Photoessay #983 - Shabbat Music

Every once in a while, Ilana suggests that we go to services at the local reform temple. I just about always enjoy it, especially the music. Even though I never seem to make any personal connection. But, then again, I'm just somebody who shows up for services now and then. Glad I went, a little weepy, a kaddush for my mother. They've returned to a modified version of the older tradition. The mourners rise at the beginning (Ilana and Idid) and then immediately the rabbi asks the congregation to rise in support of the mourners.

So much is changed about reform judaism, most of it good! Lots of great music and melodies. I've missed an entire generation. When last I paid attention, in the late 60s, temples still used the Union Prayerbook, which likely was modern for its time but it didn't much inspire the young. Dull and droning as I remember. I indeed stopped paying attention and, in 1975, a new prayerbook was introduced "New Union Prayerbook/Gates of Prayer". My mother gave me a set of the three books (Gates of the Home, etc). It seemed real different, less formal. I recall lots of that dreaded 'resistance to change', people didn't like others messing with their service. I've used those books occasionally. The new prayerbook.

But, guess what, now a new prayerbook comes on the scene. The NEW prayerbook is actually the OLD prayerbook. I lost an entire generation of prayerbooks while I was busy doing something else. Jarring.

I grew up with the (to me) traditional melody of the shema. Declaratory, to the point. Now, the temple here, uses that melody during the torah service. But during the earlier recitation, they sing a repetitive lilting melody that kind of puts me in a trance. More mystical and interior. I like it! A lot of the boring responsive reading, gone. A long period of chanting the Hebrew text in the beginning with uplifting melodies to begin the service. People even know the words. This congregation uses instrumental accompaniment and I think it adds a lot.

I come from a long tradition of you know the first couple of words and fake the rest.

I also enjoy another new song, Shalom Rav. Never remember that one. Because the beautiful melody wasn't written until 1975, duh. My sister and niece sang it as an opening song at my mother's memorial. Nice!

The service last night was "all sixth graders all the time" An impressive number of six graders (4 or 5 classes worth) in the religious school. A very strong sign IMO.

Maybe I should pay closer attention....

Shot from the congregation's website used without permission