Remembering Debbie Friedman

Earlier this week, Debbie Friedman passed away at the age of 59.  It is possible that you don't recognize her name.  But if you have been involved with WHC or any other liberal synagogue in the past 25 years, it is certain you have been touched by her music.  Debbie was, quite simply, the most influential Jewish composer and musician in the second half of the 20th century (at least).

You can find a complete obituary here, but I want to highlight a few aspects of Debbie's work that reflect her beautiful Jewish soul and help explain her unique influence.

1)  Debbie gave us "new" prayers.  Many musicians have written folk-style arrangements of traditional Jewish prayers.  Debbie's settings of prayers--Sh'ma, Mi Chamocha, Oseh Shalom, and countless others--are among our best-loved melodies.  But Debbie went further.  She wrote songs based on texts that were not commonly used in Reform Jewish prayer.  The most famous example of this, of course, is "Mi Shebeirach."  She took the prayer for healing--a minor part of the traditional Torah service--and gave it a melody and English text that gave voice to contemporary Jewish ideas about healing, strength, and blessing.  "Mi Shebeirach" is now an indispensable part of Jewish worship around the world, due in large part to Debbie Friedman's insight.  

And there are more examples.  Debbie's melody for the Havdallah blessings helped make the Havdallah service an essential aspect of the Jewish camp and youth group experience. Debbie's "Kaddish D'Rabanan" ("For our teachers, and their students, and the students of the students...") introduced to Reform Judaism, and especially to our children, the traditional Jewish prayer honoring teachers.  Her English version of "V'ahavta" ("And thou shalt love the Lord thy God...") helped us appreciate the true meaning of a prayer many knew in Hebrew only by rote.

2)  Debbie's songs advocated values.  Debbie Friedman was at the forefront of some of the most important cultural and intellectual movements in American Jewish life.  In particular, her music celebrated and helped shape Jewish feminism.   With "Miriam's Song" and "Devorah's Song," she argued for (and achieved) the recognition of female role models.  "L'chi Lach" (the feminine equivalent of God's command to Abraham, "Lech L'cha"), emphasized the divine calling that women receive.  She pioneered the "Women's Seder," which she led several times here at WHC.

Debbie was also a key figure in the Jewish healing movement.  In addition to "Mi Shebeirach," many of Debbie's songs speak to the power of spirit and community to create a sense of peace and wholeness in a person's life.  She helped create and lead meditative "healing services," which have become a staple of Reform prayer.

3)  Debbie's music spoke to all ages.  Some of Debbie's most popular songs were written for children.  Her call-and-response Hebrew alphabet ("Aleph, bet, vet... Aleph, bet, vet...") is universally known.  What Chanukah would be complete without "The Latke Song" ("I am a latke, I'm a latke...")?  The list goes on and on.

With teenagers, she was a rock star.  In camps and youth groups, songs like "The Youth Shall See Visions" and "Not By Might, Not By Power" became anthems, defining Jewish identity and spirituality for generations of young adults.

And of course, from Carnegie Hall to synagogues throughout the world, Debbie's melodies for prayer and inspiration were sung and appreciated by countless adults.

That range, that versatility and insight, is truly a rare blessing.  She will be deeply missed.

Tributes to Debbie Friedman have been written by the hundreds this week.  You might want to read this one by Rabbi Paul Kipnes or this page from Central Synagogue in New York.  A recording of her funeral service in California is also available. 

Washington Hebrew Congregation will honor the legacy of Debbie Friedman at Shabbat services on Friday, March 4, 2010.  Check the Temple bulletin and weekly e-mail for more information.