Behind the Music

By Alyssa Appelman
KOC Editor
University of Missouri, Columbia

Jews like to sing. There doesn’t really seem to be a question about that. We learn simple tunes to the Sh'ma and Sheheheyanu in preschool and 20 years later wind up spending hours trying to get through every song in those little blue books. We spent as much time at camp and USY singing as we did in just about every other activity. But why? What is it about music that unites and defines the Jewish community?

I’m listening to my play list of Jewish music as I type, to perhaps inspire me with some revelation. I guess for me, it’s not so much about the words or the music, but the memories. I can’t hear Salaam without thinking of USY. Shir Al Ahava immediately conjures up memories of camp. Havdalah brings me to tears, as it clearly reminds me of my trip to Israel, and Hallel always makes me reminisce of my days at Schechter. Even more modern/non-prayer music brings me back to a different time and place.

I suppose that for me, Jewish music is connection to the past – my own as well as my community’s. It connects us and makes any Shabbat table feel like home.

In this issue, we’re offering varying reactions to "Jewish Jams." Eva Heinstein, of Hebrew University, explains how Jewish music is breaking into the Internet world. Shira Berkowitz, of the University of Missouri-Columbia, describes her love of Jewish music, from preschooler to song leader. Rabbi Shalom Kantor looks at how music is intertwined with the fabric of community.

Check out our Culture Corner, where Julie Deluty, of the Jewish Theological Seminary, takes us through Spain’s rich Jewish history. Aviva Berman offers an update of KOACH life at George Washington University. And check out the humor section, for a peek at what country music would look like if it were written by Jews.

Happy Hanukkah a little early and I hope you enjoy the issue!

[Posted 11/09/07]