Debbie Friedman: In our thoughts
Fifteen years ago today, Debbie Friedman gave a sold out concert at Carnegie Hall, commemorating 25 years as one of the Jewish community's most beloved singers. Yesterday, Friedman was hospitalized for pnemonia. JTA reports that she is currently sedated and on a respirator.
Debbie Friedman began recording on her own label in 1972 and has since recorded 20 albums that have sold over 200,000 copies. Today, her music is sung in synagogues across the U.S. and has become so widespread that, for many, it is thought of as "traditional." Her "Mi Sheberach" prayer for healing has become the fastest adopted liturgical melody in both the Reform and Conservative movements. This week, we sing the "Mi Sherberach" for her.
The Jewish community on Twitter is discussing her condition and sharing their wishes and prayers for her recovery using the hashtag #DebbieFriedman. They are sharing this wonderful tribute video to Debbie Friedman on Youtube.
If you would like to see more, you can watch a clip from A Journey of Spirit, a documentary about Debbie Friedman, in JWA's multimedia exhibit, Jewish Women and the Feminist Revolution.
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