Shabbat Shirah: Remembering Debbie Friedman

REMEMBERING LEGENDARY
JEWISH SINGER-SONGWRITER

Temple Beth Torah celebrates
the life of Debbie Friedman

On Friday, February 3rd at 7pm, Temple Beth Torah in
Upper Nyack, will mark the first yahrtzeit (first anniversary of passing) of legendary Jewish singer-songwriter Debbie Friedman.  Debbie was one of the first to set Jewish texts to contemporary folk style melodies, making worship more accessible to young people.  Her melodies, which often incorporated a blend of Hebrew and English texts, were so beautiful that she was called “the Joan Baez of Jewish song.”  She recorded more than 20 albums and performed all over the world.

Debbie Friedman passed away on Shabbat Shirah, the annual Sabbath of song.  Those who were touched by her music will celebrate her life as she would have wanted it: through worship and song.  The melodies of that Friday evening service will be almost entirely written by her and groups from all ages of TBT will participate: Jr. Choir, Adult Choir, the synagogue’s volunteer band and students from the religious school.

Debbie Friedman wrote “Give thanks to G-d with a song.”  This week Temple Beth Torah will give thanks with hers.

Temple Beth Torah is a welcoming, inclusive Reform Jewish Congregation in Upper Nyack, NY which offers dynamic educational, spiritual and social programs for all ages. TBT is prided on being a diverse community with doors wide open.