judy/index.html
Director:  Jewish Entertainment Resources
       http://www.ax.centuryinter.net/jewishentertainment/index.html
Conference Chair:  23rd Conference on Alternatives in Jewish Education
                   Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas
                   August 9-13, 1998