[HANASHIR:1391] Re: Yamim Noraim Music Survey

[Judy Git <hillel...>]

I think the fact that the organ is the instrument used in churches is
absolutely a sufficient reason not to use one in a synagogue.  We live in an
age where fully 50% of the Jewish people are intermarrying, and many of these
become lost to Judaism.  By eroding the differences between our religion and
the Christian religion, whether it is in celebrating Chanukah like some kind of
Jewish Christmas, or by using organ music in a synagogue, we accelerate this
process.  After all, I think the first question ought to be why DO we use an
organ in a synagogue rather than why NOT to do so.  To me it seems perfectly
obvious that organs are used in synagogues BECAUSE this is the instrument used
in churches.  In other words, it is a blatant immitation of Christian worship
practices.  For me, the very reason that this instrument is used is the precise
reason why it ought not to be used.  We don't need to immitate anyone else.
Our own customs and practices ought to be good enough for us.  (All this, by
the way, over and above the whole fact that, since the destruction of the Holy
Temple, using ANY instrument in services on Shabbat is not only not
traditionally Jewish, but, in orthodox and in many conservative synagogues, is
considered a desecration of the Sabbath). If you want to use an instrument in a
synagogue, in my opinion, use anything BUT an organ.  That's my two cents
worth.

Judy

Rachelle Mingail Shubert wrote:

> This is a reply to Judy's mentioning her preference to not sing with an
> organ.
>
> At services, I also prefer either acapella singing or accompaniment by
> other instruments.  When I walk in and hear the first strains I have to
> remind myself I am not in church.  However, in and of itself that is not a
> good enough reason not to use the instrument if it adds beauty to the
> service.  I think the most compelling reason to consider acapella or other
> accompaniment is that (to my ear, anyway) the sound of an organ often just
> stomps all over the lilting and delicately mournful Jewish melodies.
>
> Having been raised in a temple with an organ I thought I just didn't like
> organ music.  However, after attending an organ recital in a church (and
> finding the music absolutely transporting) I realized that at least in part
> it was due to the fact that this magnificent instrument is more suited to
> Bach than to our service music.  Personally, I would much rather hear
> acapella, guitar, percussion or stringed instruments.
>
> I would love to hear other opinions about this.
>
> Rachelle
>
> Rachelle Mingail Shubert
>
> CONCERTS
>     CLASSES
>          CONSULTING
>
> shubert (at) total(dot)net