What is Jewish Music - the Metaquestion

[Sam Weiss <samweiss...>]

Joel Epstein wrote:
> > >What does the fact that we are constantly discussing
> > >what is Jewish music say about us?  Do Hungarians
> > >wonder what is Hungarian music?
> >     
> >     
>     
I thought that I could easily avoid thinking about this topic (since I have
no stake in defining Jewish music) but the meta-question does interest me.  
I think it confirms that we are the People Of The Question (which I prefer
to the Muhammadan appelation People Of The Book) and, more specifically, the People
Of The Self-Question, which is something to be proud of.  It also reflects
the fact that our unfortunate history has afforded us the luxury -- and burden
-- of rising above the levels of mere nationalism and mere religion when
considering matters of self-interest and self-definition as a people.  Therefore
the Hungarians have it much easier than we do.  Of course, for Jews who identify
with the State of Israel, this luxury was removed in 1948.  And for such
Jews who also take pre-1948 Jewsih cultural history seriously, the burden is
daily becoming ever more onerous.
    
______________________________________________________
Cantor Sam Weiss === Jewish Community Center of Paramus, NJ
    


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