The Life & Legacy of Debbie Friedman
MUSIC
VIDEO
ABOUT
CONTACT
Debbie Friedman (1997)
Sept 3, 2010 | Debbie Friedman
"I started writing because I felt left out. I felt so alone when I was sitting in services; the very place that should have cradled me and given me comfort and warmth. How would I ever find a place to belong when I didn’t share a common language with my fellow daveners? We were all strangers to one another, but we didn’t have to be. There was a common denominator. "
Sept 3, 2010 | Debbie Friedman
I do know that I am personally happier when I am in a loving environment with people who are willing to not only give love, but accept love.
Feb 2, 2009 | Debbie Friedman
PROLOGUE
In late December 2010, Debbie traveled to London to serve on the faculty of Limmud, UK. While in London, she contracted the H1N1 swine flu and was ill upon her return home to Southern California. On New Year’s Day, 2011, she was hospitalized in Mission Viejo. Debbie died there on January 9, 2011, of the H1N1 Swine Flu. Her funeral was held at Temple Beth Sholom in Santa Ana, California on January 11, 2011, and streamed to countless viewers across the globe. Debbie is buried at Harbor Lawn Mt. Olive Memorial Park in Costa Mesa, California.
Our dear Debbie ( z”l ). We cherish every moment you gave us.
You sang unto God.
You danced with Miriam and the women.
You helped the old to dream dreams and the youth to see visions.
You were and you are our blessing.
With enduring love,
Mom, Aunt Ann, Cheryl, Barb and Werner
Debbie Friedman ( z”l ) – דינה לאה
February 23, 1951 – January 9, 2011 | 17 Adar 1, 5711 – 4 Shevat, 5771
EARLY LIFE
Deborah Lynn Friedman was born in Utica, New York, on February 23, 1951. She was the third of four children, with two older sisters and a younger brother. Her father was raised in the Bronx, owned a kosher butcher shop. Her mother, Freda, was born and raised on a dairy farm in upstate New York.
When Debbie was very young, her maternal grandparents (Bubby [whose image is on the cover of And You Shall Be a Blessing], and Zadi) left their farm and moved to Utica to share a duplex with Debbie’s family. There, the close-knit family kept a kosher home and celebrated the joys of Jewish holidays and Shabbat. They were active members of a Conservative synagogue. They ate in the community and family Sukkot, listened to the Megilah on Purim, and danced together on Simchat Torah. This surely made a lasting impression on Debbie and sparked her passion for Judaism, love, compassion and justice.
The children attended Sunday school and their mother, Freda, served on the synagogue board and taught at the religious school. This set an early and lasting example of the importance of being engaged in Jewish life and serving the community.
Mt. Zion Temple, St. Paul, MN
Horace Mann School, St. Paul, MN
SCHOOL & SHUL
When Debbie was six, her family moved to St. Paul, Minnesota, though heartbreaking to leave Bubby and Zadie. The family joined Mt. Zion Temple, a Reform synagogue.
The children went to public school and, four afternoons a week, attended the Talmud Torah community Hebrew school in St. Paul. Debbie attended Horace Mann Elementary School and graduated from Highland Park Junior and Senior High Schools.
Highland Park Senior High, St. Paul, MN
Debbie lived a full and meaningful life. Her professional career spanned more than four decades. She was admired by scholars, famous and beloved musicians, rabbis, cantors, educators, and leaders of international movements. She was loved and respected by her students. She was admired by those who followed her career.
IN THE BEGINNING…
Debbie began writing in the 1970’s. She wrote many of her early songs while she was a songleader at Olin Sang Ruby Union Institute (OSRUI) in Wisconsin, the Northern Federation of Temple Youth (NoFTY), United Synagogue Youth (USY), and other youth organizations and camps from other denominations, movements, and regions across the country.
Debbie strove to communicate through the language of music. Seeing the world for its challenges, its pain – and yet, finding humor to lighten the burden wherever we can. Her songs, and the prayers for which she found melodies, continue to reach countless people of all expressions of Judaism and diverse faith communities. She used music to express her love for Judaism and the Divine. She translated and transformed prayers, and was well-known for her settings of liturgical texts. In addition, Debbie often found inspiration using lesser-known texts from Torah portions, Psalms, the Prophets, and philosophers, revealing their deeper meaning and breathing new life and insight into our every-day vernacular.
“A MELODY CAME TO ME…”
Listen to Debbie share in her own words, how she came to write her first song, “V’Ahavta/And You Shall Love”; pioneering a new paradigm in the realm of Jewish spiritual music.
