RIP Debbie Friedman (Jewish Songwriter)

Kitty Pryde

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I heard very sad news today: Debbie Friedman passed away. If you don't know who that is, she is a Jewish songwriter whose melodies are more well known that she is.

She wrote the Hebrew alphabet song, which I think everyone everywhere has probably heard. She also wrote a really common melody for Havdalah services and many other prayers, Mi Sheberach, L'chi Lach (You Shall Be A Blessing), Mourning Into Dancing, The Latke Song, Miriam's Song (my favorite!), Not By Might, and a ton of others. I grew up singing her songs in synagogue and at summer camp.

I was lucky enough to be invited to see her at the House of Blues last year. It was an amazing show. I don't think there was a dry eye in the house :) I got to meet her as well. Her music is definitely one big reason that I am still a very religious person. She's also one of my personal GLBT heroes.

Give a listen, her music is amazing.

Mourning Into Dancing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLsTk0YpE4A
Miriam's Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZdSEsZ8bMo
Mi Sheberach: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXm3lX19nQg (I shan't lie, this one can make me cry like a preschooler who just dropped her ice cream cone)
The Latke Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwb1PnLcchw
L'chi Lach http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8WrShnKTWY
Not By Might: http://www.last.fm/music/Debbie+Friedman/_/Not+by+Might+-+Not+by+Power
 

Prawn

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Thanks for the FYI!