Jewish Music

For the purposes of this assignment, I looked at the compilation album, Bojac, The Best of Jewish A Cappella.

The first thing I notice about the CD is the album cover which has uses a Hebrew-like typography for the phrase "Bojac" and microphones that make up a star of David. You don't even have to listen to the CD and you are already faced with Jewish imagery. I'd like to quote the CD's booklet, if I may.

"Historically, a cappelle means 'in the style of the chapel.' How appropriate, since the roots of Jewish vocal music might be traced from our tradition of singing informally in the synagogue and around the Shabbat table, all the way back to the first gig on record, Miriam's Red Sea Crossing celebration (a.k.a. the original 'Matzoh Ball)"

This quote is very interesting because of its explanation as to why a cappella can be considered "Jewish", at least for the purposes of this album. The pamphlet goes on to describe Jewish a cappella as its own culture.

The songs in the CD range from English, Hebrew to Yiddish; so we have Jewish identity wrapped around the languages Hebrew and Yiddish. Next, some songs are religious prayers so we come to the notion that Jewish identity is about one's religion. Naturally, as one would expect, we have songs about Israel. Do I even need to explain this one?

Additionally, the CD takes a moment to thank its sponsers, all of which are Jewish organizations ranging from Hillel Foundation, the Sameach Music Staff (Company specializing in Jewish music), independant Jewish bookstores.

Chabad

Ugh, I'm sorry. I'm having a hell of a month. I promise to get back on keeping up with these blog entries from now on.

Anyway, Chabad. I researched www.chabad.org, to find that there is a huge emphasis which describes society and living, as described by the chabad tradition. Under the society and living link, the website describes intimacy. I'd like the quote the website if I may, "To be intimate means to go into a place that is private, that is sacred, that is set aside".

The thing that confuses me about the website is that the section on the Rebbe is actually further down the website. You'd assume a movement where its leader still plays a HUGE role despite being dead would be on the top of their list of things to showcase on their website. It seems the movement wants their website to function as a social connection towards its members, focusing on living a jewish life before they start going into the religion. From the website, we arrive at well laid out explanation on the rebbe, including his insights, teachings and a biography.

From the insights link, we come to a very lengthy list of separate topics which the Rebbe discussed. These range from death, Holocaust, Israel, charity, etc. This website provides an excellent resource for anyone curious on the movement.

Cultural Judaism

Apologizes for the late entry again, I was busy with several projects for different classes. Today we have cultural judaism on the menu like reconstructionist jews who base their identity on being a jew without letting religion step in the way. For them, being jewish means to embrace the social and cultural part of judaism. To understand more about what Jewish Reconstructionism is, I explored www.jrf.org. here, I found the Kaplan Blog, including the writings from their religious leader, Aryeh Kaplan which shows their devotion to the man despite his death over 20 years ago.

Meanwhile, at the website www.culturaljudaism.org, which includes the large grant (i.e. bribary) to encourage students to study cultural Judaism which raises the question of how they define "cultural" Judaism. Does it include art, music, history or folklore but do they simply ignore religious studies or philosophy?

I understand why they choose to exclude religious rites because of the trend in non practicing Jews while some Jews don't believe in God that these movements could proivde an identity to Jews who feel disconnected from their religious because of their personal disbelief in religion.

Orthodox Judaism, TRADITION!!

Sorry, I couldn't hold that in anymore. My apologizes for writing this blog entry a little late but I found myself buried in work which included two tests, a paper and an art project that I simply forgot to write on here. Again, my apologizes.

Which leads me gracefully into my next topic, Orthodox Judaism. Now, admittingly, when I think of Orthodox Judaism I picture a bunch of snobby white men with beards and top hats who refuse to socialize with girls. Thankfully my perspective has changed and I find myself compelled by this movement. They have continued their way of thinking for years while adding bits on the side. Women can be educated and can study Judaism but with the comfort of other women (though we can't be rabbis).

I find it interesting that Orthodox Judaism, rather than crumbling under outside culture, they simply incorporate their own culture into wider society. Now, we have Jewish bakeries, Jewish music stores, Jewish book stores... all from the east coast I noticed. This movement, while keeping its own traditions in check is still able to coexist with the main culture around them whereas Reform and Conservative are determined to open its door to the rest of society.

Orthodox Judaism, while their right beliefs may annoy me, I do have to admire their devotion to their religion.