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Jewish Sacred Music and Jewish Identity: Continuity and Fragmentation

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In terms of Jewish culture, it isn't very often that we are privy to the thoughts of the cantor. More familiar are those ideas formed and presented to the congregation by the rabbis. In 'Jewish Sacred Music & Jewish Identity' the cantor's voice is heard in the analytical sense, particularly pertaining to the role of traditional music in worship. The book begins with a general look at the philosophy and history of music in Jewish worship. The following chapters continue the discourse, but are told through the writings cantor William Sharlin.

Overall, this was an exceptionally interesting and insightful read. It offers strong ideas in terms of where Jewish services are headed and how to preserve their holiness for future generations through music. A must-own for cantors, cantors-in-training, university religious studies and music history libraries.

This is an important book for anyone who is serious about Jewish music. It addresses the major issues facing synagogue music today, including what the use of pop music in services says about Jewish identity, and how both tradition and innovation are essential to the character of Jewish sacred music. Cantor Sharlin came to my synagogue many years ago as a scholar-in-residence, and spoke brilliantly about the role music plays in Jewish religious life. I am thrilled that a collection of his insightful writings has finally been published.

A culture's music is its theme song of identity. "Jewish Sacred Music & Jewish Identity: Continuity and Fragmentation" is a deftly insightful examination of traditional Jewish music with its respects to religion and how it has changed over the years with the assimilation of the cultures around them. Also with a focus on one of the greatest minds in Jewish music Cantor William Sharlin and his place in the history of it, the book is a deft look at the genre as a whole. "Jewish Sacred Music & Jewish Identity" is a must for anyone who wants to more closely examine the relationship between culture, religion, and its music.