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Powerful musical experiences have the ability to inspire and provide meaning long after the experience is finished. Rabbis Lawrence Kushner and Nehemiah Polen teach that the silence on the way home from the symphony is very different then the silence on the way to the symphony. The power of music and the way that it moves our souls has the ability to change us by helping us realize our deeper selves, giving us insight into our past, reaffirming our commitment to our values, and connecting us to our community.
Music is a window to our souls and a sacred gift that can help us excavate the deepest levels of our souls. The Jewish faith depends on music to shape our worship services, guide our lifecycle moments, and uplift holiday celebrations. Music is an essential part of Jewish spirituality and culture. I am a cantor; an ordained member of clergy who specializes in Jewish music. In addition to performing lifecycle events, teaching, counseling, and leading worship, I create the musical and worship vision for Temple Beth Am in Pinecrest. I strive to create meaningful Jewish experiences that will tug at the heartstrings of our community members.
Our tradition teaches that when God created the universe, God consulted the angels and asked them if He should give the human race the gift of music. The angels advised against it, warning God that if humanity is given the opportunity to make music, they would exploit and commercialize it. God ultimately overruled them and said, “I need to give the human race the gift to sing my sweet melodies so that they can remember me and lift their souls toward a higher place.”
Music has great power. Patients with Alzheimer’s disease can often still remember songs from their childhood with ease. For those suffering from extreme memory loss, music is a way for them to hold on to their identities. Every culture and religion has a unique soundtrack that has the power to influence other cultures and religions. The evolution of music is a beautiful story that is still unfolding and evolving in a global community. We have the ability to listen to music from other groups and to create fusion music, combining different musical styles to make something new. If there is a way to create peace in this world, I believe it can be done through music.
In honor of World Music Day on June 21st, celebrate by:
● Reflecting on a profound musical encounter that has inspired you.
● Sharing your own soundtrack with family and friends.
● Attending a concert or musical event celebrating another culture.
If you have any questions or would like to contact me, my email address is tcoyot@tbam.org
