blogs/cantor-herschel-fox

Jewish Music... Then and Now by Cantor Herschel Fox

When I was a young man in Winnipeg Canada, everyone knew what Jewish Music was. It sounded “schmaltzy”­-syrupy, sweet, passionate and endearing to the heart of European Jews and their children. Cantors and Yiddish singers were the people who sang “predictable”, “Jewish flavored songs,” in the 1950s and 1960s.

The 1970s saw many changes in the flavor of older Jewish music. Carlebach's melodies though “Jewish” in the old sense, were now arranged in a pop form by Harry Belafonte's arranger. New, young composers, composed synagogue liturgy as they “felt it,” rather than staying in the strict Nusach modes. The Israeli Chasidic festival brought us “A Rock Sh'ma” by Tzvika Pik, dressed in leather pants and no shirt!

As time went on, every area of Jewish Music changed. Personally, I enjoy much of what we call today “Jewish Music.” In my opinion, Jewish Music will always adapt to any new environment and ever changing world.   Next time you see me, stop me in the hallway and tell me what you think.