[HANASHIR:3615] Re: High Holiday Shema

[Andy Curry <acurry...>]

Susan,

There are more different traditions for High Holy Days than you can shake a
shofar at, and there is also the principle that "a minhag brecht a din" - a
custom breaks, or trumps, a law.  How much more so when there is no law
concerning what melody is to be used?

The Sulzer melody (minor key, kind of important-sounding?) is
"appropriate."  Personally, I think the congregation gets enough of the
"Bar'chu" nusach, and it loses its effect when used too much.

On the other hand, if members of the congregation act as though the sky is
falling if you use the "wrong" melody, well...

But where it is written that the chazzan doesn't get a say?  Here's you
chance to educate a congregation in the larger tradition.  Go with the Sulzer.

Andy

At 09:58 AM 8/3/99 -0700, you wrote:
>Our congregation sings the Shema to the same High Holiday melody as the
>Barechu, Mi Chamocha, etc.  The music anthologies that I've consulted
>use the Sulzer HH melody.  I'm supposed to teach our choir the
>appropriate Shema this week and I'm confused.  I'd appreciate any
>enlightening feedback or just info on which melody your congregation
>sings.
>Susan Schanerman
>Overwhelmed cantorial soloist in Phoenix
>
>
>
>

*******************************
Andy Curry
CellNet Data Systems
Kansas City MO 64106
Office: 816-545-7739 (direct)
or 1-800-697-7044 ext 7739
Pager: 800-317-1694
Home : 816-363-8381
E-Mail: acurry (at) cellnet(dot)com
*******************************

------------------------ hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org -----------------------+
Hosted by Shamash: The Jewish Internet Consortium  http://shamash.org
------------------------ hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org -----------------------=