CCAR RESPONSA
New American Reform Responsa
20. Hebrew Transliteratrions of Modern Jewish Melodies
QUESTION: Some individuals have objected to the use of transliterations with Hebrew melodies. It is commonly used and allows the text to match the musical notation. Should the melody simply be printed in reverse with the Hebrew text to avoid this problem? (Fran Aaronson, St. Louis MO)
ANSWER: I do not know why anyone would object to transliteration as it simply means using another set of letters to spell out the Hebrew words. It has been used since Hellenistic times in an effort to help those whose knowledge of Hebrew was limited.
The modern form of musical notation, in contrast to the cantillation marks, has been used by us only since the nineteenth century. This was part of the expansion of synagogue music beyond the chants and melodies of tradition. It was part of a revolution in synagogue music.
As music is universally written from left to right, it would be confusing to attempt to print it in reverse. There can be no objection to a transliteration especially when this deals with a practical issue and simplifies the use of Hebrew with musical notations. To the best of my knowledge transliterations are used with musical texts in Israel.
January 1991
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