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 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. Since starting her career, she has produced 21 albums. She has performed at camps, in synagogues, community centers, major and performing arts centers, large and small. In celebration of her 25th anniversary, she performed at Carnegie Hall where she sold out 3 years consecutively. Because of her own powerful commitment, her belief in the expression of values found in the text, as well as the quality and beauty of her songwriting abilities, Debbie Friedman's music is beloved by people of all ages, all walks of life, all religions from all over the world. Sung in Hebrew and in English, they are more than just hymns or fold songs, they are part of a culture with a universal message that will be passed down from generation to generation, long after Debbie herself has stopped writing and performing them. From the first song Debbie ever wrote to the "V'Ahavta" taken from the part of the most central Jewish prayer, the Sh'ma, Debbie has taken the prayers and teachings of the Torah, of the first 5 books of the Old Testament, and created a catalogue of modern day songs that translate the messages into a format that people without education steeped in Judaism can understand, relate to, and come to love. "Music has always been the a huge force in my life," Debbie explains, "and I realized early on that I was driven. The power and effect of music on me was not unique to me, this was to be my life's work. It was meant to reach out to others, to help create this revolution of active prayer. This was not for me to have alone. This was clearly for community. I was just the lucky person who gets to be the messenger." Debbie's impact on the followers of her music and her beliefs stretch beyond that of the Jewish faith. She is a strong feminist and also a firm believer in the faith of healing. Through some of her songs and her ever-growing acceptance by the leaders of modern Judaism, Debbie's lyrics and melodies are often used in prayer services for healing and empowerment. On her latest release, The Debbie Friedman Anthology, a 2-CD career retrospective containing all of her best known and beloved songs, Debbie offers a history not only of her outstanding career, but of the progress and growth in Jewish music and Judaism.
