Debbie Friedman Death
Debbie Friedman Dies After Being Hospitalized for Pneumonia
Debbie Friedman, one of the most important names in Jewish music, has sadly passed away early this morning. Previously she had to be hospitalized due to pneumonia (this was confirmed by the sources of the Union for Reform Judaism), and apparently was in a medically induced coma at the time of her death.
Debbie Friedman’s death arrived at 5:29am PST.
She was once called by the Los Angeles Times “one of the foremost figures in contemporary Jewish music.” In her career she published more than 19 albums that will live forever in history of contemporary Jewish music.
Famed Jewish singer has died
Singer and composer Debbie Friedman, one of the most important figures in contemporary Jewish music, died Sunday morning.
The Jerusalem Post reported her death, citing sources with the Union for Reform Judaism.
abbi Paul Kipnes of Congregation Or Ami in Calabasas wrote on Twitter: "I am saddened to inform you that Debbie Friedman died this morning at 5:49 a.m. PST. The family has asked for people to respect their time..."
Jewish media outlets reported that Friedman had been in a medically induced coma at an Orange County hospital, which was not identified.
"She is the voice of the Jewish people of the 20th century," said Yaffa Weisman, a member of the faculty and director of the library at Hebrew Union College in Los Angeles, where Friedman also taught. "Her music has transformed the world of Jewish prayer."
Weisman, who said Friedman moved to Orange County about a year ago to be closer to her family, is the one composer whose songs are known by almost all Conservative or Reform Jews in the United States. As an example she described a Sabbath service she conducted for a small group on the coast of Alaska about 15 years ago.
"Forty people came to the services from all over the United States," Weisman said. "The only music that we all knew was Debbie Friedman's music, and I'm sure my story is not unique in that way."
Friedman, who was in her late 50s, took the accessibility and contemporary elements of the '60s folk movement and blended them with traditional melodies and prayers, had released more than 20 albums and performed throughout the world. The New York Times once wrote that Friedman "has created a powerful and euphoric body of work." The Los Angeles Times called her "one of the foremost figures in contemporary Jewish music."
A healing service previously scheduled for 5 p.m. PST in New York, will now be a memorial service. The service can be seen at www.ustream.tv/channel/service-at-the-jcc or jccmanhattan.org/livestream.
Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, called Friedman one of the most influential voices in Reform Judaism.
"Twenty-five years ago, North American Jews had forgotten how to sing," Yoffie said in an announcement. "Debbie reminded us how to sing, she taught us how to sing. She gave us the vehicles that enabled us to sing. What happens in the synagogues of Reform Judaism today – the voices of song – are in large measure due to the insight, brilliance and influence of Debbie Friedman."
Memories and condolences were offered on a Facebook tribute page.
"Debbie Friedman, may your music and memory live on forever," one person wrote. "You will be missed."
"May her memory and music be a blessing for all; and may we all continue singing the songs," wrote another.
Source :http://toppayingideas.com/blog/2011/01/09/debbie-friedman-dies-after-being-hospitalized-for-pneumonia/
Source :http://www.ocregister.com/news/friedman-283361-music-jewish.html
Tags: Debbie Friedman, Debbie Friedman dead, Entertainment, Latest News
Previous Article
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Our Partners
Share your views...
0 Respones to "Debbie Friedman Death"
Post a Comment