Songs of the Spirit: Debbie Friedman Anthology

Debbie Friedman | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 15, 2005)
• Original Release Date: 2005
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Jmg / Jewish Music
• ASIN: B000BO0LOK
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #161,404 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

About the Artist

To fans of Jewish music – both traditional and modern, taken from the Ancient Texts or newly composed – Debbie Friedman is a legend, a star and a pioneer. For nearly 35 years, Debbie’s music has brought the teachings of Judaism into the 20th and 21st centuries through her music. Her songs are often part of the prayer tradition at many synagogues and camps. Steeped in the folk tradition of some of those she has followed – Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell, Judy Collins – Debbie performs music that teaches, that inspires and that heals. "Over the years," Debbie explains, "I am finding more and more Jewish people who, in the past had been alienated from Jewish life. I have seen that through music, mine and others’, many have been able to find their way back to Judaism. What was once a religious wasteland for some has become a wellspring of spirituality, hope and joy."

Growing up in a Jewish family that found themselves pushed into the less strictly adherent Reform movement of Judaism, Debbie became involved in their youth groups and camps. By taking text from the Bible and other historical sources and setting them to music, her first songs brought together the popular music of the time and the millennia old teachings of traditional Judaism to young Jewish people all over the country and y the world. Today, her songs have become widely known. Often people who sing these songs in their Synagogues or camps don’t realize that they were composed by Debbie Friedman. They assume that they are a part of traditional liturgical prayer. In fact, they have become the traditional Jewish music and the evolution of this whole genre of contemporary, accessible music is attributed to Debbie. Her music crosses all denominational lines, not only within the Jewish world, but within the Christian community as well.

Product Description

How sad! How tragic! We all mourn the passing of the Soul of Jewish Music, Debbie Friedman, of Blessed Memory on 1/9/2011. For the first time ever, 45 songs on 2 CDs spanning over 30 years of Debbie Friedman's trailblazing career, released by JMG (Jewish Music Group). This NEW anthology compilation of re-mastered original songs in Hebrew and English contains favorites from albums SING UNTO GOD, NOT BY MIGHT, ANI MA-AMIN, IF NOT NOW WHEN, AND THE YOUTH SHALL SEE VISIONS, AND YOU SHALL BE A BLESSING, THE WORLD OF YOUR DREAMS, RENEWAL OF SPIRIT, SHIRIM AL GALGALIM, SHANAH TOVAH, THE JOURNEY CONTINUES, IT'S YOU, THE ALEF BET, THE WATER IN THE WELL and LIGHT THESE LIGHTS. Fans will love the extensive liner notes by writer Debra Nussbaum Cohen with historical and personal background about many of the songs. She captures the essence of Debbie's songs and this compilation well with her insightful words, "At once joyful, uplifting, soul-full, modern, elegantly simple and deeply anchored in Jewish tradition. This is the singular combination of qualities that makes Debbie Friedman's songs so singularly beloved, and which have earned her a cadre of "chasidim," devoted fans for whom her music is a central part of their spiritual practice." Let the "Spirit" move you! Strong, clear vocals, wise and poignant lyrics, and matchless melodies - this collection presents Debbie Friedman at her best - over an astonishing 30 years of music making.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Jewish Joni Mitchell, May 26, 2007

By 

jewessjen "yeah, it's me" (Minneapolis, MN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Songs of the Spirit: Debbie Friedman Anthology (Audio CD)

I belong to the same Temple as Debbie, so maybe I'm biased but...my tastes run Beck/Radiohead/Tori Amos and ironically, she fits into that combination perfectly. This is a religious CD made for those of the Jewish persuasion, to be sure. It's perfect for either private time background music or as thoughtful meditations. Thank G-d Debbie is a Jew and chooses to use her gift to create soundtracks for us. She's a gift from G-d, to be sure. Yeah, ok, some of it is kinda MOR but it's only a few songs. `Miriam's Song' is the bestest, my favorite. Much love to ya, Debbie...

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Debbie does songs, January 24, 2010

By 

Stanley H. Cohen - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Songs of the Spirit: Debbie Friedman Anthology (Audio CD)

Debbie Friedman is incomparable. This album covers most of her best renditions of traditional Jewish prayers, hymns, and songs.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Debbie Friedman fans need this CD, October 8, 2006

By 

Bella Miriam "musicmaven" (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Songs of the Spirit: Debbie Friedman Anthology (Audio CD)

I am waiting for Debbie Friedman's new CD to come out this month, but until then... I love this CD because it has all of your Debbie Friedman favorites and a few songs that you may not have known about, but will come to love. This anthology is great and very complete. Now... that new album, which is coming out has got to be Debbie's best. Did you go to the listen page for it? Awesome.