DRabbi interviews Craig Taubman
By Cantor Jonathan Friedmann & Roni Kripper
Craig Taubman in one of the most innovative Jewish artists in today’s contemporary Jewish music scene. He has released close to 50 recordings, produces concerts and tours around the country and is the creator of www.jewelsofelul.coman inspirational website as well as www.bigjewishtent.com a cultural series in Southern California.
As we approach a new year, Craig was very kind to answer some of our questions at The Daily Rabbi!
At Congregation Beth Shira, Miami 2011
What made you decide to write music for the synagogue? As a child I went to Camp Ramah and prayer music was all around me. I loved singing all the songs. I wanted to be like Debbie Friedman. That being said I never really pursued it. Writing music for the synagogue was not considered a job for a nice Jewish boy. So I would have to say that ultimately, the music thankfully found me more then I found it.
Who are your main musical influences? At an early age I was influenced a lot by musical theatre. Then folk and rock music: Peter Paul and Mary, Cat Stevens, Simon and Garfunkel, Loggins and Messina. Now, as the father of two children in their 20′s and a musician who travels around the world, I am introduced and open to a wide variety of music styles and genres. I am also significantly influenced by the wonderful musicians I play–and pray–with.
How much is your work indebted to centuries-long traditions of synagogue song? A lot. Much of it is experiential. I grew up in a Conservative congregation. But, at the risk of spooking your readers, much of it is spiritual genetics. I look like my parents and my parent’s parents so I sense that I also inherited their spirit genes as well.
How being a Los Angeles-based musician contributed to the aesthetics of your music and performances? LA is not only one of the music capitals of the world it is also an open free environment to explore life and the arts. It is a “city of angels” in the best sense.
How and why do you think your music resonates with contemporary Jews? If I could scientifically know this. I would be a very rich man and likely be creating music for a much larger demographic. However, music is art not science. It is something you cannot know but rather experience. To use your word music resonates. It is personal, sensual and spiritual. I try to be open and honest with these feelings.
What would your ideal High Holiday services look like? Somewhere in the Yosemite mountains surrounded by family, friends and God. But for the meantime I will see my ideal as where I am and pray that we strive to create an ideal service.
Any special remembrance of a past High Holiday experience? During the Yom Kippur war, I remember Rabbi Hillel Silverman’s prayer to protect the Israeli soldiers and his plea for our congregation to raise money. It was powerful and silent and still and extremely moving. As the Rabbi finished his remarks our Cantor Joseph Gole (still the cantor at Sinai!) began singing in a voice that he was clearly channeling from some very powerful place. Adonai. Adonai. El Rachum v’chanun. I was a young boy standing in the back of the sanctuary I knew not the translation of those words, but I heard and felt every note. Every breath. God. My God. Please be a God that is compassionate and gracious… I think our prayers were answered.