Re: Kol Isha

[Shirona <shirona...>]

  Jordan I agree with you that we all need to be respectful!  But I strongly
disagree about "not probing into motives", as you requested below. Aren't
our motives even more important then our actions?  Aren't our motives the
true indicator as to "where are we coming from"?  It's as if the women on
this list are collectively asking the men on this list  ( just for
argument's sake... I'm not presuming to speak for others...;-)  "where are
you REALLY coming from when you invoke the Kol Isha laws to prevent us from
singing in public, from earning a living as Cantor's or Singers...  The
question is really - "what are your TRUE motives, not the actual "laws" you
are invoking".  I realize this is a tough question, and that not too many
men want to even "go there".

  But do you agree that it IS a valid question?  Please answer...

  May I share a personal experience?  Two years ago I was asked by a
Conservative congregation to be their Cantor for the HH - and gave me a
contract for this position - before I even knew any of the Nusach.  This
congregation was familiar with the music I compose and with my singing, and
they trusted that I would do a good job. I studied for about six months with
Hazzan Sam Weiss (our very own...) who prepared me wonderfully for this
awesome task. (Hi Sam!)  It was the first time this very old, Connecticut
congregation had a female Cantor.  After the first day the rabbi told me
this - "I see why men didn't want women to sing at services - they were
insecure and feared that they could never sing to G-d as beautifully as
women".  Old folks came up to me and told me that for 40 years they've been
coming to this Shul on HH - and that for the first time were actually moved
to FEEL the meaning of the T'filot.

  Here's the point I'm getting at: While up there on the Bimah, with no
choir or musical instruments - I truly felt like a Shliach Tzibur.  I didn't
feel like a "woman" - and certainly didn't feel like a man...;-)  although I
did sing the Hineni words as written - as if I had a long beard and all...I
just felt like a PERSON  praying with all my heart and doing my best to
illuminate the texts with music and give meaning to every word - for the
sake of the community and myself. Being male or female had nothing to do
with it!  Being male or female is only ONE aspect of our being - and it
shouldn't (in my opinion) be the central factor of how we worship G-d.

  Shirona
  * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
  Singer, Songwriter and Teacher of Jewish Music
     www.shirona.com
     www.cdbaby.com/shirona
  * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

  ----- Original Message -----
  From: "Jordan Hirsch" <trombaedu (at) earthlink(dot)net>
  To: "World music from a Jewish slant" <jewish-music (at) shamash(dot)org>
  Sent: Sunday, January 18, 2004 11:03 AM
  Subject: Re: Kol Isha


  > That is also a good point. But that is not the issue. All i am asking
for is a
  > little more respect, and a little less probing of motives for its
adherents.
  >
  > Jordan
  >
  > Eliezer Kaplan wrote:
  >
  > > Jordan said:
  > >
  > > > Is Kol Isha a man made interpretation of Ervah? Perhaps, but no part
of
  > > > Halachic and Talmudic tradition ever claimed otherwise. In fact, the
idea
  > > of
  > > > Rabbinic interpretation overriding Heavenly decrees is firmly
entrenched
  > > in
  > > > Jewish tradition. one does not need the voice of God whispering in
his or
  > > her
  > > > ear to decide what halacha requires.
  > >
  > > The rabbis are human- what if they make a horrible mistake? Is that
beyond
  > > imagining or considering?
  > >
  >
  >
  >



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