kosher bookworm: alan jay gerber

The role of true prayer at this time of year

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One of the least known publications in our community is the Journal of Jewish Music and Liturgy published by Yeshiva University’s Beltz School of Jewish Music, Orthodox Jewry’s primary training grounds for the cantorate. The latest issue includes an excellent and timely essay by Cantor Bernard Beer, a longtime resident of Cedarhurst, director of the Belz School and executive vice president of the Cantorial Council of America, entitled, “Enhancing The Yamim Noraim Prayers Through Synagogue Chant As Reflected By Rabbinic Tradition: The Significant Role of the Sheliach Tzibbur.”

 

Cantor Beer informs us from the outset of the vital role played by the cantor in the recitation and interpretation of the sacred liturgy. For those who have come to regard the cantorate as the playground for musical gymnastics and long drawn-out services, Cantor Beer’s essay with dispel you of these previously held notions.

While a bit technical at times, the author does make his point that the sacred prayer texts are well served by a properly trained and religiously informed cantor:

“The significant role of the Sheliach Tzibbur specifically during the High Holidays, is indicated by the number of musically elaborate prayers relegated for recital by the Sheliach Tzibbur himself.”

This point is further elaborated upon by noting that just about all the major prayers unique to both Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are accompanied with unique musical renditions that serve to give them a musical profile that is special.

“Prayer is communal and its music serves as a source of emotional communication,” writes Cantor Beer. He quotes Leib Glantz, a celebrated cantor, composer and scholar, as noting that “words alone, even the most sublime, are not able to create the holy bond between man and G-d. The power of song emphasizes and enriches the yearnings of our hearts and enables us to express our deepest feelings and emotions.”

Cantor Beer cites various liturgical works common to this season’s prayers and presents the sheet music related to many of these works, a resource that should be of keen interest to those familiar with the reading of musical scores.

He concludes his presentation:

“The traditional chants of the synagogue, which so profoundly stir the hearts of our people, and which have aroused interest even outside the Jewish faith, have been handed down to us from generation to generation. It is incumbent upon all of us to help preserve our synagogue music heritage. … It is by means of his prayers, especially during the High Holidays, that the chazzan becomes an influential ‘medium’ through whose devotional chant many influences are transmitted.”

Another essay related to this time of year’s liturgy was recently published in our nation’s capital, entitled, “The Recitation of L’David Hashem Ori V’yish’i During the Month of Ellul” by Rabbi Moshe Walter, wherin can be found a full and learned presentment of the role Psalm 27 plays thematically in the basic theme of this time of year.

1. He traces the source of the inclusion of Psalm 27 in this season’s prayers. 2. He explains in detail the reasons for this addition. 3. He explains the reasons against its recitation. 4. He goes into great detail in explaining the practical halachic issues that surround the recitation of L’David.

Rabbi Walter explains one major reason for this psalm’s recitation that this writer found to be the most convincing:

“The theme of the entire mizmor is one that speaks of man’s yearning and passion for closeness with G-d. The emotions which the author elicits in this chapter are the essence of how every individual should approach these special days. Reciting the powerful words twice daily for close to two months helps to concretize and to focus on the job of the Jew during Elul and Tishrei.”

FOR FURTHER STUDY

Germaine to this subject you can find some really meaningful takes on prayer in Rav Shmuel Tal’s “Tal Chayim,” especially in his take on prayer as found on pages 53–65. His writing is clear, sincere and most timely.

Also, any book by Velvel Pasternak on davening is worthwhile. His words are among the most informed among our people today. I state this without any equivocation. And lastly, just a cursory glance at the index under prayer in “Path to the Tree of Life,” based upon the teachings in Tanya by Rav Mordechai Silver, will give you an excellent shiur on paper of some of the deeper spiritual meanings of the value of true prayer.