Quotations on Jewish Sacred Music

Quotations on Jewish Sacred Music is a collection of over 700 quotations culled from an array of sources, including rabbinic and theological texts, sociological and anthropological studies, and historical and musicological examinations. The book is divided into five chapters: What Is Jewish Music?; Spirituality and Prayer; Hazzan-Cantor; Cantillation-Biblical Chant; and Nusach ha-Tefillah-Liturgical Chant. Taken as a whole, these quotations demonstrate both the centrality of music in Jewish religious life and the diversity of thought on the subject. They can be used with profit in sermons, speeches, and papers, and may be read in order or selectively. This is a valuable and easy-to-use reference book for scholars, musicians, synagogue staff, and anyone else seeking concise thoughts on major aspects of Jewish sacred music.

“Cantor Friedmann's extensive research has given his readers a taste of the wealth of Jewish music with this collection of quotes. It is a treasure.”

Cantor Friedmann's collection offers real perspective on Jewish musical thought. It is fascinating to contrast and compare concepts between temple and church, Old Testament and New, and ancient and modern views. In the end, there is much we share. A most worthy volume-very useful. -- Marek Rachelski, director of music, Green Valley Presbyterian Church, Henderson, NV
-- Cantor Perryne Anker, associate dean of the Cantorial School and professor of liturgical studies, Academy for Jewish Religion, California

Jonathan L. Friedmann is cantor of Bet Knesset Bamidbar and Valley Outreach Synagogue-P'nai Tikvah, both in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is the author or editor of six books, including Jewish Sacred Music and Jewish Identity (2008) and Perspectives on Jewish Music (2009).

Quotations on Jewish Sacred Music is a collection of over 700 quotations culled from an array of sources, including rabbinic and theological texts, sociological and anthropological studies, and historical and musicological examinations. The book is divided into five chapters: What Is Jewish Music?; Spirituality and Prayer; Hazzan-Cantor; Cantillation-Biblical Chant; and Nusach ha-Tefillah-Liturgical Chant. Taken as a whole, these quotations demonstrate both the centrality of music in Jewish religious life and the diversity of thought on the subject. They can be used with profit in sermons, speeches, and papers, and may be read in order or selectively. This is a valuable and easy-to-use reference book for scholars, musicians, synagogue staff, and anyone else seeking concise thoughts on major aspects of Jewish sacred music.

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