DISCOVERING HER LIFE’S PURPOSE
As a child and teen sitting in synagogue services, Debbie felt that something was missing for her, and for the congregants. She identified with other young people whose Judaism had no language that spoke to them – or for them.
In 1970, while on a youth bus trip, Debbie set music to the English translation of V’ahavta, a paragraph of the Sh’ma. A month later, she taught it to those attending a regional youth convention. In Jewish Sages of Today:
“I was stunned when they suddenly put their arms around each other and there were tears rolling down their faces. They were reclaiming this prayer, and it was ours in a musical language they were able to understand… We were reclaiming something that we hadn’t touched, that we had no access to until now.”“
It wasn’t long after that she had a realization that set the course for her future career.
A SEA OF MUSIC
Debbie used both English and Hebrew lyrics, and wrote for all ages. Her compositions included music for life-cycle events, holidays, observances marking the Jewish calendar, world events, and much more. Some of her better-known songs include the Mi Shebeirach, Miriam’s Song, Not By Might, I Am a Latke, L’chi Lach, T’filat HaDerech, The Angel’s Blessing and Devorah’s Song, to name only a few of her catalogue, containing hundreds of songs. Her melody for the Havdalah prayer, is used so universally and by multiple denominations, that many people do not know that she composed it.
WATCH “HAVDALLAH”
SUNG AROUND THE WORLD:
THE PEOPLE’S MUSIC… CONSIDERED “TRADITIONAL”
Debbie’s music is so fully integrated into synagogue liturgy, that in many congregations it is considered “traditional.” Churches, schools, camps, and community centers also find Debbie’s extensive variety of songs to be valuable additions for their teaching and use in worship. Her melodies and lyrics are licensed for hundreds of usages, in recordings, videos, songbooks, prayerbooks, haggadot, textbooks, teaching manuals, children’s books, healing publications, ritual books, films and television, and self-help books. Her work appears in settings from the Barney In Concert video (The Alef Bet Song) to an episode of Strong Medicine on the Lifetime channel (Mi Shebeirach). Tree of Life, a division of Hallmark greeting cards, designed and marketed a series of 12 holiday cards using Debbie’s lyrics.
WATCH BELOVED PERFORMANCES ON YOUTUBE
Debbie and Peter Yarrow
Her music continues to touch people in myriad ways and makes Judaism accessible to all those who are open. For her generation, and those since, each song waits to be unfolded and unwrapped. Debbie gave us that gift.
INSPIRATION & MUSICAL INFLUENCES
Debbie’s early musical influences included Peter, Paul and Mary, Joan Baez, Judy Collins, and others in that genre; music which reflected issues of the day and the human experience. As she began to compose, she too raised her voice and challenged the status quo.
Debbie leading choir
PERFORMER, SCHOLAR, TEACHER, INSPIRATIONAL LEADER
GLOBAL REACH
Debbie performed in hundreds of cities around the globe and has appeared before national conventions and conferences for every major Jewish organization, including:
The General Assembly of Jewish Federations, Hadassah, Union of American Hebrew Congregations (Union for Reform Judaism), American Conference of Cantors, Rabbinical Assembly, Cantors Assembly, Wexner Heritage Foundation, Whizin Institute, National Association of Temple Educators, National Association of Temple Administrators, Central Conference of American Rabbis, Women of Reform Judaism, World Union for Progressive Judaism, World Jewish Congress, American Jewish Congress, American Jewish Committee, National Federation of Temple Youth and United Synagogue Youth.
More adherents of Modern Orthodox tenets listen to Debbie’s music today, and her songs has been sung at countless interfaith concerts. In 1997, the choir of a 4,000-member Baptist church in Houston adapted her L’chi Lach.
SCHOOL OF SACRED MUSIC RENAMED
In 2007, Debbie was appointed to the faculty of the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion’s (HUC-JIR) School of Sacred Music in New York and the HUC-JIR faculty in Los Angeles. This appointment fulfilled Debbie’s lifelong dream to teach in a formal setting and allowed her another avenue to contribute in impacting Jewish education. Debbie taught both rabbinical and cantorial students. In December 2011, the HUC-JIR School of Sacred Music was renamed the HUC-JIR Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music, a fitting tribute to Debbie’s lifelong devotion and commitment to the future of the Jewish People
May the source of strengthWho blessed the ones before usHelp us find the courage to make our lives a blessingAnd let us say Amen
Mi Sheberiach Lyrics
TIKKUN OLAM – Repairing the World
Debbie | Rabbis for Human Rights
SOCIAL JUSTICE
Much of Debbie’s music weaves the message of one’s obligation to the community—to the world. Songs such as “Im Ein Ani Li,” (1980) “. . .If I am not for myself. . . If I am only for myself. . .” and “We the People” (2013) based on the language of the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States. ”Tzedek Tzedek Tirdof,“ (2010) “Justice, Justice Shall You Pursue,” She used these and other traditional texts and literature to speak to our duty to treat one another justly and with dignity. “Save A Life” (1998) was written in memory of Yitzhak Rabin. The source of lyrics for the latter song is based on text from the Talmudic and Koranic sources.
