Debbie's music touched and inspired so many people. She was known for combining traditional Jewish liturgy with folksy guitar tunes. Her versions of the Mi Shebeirach and L'chi Lach were staples in siddurim (prayer books) and so many Reform services. Her blending of the old with the modern was revolutionary when she started out as a songleader in the late 1960s, and her style of music has been emulated by countless songleaders in the Reform Movement during the last few decades.
Her impact was monumental, for she taught people how to pray again. She brought on the modernization of Jewish worship. She allowed people to feel; through her music, she elevated what had become staid or stale. She was passionate, dedicated, inspired and inspiring. Debbie had an amazing gift; one that made her one of the most successful, well-known, recognizable Jewish songwriters in history. It's safe to say nearly every person in our Movement knew Debbie's name, or her music.
The world knew her as Debbie Friedman the artist. Yet for the past several months, we at HUC Los Angeles also knew her as Debbie the teacher, Debbie the shaliach tzibbur, Debbie the songleader, and Debbie the friend.
Debbie was brought on to HUC's faculty in 2007, teaching classes in New York, where she lived. This past spring she transfered to HUC's LA campus, and the first time I saw her roaming our halls I froze. I could not believe I was in the same space as Debbie Friedman; the prolific songwriter, this amazingly famous musician. I was so intimidated. I was actually kind of afraid of her, and was advised by several people to keep my distance. According to them, she wasn't nice; she was difficult and moody.
That could not have been farther from the truth.
Debbie was truly one of the warmest, kindest, most genuine people I have ever met. She cared so deeply about everyone she came across. She would wander into conversations and just talk to people about prayer, God, New York food, or her beloved dog Farfel. She was just an eccentric, hilarious, giving, kind, devoted, gracious, passionate human being.
Debbie didn't like to be the center of attention, and at times appeared truly uncomfortable being identified as a Jewish rock star or celebrity. What she cared about was people. She cared about them; their stories, their Jewish involvement, their passions. She was just happy to be with people, and was so moved by the students she surrounded herself with daily. She cared passionately about prayer; about making it accessible, meaningful, and powerful.
Each and every time I saw her she would flash me this huge smile, even before we got to know each other. We led services together in October, shortly after returning to school from High Holiday break. I was much more nervous than I can ever remember being in services, but Debbie calmed me. She calmed everyone. She had faith in me, in you, and in every single person. She reached deep inside you and brought something out you didn't know existed, and she did it through her music - whether or not a guitar was in her hands. She did it through the music of her - she was simply a walking symphony, constantly in motion.
At the Spiritual Retreat I blogged about several months ago, Debbie led a rocking song session. She played all her hits, giving energetic and witty commentary on each and every song. Let me tell you, watching this woman lead Miriam's Song with a group of future rabbis, educators, and communal service professionals was like watching pure joy come flying out of a kaleidescope rainbow. We were dancing and singing and laughing and carrying on, and I remember thinking this woman has had such an impact on every single person in this room. It was magic to behold.
My favorite memory of Debbie is one I keep going back to and will play over and over in my mind these next few days and weeks. At a Monday morning T'filah the week of parshat Lech Lecha, Debbie led the community in her song L'chi Lach as a closer. In that room were not only HUC students and faculty, but about two dozen or so prospective students visiting for the Open House. Debbie had everyone get into a circle with their arms around each other, which does not happen in our T'filot. But she pushed the chairs out of the way and stomped in and sang the heck out of that song. And people had tears in their eyes and hope in their hearts as the words rang true for all of us.
L'chi lach - to a land that I will show you.
Lech l'cha - and all shall praise your name.
L'chi lach - on your journey I will bless you.
And you shall be a blessing.
L'chi lach.
Debbie, wherever you are on your journey, in whatever land you shall roam, I am certain that all will praise your name, and you shall always be a blessing to the millions of souls whose lives you touched.
With deep respect and love,
Jaclyn
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