“We must live for today, we must build for tomorrow. Give us time, give us strength, give us life…” (Lyrics from “And the Youth Shall See Visions” by Debbie Friedman, 1981.)
On Sunday, January 27, Temple Emanuel celebrated the musical life and legacy of Debbie Friedman, z”l, a leading composer and performer of contemporary Jewish music, with a concert of her music and the music of others 
influenced by her work. Participants in the event included the children of the Temple Emanuel religious school, the newly formed TE Children’s Choir, directed by Anna Zonderman, and the TE Band, directed by Laurel Shader.
In addition to several iconic songs by Friedman, who died in 2011, the TE musicians performed tunes by such composers as Julie Silver, Dan Nichols, Craig Taubman, Jacob “Spike” Kraus, Stephen Schwartz and Peter and Ellen Allard. Rabbi Farbman explained how, as the first to bring a woman’s voice and perspective into late 20th century Jewish music, Friedman inspired two generations of musicians to write accessible songs combining liturgy and social commentary.
The concert was followed by a tasty TE oneg that also served as an introduction to a new fundraiser, “TE Bakes 4!” Stay tuned for upcoming music services with the TE Band, and services including the TE Children’s Choir.