In 2004, Project Kesher – an organization who’s mission is to build Jewish community and advance civil society by developing and empowering women leaders – invited Debbie to lead the music for 300 women from across the former Soviet Union and the United States for a trip on the Volga River.
HUMAN RIGHTS | EQUALITY | LGBTQ+
Debbie’s personal life was a beautiful as well as a courageous journey. In the late 1970’s, Debbie entered her first relationship with a woman. At that time, same-sex relationships were challenged by societal norms and expectations, and members of the LGBTQ+ community typically faced judgment with repercussions harsher than today. Given her public persona as a beloved leader and source of Jewish music and spirituality, it took a unique courage for Debbie to navigate life through those early years. Despite those who rejected her contribution, whether due to a lack of education, indoctrinated prejudice, or a fear of new ideas, Debbie addressed those challenges with class, compassion, strength, and her brilliant sense of humor.
Debbie was an inspiring role model for so many who lived with the question of whether it was possible to participate fully in Jewish life as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Her life was a resounding, “Yes,” to that question. Her contribution will always be remembered. She did not live long enough to see the U.S. Supreme Court legalize same-sex marriage on a federal level. One can only imagine the exhilaration Debbie would have felt as a result of this long-awaited achievement.
CO-FOUNDER of HAVA NASHIRA
During this time, Debbie created Hava Nashira, the popular annual songleading and music workshop. Hava Nashira, was the first professional gathering dedicated to Jewish songleading. It was built by OSRUI and the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) Camping, and led by Debbie and Cantor Jeff Klepper. The URJ maintains its historic commitment to Hava Nashira, and supports it through a lead sponsorship.
“CAJE” ANNUAL CONFERENCES
For many years, Debbie taught workshops and directed 300-person chorales at Coalition For The Advancement of Jewish Education (CAJE) annual conferences. The chorales performed in concert, spiritually inspiring the several-thousand delegates who were in attendance.
At many of these conferences Debbie traditionally co-led gatherings of all-night spontaneous singing sessions (“kumzitzim). Peter Yarrow, of Peter, Paul and Mary, said the following of the experiences:
“Debbie is the inheritor of a great legacy. I’ve sung with her and watched her perform many times, sometimes in the wee hours at spontaneous gatherings during Jewish education conferences. Here is the music of jubilation and confirmation. It is a call to community that rages against darkness and spreads light.”
An all-night “kumzitz”
CELEBRATED RECORDINGS & LIVE PERFORMANCES
Debbie’s concert and conference appearances took her to many locations around the globe. She sang in synagogues and concert halls – Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist, and Renewal – from coast to coast in North America, Israel, Europe, and South America.
In 1997, Debbie had the high honor of performing at the New York City iconic venue, Carnegie Hall. This wonderful, sold-out performance was recorded and released as the double album Debbie Friedman at Carnegie Hall. The concert celebrated the 25th anniversary of her distinguished musical career. The following year, Debbie returned to Carnegie Hall giving a second sold-out performance. During those concerts, audience members danced in the aisles. Parents danced with young children on their shoulders – a sight not often seen at Carnegie Hall.
In 2001, Debbie participated in a benefit concert for the UJA Federation of New York, responding to the 9/11 World Trade Center tragedy and the crisis in Israel.
PHOTO CREDIT: CHERYL FRIEDMAN
EJ Cohen – ASL Interpreter and Judaic Educator, who ‘signed’ for many of Debbie’s concerts, including Carnegie Hall.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF MUSICIANS & COLLABORATORS
Throughout the years, Debbie enjoyed working with many gifted musicians, artists and collaborators.
THANK YOU
to all who helped create beautiful music, meaningful exeriences and lasting memories –
on the stage, in the studio, writing and creating treasured works that will live on
from generation to generation!
The Covenant Award (1996)
AWARD WINNING GLOBALLY RECOGNIZED ARTIST
Debbie received numerous awards and acknowledgments for her contribution to Judaism. In 1996, she received the Covenant Award, which honors outstanding Jewish educators and supports creative approaches to programming for the Jewish people.
