Lecha dodi debbie friedman biography

November 11th: Lech Lecha
THIS WEEK IN THE TORAH
Rabbi David E. Ostrich

There were many things that made Debbie Friedman () a great song-writer. She began with the musical energy of the Reform Youth Movements (Temple Youth Groups and Summer Camps) and developed into a composer who helped many generations to experience the power and kavannah of Jewish texts and wisdom.

When we were growing up, the choices for young people involved Israeli folk music (often with a Labor Zionist sensibility) and American folk-rock music (often with a social justice sensibility). The contribution of Debbie and her whole cohort of song-leaders-turned-composers was to combine the folk music energy of the s and the words of Jewish texts and prayers.

This process—which continues to this day—has transformed the music of the synagogue and helped many in increasing their attachment to Judaism and their kavannah in prayer.

A case in point comes in the song L’chi Lach which is taken directly from t