[HANASHIR:4626] Re: Rabbi Eric Yoffie's Sermon at the Biennial

[Adrian Durlester <durleste...>]

I'll add my two shekels. Forgive the slightly off-list-topic comments, but
after all, it's my list :)

As a traditional leaning liberal Jew who has felt increasingly
disenfranchised by Reform, Rabbi Yoffie's words are heartening. I was quite
happy with Rabbi Levy's original draft of the Ten Principles, and less
thrilled but still happy to see the final, rather watered-down version
approved.

The focus on worship and music is long overdue. Now, the question becomes -
which music? Much of the music of the "first generation" (Debbie Friedman,
Kol B'Seder, Doug Cotler, Craig Taubman, Safam, et al) has already made
inroads. The liturgical works of people like Rachelle Nelson, Ben Steinberg,
Steve Richards, Michael Isaacson have also made some inroads. As has much
Israeli music. All of them deserve even greater usage. But what about the
next few generations - Julie Silver, Joe Black, Steve Dropkin, Peri Smilow,
Cantor Wally, Larry Milder, Mah Tovu, Judy Ginsburgh, Nomi, Shirona, Laura
Berkson, the Allards, Jess Gold, Yom Hadash, and of course, Karen Daniel.
And what about music from the frum-er side. Sam Glaser. Reb Shlomo's (ztl)
music has found its way into services. Also, thanks to the likes of Debbie
and Donny Maseng, music by folks like Abie Rotenberg (Dvekus) and Regesh
have also been introduced. (And of course, Donny has his own incredible
compositions.) And  (My sincere apologies to anyone I inadvertently left off
this hastily composed list!)

Will Reform simply open the door of opportunity for these folks, or will it
actively seek to foster their work, even perhaps, supporting it through
grants, performances, workshops, new shironim, etc? Will it increase efforts
to make music an intrinsic part of religious education curriculums? Will an
effort be made to bring camp songleading standards and repertoire up to
date? Will Jewish foundations start funding Jewish music by supporting
artists for something other than performances?  I sure hope so. We all know
folks who work for the UAHC read and participate in this list. Hope they're
listening.

Adrian

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org [mailto:owner-hanashir (at) 
shamash(dot)org]On
Behalf Of Rachelle and Howard Shubert
Sent: Monday, December 20, 1999 2:06 PM
To: hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org
Subject: [HANASHIR:4625] Re: Rabbi Eric Yoffie's Sermon at the Biennial


Hi Roslyn,
The sermon was certainly a must-read for synagogue music-makers.  I copied
the paragraphs about music for everyone in my choir.

Thanks.

Rachelle


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