In 2007, the first Rabbi Alexander M. Schindler Distinguished Service Award was bestowed on Debbie by the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ). The award honors an individual who has demonstrated a deep commitment to the welfare of world Jewry. The Daily Jewish Forward named Debbie one of the “Forward 50” in 2010, recognizing her prominence in the Jewish world. In the spring of 2010, Debbie was invited to the White House for a reception honoring influential leaders in religion, creative arts, sports, and media, as part of President Barack Obama’s outreach to the American Jewish community.
In the 1980s, Debbie served as the cantorial soloist for three years at the New Reform Congregation in Los Angeles. Eventually, she had to choose to either remain in the soloist position or pursue her growing concert schedule. She chose the latter. However, she continued to serve as a cantorial soloist in various synagogues nationwide every High Holy Day season. These engagements allowed her to meaningfully contribute to congregants’ worship experiences, using her knowledge of traditional nusach and original melodies for the liturgy. This had profound meaning to Debbie.
The Daily Jewish Forward
Debbie was named one of the “Forward 50” in 2010
In Debbie’s live performances, audiences were drawn to her uncanny and instinctive ability to bring the largest audience into a circle of intimacy, taking them to places within themselves previously unvisited. She could offer shoot-from-the-hip banter – replete with seamlessly woven non-sequiturs. Her sister Cheryl recalls a performance during which an audience member’s phone rang. Without missing a beat, Debbie pointed toward the sound of the ring and said, “Tell them I’ll call back later.” When a guitar string would break–which would happen frequently because of Debbie’s intense strumming style – she would furiously wind the string as she recounted an anecdote or told a joke. At the same performance, she would have the audience standing arm-in-arm, teary-eyed, as they sang along with her. Those moments were filled with impactful messages that could touch the deepest part of the soul.
The Mayan Haggadah
THE MAYAN SEDER
Ma’yan, a Jewish organization working to increase women’s equality, profoundly influenced Debbie. Due, in part, to that influence, Debbie relocated to Manhattan, where she lived for fifteen years. In 1994, Ma’yan brought women (and men) together for feminist seders, held annually in New York City. Debbie co-led most of those seders.
“THE JOURNEY CONTINUES”
The Journey Continues: Ma’yan Passover Haggadah in Song, is a guide, in music, for the Passover seder. This album contains traditional Passover songs, as well as new compositions. Some of the compositions were co-created by gifted lyricists Debbie’s amazing sense of humor is reflected in the lyrics of numerous songs. Many of the songs teach the Hebrew language (The Alef Bet or Bakitah). Jewish values are taught in Im Ein Ani Li or 613 Commandments. Debbie draws from her childlike spirit in songs like The Angels Blessing and Lullaby. Debbie once said, “Nothing could give me greater pleasure than knowing some of these songs could put a child to sleep and be calm.”
Original music composed for the
Mayan Haggadah
DOCUMENTARY “A JOURNEY OF SPIRIT”
A Journey of Spirit, is a documentary produced by Ann Coppel, that tells the story of Debbie’s extraordinary life. It aired in 2004 on PBS.
From 1997 to 2002, Ann’s documentary crew followed Debbie to gather the moments that best told her story: concerts, healing services and teaching sessions, as well as extensive on-camera interviews.
This 75-minute documentary explores the transformation of liberal Jewish worship, the growth of the new profession of Jewish singer/songwriter, and humanity’s need for healing.
“DEBBIE FRIEDMAN LIVE” CONCERT:
Experience the magic of a live concert performance recorded for A Journey of Spirit. This exciting, dynamic video, is your invitation to be part of a joyous community gathered in celebration!
PHOTO GALLERY
” My work is my joy. This is what drives me and keeps me alive and knowing that I must never give in when the doctors say this is as good as it will be – when friends say, this is the best I can do. I will surround myself with people who have the same passion for life, the same passion for passion. This is how we will survive as human beings and this is how we, as women, will become a resonant song whose melody is so strong and so powerful that all of the negative voices in our world will be muffled to an inaudible whisper because all will want to hear this song – because each of us is a part of it.“
Debbie Friedman z”l
FOCUS ON FAMILY & FRIENDS
After her high school graduation in 1968, she lived in Israel for six months. She lived in various locales, including Chicago, St. Louis, Houston, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, San Diego, and Manhattan. Regardless of where Debbie lived, her family was always the focal point of her life. In the spring of 2010, Debbie moved from Manhattan to Laguna Woods, California, to live closer to her family.
SHAYNA, FARFEL & GRIBBENEZ
No discussion of Debbie’s family life would be complete without mentioning her beloved dogs – they were like her children. They brought her comfort and joy. They inspired her. She let them run wild – fearful that training them would curb their creativity! The liner notes of her final album, As You Go On Your Way, read, in part, “To Gribbenez, for bringing joy and laughter to my life.”
“FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION…”
Debbie’s music lives on, bringing joy and unity to
individuals and communities for generations to come!
PHOTO CREDIT: ANN COPPEL
CONTACT
For info regarding licensing, CDs, and publishing:
The Life & Legacy
of Debbie Friedman
Debbie Friedman ( z”l ) דינה לאה
February 23, 1951 – January 9, 2011
17 Adar 1, 5711 – 4 Shevat, 5771
PROLOGUE
In late December 2010, Debbie traveled to London to serve on the faculty of Limmud, UK. While in London, she contracted the H1N1 swine flu and was ill upon her return home to Southern California. On New Year’s Day, 2011, she was hospitalized in Mission Viejo. Debbie died there on January 9, 2011, of the H1N1 Swine Flu. Her funeral was held at Temple Beth Sholom in Santa Ana, California on January 11, 2011, and streamed to countless viewers across the globe. Debbie is buried at Harbor Lawn Mt. Olive Memorial Park in Costa Mesa, California.
Our dear Debbie ( z”l ).
We cherish every moment you gave us.
You sang unto God.
You danced with Miriam and the women.
You helped the old to dream dreams and the youth to see visions.
You were and you are our blessing.
With enduring love,
Mom, Aunt Ann, Cheryl, Barb and Werner
EARLY LIFE
Deborah Lynn Friedman was born in Utica, New York, on February 23, 1951. She was the third of four children, with two older sisters and a younger brother. Her father was raised in the Bronx, owned a kosher butcher shop. Her mother, Freda, was born and raised on a dairy farm in upstate New York.
When Debbie was very young, her maternal grandparents (Bubby [whose image is on the cover of And You Shall Be a Blessing], and Zadi) left their farm and moved to Utica to share a duplex with Debbie’s family. There, the close-knit family kept a kosher home and celebrated the joys of Jewish holidays and Shabbat. They were active members of a Conservative synagogue. They ate in the community and family Sukkot, listened to the Megilah on Purim, and danced together on Simchat Torah. This surely made a lasting impression on Debbie and sparked her passion for Judaism, love, compassion and justice.
The children attended Sunday school and their mother, Freda, served on the synagogue board and taught at the religious school. This set an early and lasting example of the importance of being engaged in Jewish life and serving the community.
SCHOOL & SHUL
When Debbie was six, her family moved to St. Paul, Minnesota, though heartbreaking to leave Bubby and Zadie. The family joined Mt. Zion Temple, a Reform synagogue.
The children went to public school and, four afternoons a week, attended the Talmud Torah community Hebrew school in St. Paul. Debbie attended Horace Mann Elementary School and graduated from Highland Park Junior and Senior High Schools.
Mt. Zion Temple, St. Paul, MN
Horace Mann School, St. Paul, MN
Highland Park Senior High, St. Paul, MN
IN THE
BEGINNING
Debbie lived a full and meaningful life. Her professional career spanned more than four decades. She was admired by scholars, famous and beloved musicians, rabbis, cantors, educators, and leaders of international movements. She was loved and respected by her students. She was admired by those who followed her career.
Debbie began writing in the 1970’s. She wrote many of her early songs while she was a songleader at Olin Sang Ruby Union Institute (OSRUI) in Wisconsin, the Northern Federation of Temple Youth (NoFTY), United Synagogue Youth (USY), and other youth organizations and camps from other denominations, movements, and regions across the country.
Debbie strove to communicate through the language of music. Seeing the world for its challenges, its pain – and yet, finding humor to lighten the burden wherever we can. Her songs, and the prayers for which she found melodies, continue to reach countless people of all expressions of Judaism and diverse faith communities. She used music to express her love for Judaism and the Divine. She translated and transformed prayers, and was well-known for her settings of liturgical texts. In addition, Debbie often found inspiration using lesser-known texts from Torah portions, Psalms, the Prophets, and philosophers, revealing their deeper meaning and breathing new life and insight into our every-day vernacular.
“A MELODY CAME TO ME…”
Listen to Debbie share in her own words, how she came to write her first song, “V’Ahavta/And You Shall Love”, pioneering a new paradigm in the realm of Jewish spiritual music.
DISCOVERING HER LIFE’S PURPOSE
As a child and teen sitting in synagogue services, Debbie felt that something was missing for her, and for the congregants. She identified with other young people whose Judaism had no language that spoke to them – or for them.
