NARR 31-32

CCAR RESPONSA

New American Reform Responsa

19. A Christian Composer of Jewish Melodies

QUESTION: Our organist and choir master is also a composer, and has set a number of pieces to music. The style is modern and has no specific Christian overtones. Is it appropriate to use music by a Christian composer in our services? (Bertram Lefkowitz, Los Angeles CA)ANSWER: Synagogue melodies fall under the rubric of minhagim and vary greatly between Ashkenazim and Sephardim as well as within each community. There are traditional modes for the Yamim Naroim, and other festivals, as well as special shabbat services during the year (E. Werner The Sacred Bridge: A Song Remembered; A. Z. Idelsohn Jewish Music). The local minhag is considered binding in matters of melodies (Eruvin 20b; Shulhan Arukh Yoreh Deah 376.4). The distinction among communities has been studied (H. J. Zimmels Ashkenazim and Sephardim as well as numerous Sefer Minhagim). In addition to the anonymous pieces borrowed through the centuries from the secular or Christian environment, we have in the last century also incorporated tunes by known Christian composers into our services. Sometimes pieces which were particularly appealing by classical composers such as Mozart or Schubert have been used for liturgical texts. On other occasions Christian organists or choir masters wrote music for Jewish worship. Such settings may be found in the Union Hymnal (1918, 1934), and also in other publications of the nineteenth and twentieth century. We have welcomed this music as it has added to the slender musical heritage which has been preserved from the past. Frequently these composers have written in traditional modes or in a manner reminiscent of them, and so their music has enhanced our attachment to our musical traditions. The music of this composer should be used in our services.January 1991

If needed, please consult Abbreviations used in CCAR Responsa.