[HANASHIR:2284] Adon Olam to "Trees are Blowing..."

[Chazzzan <Chazzzan...>]

Yes, Jess, it worked, it was cute and funny!

However, I have a question for the group...and this applies to just about ANY
prayer.  I have always been torn between "fun" songleading and "serious" or at
least dignified, solemn prayer.  

Where do we draw the line.  I have often led services in Conservative and
Orthodox settings around the country.  Most congregations don't want TOO much
"fun" in their services. For example, most Ortho. services I have been in will
tolerate -- and encourage -- the Kedusha sung to the tune of Erev Shel
Shoshanim, but that's about it. 

Most reading I have done about Adon Olam indicate that it is a serious prayer
and not a rousing finale for the service.  I admit I have been guilty of
leading groups treating this  prayer rather lightly (Gilligan's Island theme,
William Tell Overture, Dreidel song).  It is an awesome responsibility to
transmit this body of liturgy 
to the present and next generations.  Is it OK to make whatever changes we
want in order to "hook" our target audience?

I am not making a judgment here...just asking for opinions.

Thanks!

Brian Serle
now living in SUNNY Boca Raton, FLorida

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