In 1970, while on a youth bus trip, Debbie set music to the English translation of V’ahavta, a paragraph of the Sh’ma. A month later, she taught it to those attending a regional youth convention. In Jewish Sages of Today:
“I was stunned when they suddenly put their arms around each other and there were tears rolling down their faces. They were reclaiming this prayer, and it was ours in a musical language they were able to understand… We were reclaiming something that we hadn’t touched, that we had no access to until now.”“
It wasn’t long after that she had a realization that set the course for her future career.
A SEA OF MUSIC
Debbie used both English and Hebrew lyrics, and wrote for all ages. Her compositions included music for life-cycle events, holidays, observances marking the Jewish calendar, world events, and much more. Some of her better-known songs include the Mi Shebeirach, Miriam’s Song, Not By Might, I Am a Latke, L’chi Lach, T’filat HaDerech, The Angel’s Blessing and Devorah’s Song, to name only a few of her catalogue, containing hundreds of songs. Her melody for the Havdalah prayer, is used so universally and by multiple denominations, that many people do not know that she composed it.
WATCH “HAVDALLAH”
SUNG AROUND THE WORLD:
WATCH BELOVED PERFORMANCES ON YOUTUBE
THE PEOPLE’S MUSIC… CONSIDERED “TRADITIONAL”
Debbie’s music is so fully integrated into synagogue liturgy, that in many congregations it is considered “traditional.” Churches, schools, camps, and community centers also find Debbie’s extensive variety of songs to be valuable additions for their teaching and use in worship. Her melodies and lyrics are licensed for hundreds of usages, in recordings, videos, songbooks, prayerbooks, haggadot, textbooks, teaching manuals, children’s books, healing publications, ritual books, films and television, and self-help books. Her work appears in settings from the Barney In Concert video (The Alef Bet Song) to an episode of Strong Medicine on the Lifetime channel (Mi Shebeirach). Tree of Life, a division of Hallmark greeting cards, designed and marketed a series of 12 holiday cards using Debbie’s lyrics.
INSPIRATION & MUSICAL INFLUENCES
Debbie’s early musical influences included Peter, Paul and Mary, Joan Baez, Judy Collins, and others in that genre; music which reflected issues of the day and the human experience. As she began to compose, she too raised her voice and challenged the status quo.
Debbie and Peter Yarrow
Her music continues to touch people in myriad ways and makes Judaism accessible to all those who are open. For her generation, and those since, each song waits to be unfolded and unwrapped. Debbie gave us that gift.
Debbie leading choir
PERFORMER, SCHOLAR, TEACHER, INSPIRATIONAL LEADER
GLOBAL REACH
Debbie performed in hundreds of cities around the globe and has appeared before national conventions and conferences for every major Jewish organization, including:
The General Assembly of Jewish Federations, Hadassah, Union of American Hebrew Congregations (Union for Reform Judaism), American Conference of Cantors, Rabbinical Assembly, Cantors Assembly, Wexner Heritage Foundation, Whizin Institute, National Association of Temple Educators, National Association of Temple Administrators, Central Conference of American Rabbis, Women of Reform Judaism, World Union for Progressive Judaism, World Jewish Congress, American Jewish Congress, American Jewish Committee, National Federation of Temple Youth and United Synagogue Youth.
More adherents of Modern Orthodox tenets listen to Debbie’s music today, and her songs has been sung at countless interfaith concerts. In 1997, the choir of a 4,000-member Baptist church in Houston adapted her L’chi Lach.
SCHOOL OF SACRED MUSIC RENAMED
In 2007, Debbie was appointed to the faculty of the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion’s (HUC-JIR) School of Sacred Music in New York and the HUC-JIR faculty in Los Angeles. This appointment fulfilled Debbie’s lifelong dream to teach in a formal setting and allowed her another avenue to contribute in impacting Jewish education. Debbie taught both rabbinical and cantorial students. In December 2011, the HUC-JIR School of Sacred Music was renamed the HUC-JIR Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music, a fitting tribute to Debbie’s lifelong devotion and commitment to the future of the Jewish People
May the source of strengthWho blessed the ones before usHelp us find the courage to make our lives a blessingAnd let us say Amen
Mi Sheberiach Lyrics
TIKKUN OLAM
Repairing the World
Debbie | Rabbis for Human Rights
SOCIAL JUSTICE
Much of Debbie’s music weaves the message of one’s obligation to the community—to the world. Songs such as “Im Ein Ani Li,” (1980) “. . .If I am not for myself. . . If I am only for myself. . .” and “We the People” (2013) based on the language of the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States. ”Tzedek Tzedek Tirdof,“ (2010) “Justice, Justice Shall You Pursue,” She used these and other traditional texts and literature to speak to our duty to treat one another justly and with dignity. “Save A Life” (1998) was written in memory of Yitzhak Rabin. The source of lyrics for the latter song is based on text from the Talmudic and Koranic sources.
