Music and Jewish Religious Experience: Social and Theological Essays

Music and Jewish Religious Experience offers six studies on specific aspects and functions of Jewish sacred music, both social and theological. Rather than following a single theme or building on a sustained thesis, this book covers a variety of subjects, ranging from music and prophecy to social uses of synagogue song. Each chapter can be read on its own, and is intended to stimulate thought?and hopefully further research?on its particular topic. Taken as a whole, these independent studies reveal the complexity and diversity of types, contexts, and uses of Jewish sacred music. The central aim of this volume is to provide the reader with fresh insights into specialized areas of Jewish musical investigation, and to demonstrate the broader meanings and value of music in Jewish religious life.