Friday Night Concert/Observant Jew?

[CrocodileMel]

I've noticed that there is a Friday evening concert scheduled in Boston and also read in the NYTimes that he considers himself an "observant" Jew. As an idiosyncratic, non-Halachic "observant" Jew myself, does anyone know how he reconciles the idea of a Friday evening concert? Certainly there is quite a bit of latitude around how anyone might consider themselves an "observant" Jew. I imagine it will be quite a "holy" evening.

[Cate]

Not to be cheesy, but in Montreal I came as close to a religious experience as I ever have.

[Pomona]

I, too, read that article in the Times, and found it interesting indeed.
I'm sure we'd all agree that he is an observant man.
And he's a Jew. Therefore, he is an observant Jew.
Perhaps that's his take on it.

[anunitu]

Might he not consider himself a cantor?

Anunitu

[abby]

Not to be cheesy, but in Montreal I came as close to a religious experience as I ever have.

When I saw Leonard in Toronto it was like going to church, Cate. I've never been a very religious person but I know when I'm witnessing something I can really get behind. Forgive me if I took you too seriously : )

[benning]

I was also puzzled when I read about the "observant" bit in the Times, knowing Leonard performs during the Sabbath. But then I remembered that there is a lot of latitude for those who are not ultra-Orthodox. I know some people observe the Sabbath by lighting Shabbos candles, but not doing everything else...

[Cate]

When I saw Leonard in Toronto it was like going to church, Cate. I've never been a very religious person but I know when I'm witnessing something I can really get behind. Forgive me if I took you too seriously : )

I was being serious.
I haven't 'been' to church since I was a child and certainly can't ever remember having a religious or spiritual experience there. I feel very uncomfortable in churches - like I'm in a secret room that I don't belong in and if I stay I'll get found out. (yes totally irrational, I'm also afraid of worms but not spiders or snakes)

When he was singing Hallelujah, there was such quiet. It seemed that all of us were in a that moment together and the sound he was making was the only sound that there was. There was something more to it, I was going to try to describe it but it just sounds silly when I try to put it into words - it was very real though, and I did not want the song to end.

Abby what did you mean when you said, something I can really get behind - did you mean to be part of?

[abby]

Thanks for asking, Cate. I don't know if I meant be a part of. I usually don't feel a part of whatever's going on, so I don't think that's what I meant. The first time I described a thing as something I could really get behind it was a way of praying. So much of what moves other people doesn't move me and so much of what moves me seems crazy to the people I find populating my life.

If I say that the way I commingled with the atmosphere of Leonard's concert that night in Toronto led me to feel intensely the joy and sadness of being human all in one instance, and to feel grateful for it, and to recognize it as the best experience of which I'm capable as a social and spiritual creature, would that make sense?

When I wrote about the show in Toronto on the old newgroup, where I hear you've been invited (do come), I said that the show in Toronto was like a church you might stumble upon when you're looking at the night sky or swimming in a river, like the redwoods or whatever tree does it for you, the kind of church that just happens in a moment of I don't know grace maybe.

Maybe I should say prayer instead of church. It was right. It was one of the best things I've ever witnessed. I almost wrote that it was one of the best things I've ever been a part of. So I was a part of it, still lonesome and nervous old me, but a part nonetheless.

[Minerva]

By most definitions of "observant Jew," a Jew will not use a microphone on Shabbos (at the bear minimum). However, there are about as many definitions of observant as there are Jews.

[Cate]

Thanks for asking, Cate. I don't know if I meant be a part of. I usually don't feel a part of whatever's going on, so I don't think that's what I meant. The first time I described a thing as something I could really get behind it was a way of praying. So much of what moves other people doesn't move me and so much of what moves me seems crazy to the people I find populating my life.

If I say that the way I commingled with the atmosphere of Leonard's concert that night in Toronto led me to feel intensely the joy and sadness of being human all in one instance, and to feel grateful for it, and to recognize it as the best experience of which I'm capable as a social and spiritual creature, would that make sense?

yes, complete sense.

When I wrote about the show in Toronto on the old newgroup, where I hear you've been invited (do come), I said that the show in Toronto was like a church you might stumble upon when you're looking at the night sky or swimming in a river, like the redwoods or whatever tree does it for you, the kind of church that just happens in a moment of I don't know grace maybe.

Maybe I should say prayer instead of church. It was right. It was one of the best things I've ever witnessed. I almost wrote that it was one of the best things I've ever been a part of. So I was a part of it, still lonesome and nervous old me, but a part nonetheless.

I think I know what you mean - the you of you gets lost for a moment and you just are. I like how you've described it. (Gesh, I just said you 5 times) I think I like church better then prayer - it seems more tangible even if it's not.

[boston2 boulder]

I believe it is incumbent on the writer to simply share their definition of "observant Jew." Clearly, your hope is that the answer we readers will divine is "no"...or you would not be asking it.

This question in the context of Leonard Cohen reveals a genuine lack of understanding of the man and his body of work.

For you presume to look into a heart, mind and soul of this artist and question his depth and commitment is an affront to a thinking person's sensibilities.

Has it occurred to you that there exists a tribe whose faith is extraordinary and relationship with God so omnipresent that attachment to ancient rituals and public displays of affection have little or no value?

In every ounce of Leonard Cohen's work resides an open invitation to a vista of connectedness and hope. His grasp of the grit of real life, and ability to express it is truly a Gift from God.

Who are you? To question this man's relationship to his God?

[sharong]

I think that the poser of the question asked a good question. There is a standard understanding to what an "observant Jew" is. That generally is one that follows the laws of Kashruth, Sabbath, holidays and all 614 commandments in the Old Testament.

maybe the writer, got the facts mixed up which really has nothing to do with LC's practice or spiritualism or how he practices religion if any.

I understand seeing him live is a religious experience but I think that the person who started the thread asked an valid question and by questioning the writer or the contradictions that LC may have himself. .... i think its an interesting question to ask given the NY times articles.

I thought about it myself..... an Observant Halakic Jew would not perform or work on Sabbath or any Jewish Holiday. LC may be doing both, I dont pass judgement on anyone, just the contradiction