In 2004, Project Kesher invited Debbie to lead the music for 300 women from across the former Soviet Union and the United States for a trip on the Volga River.
HUMAN RIGHTS | EQUALITY | LGBTQ+
Debbie’s personal life was a beautiful as well as a courageous journey. In the late 1970’s, Debbie entered her first relationship with a woman. At that time, same-sex relationships were challenged by societal norms and expectations, and members of the LGBTQ+ community typically faced judgment with repercussions harsher than today. Given her public persona as a beloved leader and source of Jewish music and spirituality, it took a unique courage for Debbie to navigate life through those early years. Despite those who rejected her contribution, whether due to a lack of education, indoctrinated prejudice, or a fear of new ideas, Debbie addressed those challenges with class, compassion, strength, and her brilliant sense of humor.
Debbie was an inspiring role model for so many who lived with the question of whether it was possible to participate fully in Jewish life as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Her life was a resounding, “Yes,” to that question. Her contribution will always be remembered. She did not live long enough to see the U.S. Supreme Court legalize same-sex marriage on a federal level. One can only imagine the exhilaration Debbie would have felt as a result of this long-awaited achievement.
CO-FOUNDER of
HAVA NASHIRA
During this time, Debbie created Hava Nashira, the popular annual songleading and music workshop. Hava Nashira, was the first professional gathering dedicated to Jewish songleading. It was built by OSRUI and the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) Camping, and led by Debbie and Cantor Jeff Klepper. The URJ maintains its historic commitment to Hava Nashira, and supports it through a lead sponsorship.
“CAJE” ANNUAL CONFERENCES
For many years, Debbie taught workshops and directed 300-person chorales at Coalition For The Advancement of Jewish Education (CAJE) annual conferences. The chorales performed in concert, spiritually inspiring the several-thousand delegates who were in attendance.
At many of these conferences Debbie traditionally co-led gatherings of all-night spontaneous singing sessions (“kumzitzim). Peter Yarrow, of Peter, Paul and Mary, said the following of the experiences:
“Debbie is the inheritor of a great legacy. I’ve sung with her and watched her perform many times, sometimes in the wee hours at spontaneous gatherings during Jewish education conferences. Here is the music of jubilation and confirmation. It is a call to community that rages against darkness and spreads light.”
An all-night “kumzitz”
CELEBRATED RECORDINGS & LIVE PERFORMANCES
Debbie’s concert and conference appearances took her to many locations around the globe. She sang in synagogues and concert halls – Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist, and Renewal – from coast to coast in North America, Israel, Europe, and South America.
In 1997, Debbie had the high honor of performing at the New York City iconic venue, Carnegie Hall. This wonderful, sold-out performance was recorded and released as the double album Debbie Friedman at Carnegie Hall. The concert celebrated the 25th anniversary of her distinguished musical career. The following year, Debbie returned to Carnegie Hall giving a second sold-out performance. During those concerts, audience members danced in the aisles. Parents danced with young children on their shoulders – a sight not often seen at Carnegie Hall.
In 2001, Debbie participated in a benefit concert for the UJA Federation of New York, responding to the 9/11 World Trade Center tragedy and the crisis in Israel.
PHOTO CREDIT: CHERYL FRIEDMAN
EJ Cohen – ASL Interpreter and Judaic Educator, who ‘signed’ for many of Debbie’s concerts, including Carnegie Hall.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF
MUSICIANS &
COLLABORATORS
Throughout the years, Debbie enjoyed working with many gifted musicians, artists and collaborators.
THANK YOU
to all who helped create beautiful music, meaningful exeriences and lasting memories –
on the stage, in the studio, writing and creating treasured works that will live on
from generation to generation!
AWARD WINNING GLOBALLY RECOGNIZED ARTIST
Debbie received numerous awards and acknowledgments for her contribution to Judaism. In 1996, she received the Covenant Award, which honors outstanding Jewish educators and supports creative approaches to programming for the Jewish people.
In 2007, the first Rabbi Alexander M. Schindler Distinguished Service Award was bestowed on Debbie by the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ). The award honors an individual who has demonstrated a deep commitment to the welfare of world Jewry. The Daily Jewish Forward named Debbie one of the “Forward 50” in 2010, recognizing her prominence in the Jewish world. In the spring of 2010, Debbie was invited to the White House for a reception honoring influential leaders in religion, creative arts, sports, and media, as part of President Barack Obama’s outreach to the American Jewish community.
