I’m crying as I write this. One of the most phenomenal Jews of our time, legendary singer and songwriter Debbie Friedman, is in the hospital. In critical condition. With pneumonia. In a medically induced coma. Crying again.
[UPDATE: on the morning of Sunday, January 9, 2011, Debbie Friedman, may her memory be a blessing, passed away.]
How many of you have sung her “Mi Shebeirach” tune at your synagogue? Or remember singing “Lechi Lach” in a circle at Camp Butwin (or Herzl, or whatever)? Her music brings me back to USY, and Kinnus in Kansas City, singing Havdallah to the tune of “The Rose.” Her music epitomizes the attempt to make Jewish prayer real, personal, and beautiful for Jews of today.
She’s also one of the blessings that Minnesota has brought to the world. She moved here at age 5 and started bringing her light and music to the world at Mount Zion and Olin-Sang-Ruby camp in Wisconsin. She’s a grad of Highland Sr. High in St. Paul.
She’s also battled poor health for a while, including chronic fatigue syndrome.
Debbie Friedman believes in the power of prayer. I don’t know if I do, but it’s worth a shot. Please join me tonight in singing the Mi Shebeirach prayer for Debbie Friedman. Here’s a video of her singing the prayer with her amazing tune.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUp2MTfyfrI
Here are the lyrics to the prayer in Hebrew and English. Listen to the song online here.
Mi Shebeirach
Lyrics by Debbie Friedman and Drorah Setel
Mi shebeirach avoteinu
M’kor habracha l’imoteinuMay the source of strength who blessed the ones before us,
Help us find the courage to make our lives a blessing
And let us say: Amen.Mi shebeirach imoteinu
M’kor habracha l’avoteinuBless those in need of healing with refuah sh’leimah
The renewal of body, the renewal of spirit
And let us say: Amen.
(Photo: Debbiefriedman.com)
So much happening this moment. A beloved leader is critically ill. Public servants killed and maimed senselessly. Tonight there are people who need healing of body. Our society needs healing from the effects of hatred and intolerance. This song is Debbie Friedman’s signature, and so appropriate for what is needed tonight. Listen.