The Covenant Award (1996)
In the 1980s, Debbie served as the cantorial soloist for three years at the New Reform Congregation in Los Angeles. Eventually, she had to choose to either remain in the soloist position or pursue her growing concert schedule. She chose the latter. However, she continued to serve as a cantorial soloist in various synagogues nationwide every High Holy Day season. These engagements allowed her to meaningfully contribute to congregants’ worship experiences, using her knowledge of traditional nusach and original melodies for the liturgy. This had profound meaning to Debbie.
The Daily Jewish Forward
Debbie was named one of the
“Forward 50” in 2010
In Debbie’s live performances, audiences were drawn to her uncanny and instinctive ability to bring the largest audience into a circle of intimacy, taking them to places within themselves previously unvisited. She could offer shoot-from-the-hip banter – replete with seamlessly woven non-sequiturs. Her sister Cheryl recalls a performance during which an audience member’s phone rang. Without missing a beat, Debbie pointed toward the sound of the ring and said, “Tell them I’ll call back later.” When a guitar string would break–which would happen frequently because of Debbie’s intense strumming style – she would furiously wind the string as she recounted an anecdote or told a joke. At the same performance, she would have the audience standing arm-in-arm, teary-eyed, as they sang along with her. Those moments were filled with impactful messages that could touch the deepest part of the soul.
THE MAYAN SEDER
Ma’yan, a Jewish organization working to increase women’s equality, profoundly influenced Debbie. Due, in part, to that influence, Debbie relocated to Manhattan, where she lived for fifteen years. In 1994, Ma’yan brought women (and men) together for feminist seders, held annually in New York City. Debbie co-led most of those seders.
The Mayan Haggadah
“THE JOURNEY CONTINUES”
The Journey Continues: Ma’yan Passover Haggadah in Song, is a guide, in music, for the Passover seder. This album contains traditional Passover songs, as well as new compositions. Some of the compositions were co-created by gifted lyricists Debbie’s amazing sense of humor is reflected in the lyrics of numerous songs. Many of the songs teach the Hebrew language (The Alef Bet or Bakitah). Jewish values are taught in Im Ein Ani Li or 613 Commandments. Debbie draws from her childlike spirit in songs like The Angels Blessing and Lullaby. Debbie once said, “Nothing could give me greater pleasure than knowing some of these songs could put a child to sleep and be calm.”
Original music composed for the
Mayan Haggadah
DOCUMENTARY
“A JOURNEY OF SPIRIT”
A Journey of Spirit, is a documentary produced by Ann Coppel, that tells the story of Debbie’s extraordinary life. It aired in 2004 on PBS.
From 1997 to 2002, Ann’s documentary crew followed Debbie to gather the moments that best told her story: concerts, healing services and teaching sessions, as well as extensive on-camera interviews.
This 75-minute documentary explores the transformation of liberal Jewish worship, the growth of the new profession of Jewish singer/songwriter, and humanity’s need for healing.
“DEBBIE FRIEDMAN LIVE”
CONCERT:
Experience the magic of a live concert performance recorded for A Journey of Spirit. This exciting, dynamic video, is your invitation to be part of a joyous community gathered in celebration!
PHOTO GALLERY
” My work is my joy. This is what drives me and keeps me alive and knowing that I must never give in when the doctors say this is as good as it will be – when friends say, this is the best I can do. I will surround myself with people who have the same passion for life, the same passion for passion. This is how we will survive as human beings and this is how we, as women, will become a resonant song whose melody is so strong and so powerful that all of the negative voices in our world will be muffled to an inaudible whisper because all will want to hear this song – because each of us is a part of it.“
Debbie Friedman z”l
FOCUS ON FAMILY & FRIENDS
After her high school graduation in 1968, she lived in Israel for six months. She lived in various locales, including Chicago, St. Louis, Houston, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, San Diego, and Manhattan. Regardless of where Debbie lived, her family was always the focal point of her life. In the spring of 2010, Debbie moved from Manhattan to Laguna Woods, California, to live closer to her family.
SHAYNA, FARFEL & GRIBBENEZ
No discussion of Debbie’s family life would be complete without mentioning her beloved dogs – they were like her children. They brought her comfort and joy. They inspired her. She let them run wild – fearful that training them would curb their creativity! The liner notes of her final album, As You Go On Your Way, read, in part, “To Gribbenez, for bringing joy and laughter to my life.”
“FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION…”
Debbie’s music lives on, bringing joy and unity to
individuals and communities for generations to come!
PHOTO CREDIT: ANN COPPEL