(no subject)

[arib]

These are the things I think about at work...

Okay, plans are now in full swing for my brother Hyim's aufruf. (for the uninitiated, the aufruf occurs the Shabbat before the wedding. Basically, during morning services, the groom-to-be is called to the Torah for an aliyah, and is then pelted from all sides with small bags of candy. Trust me.)

Here's the rub. At my synagogue, it's customary for the groom-to-be to also lead services after receiving his aliyah, which leads to the following set-up:

Dad will probably lead the first half of the service, Shacharis. Daniel, my youngest brother, will be reading the Torah portion, since it's also his Bar Mitzva portion, and he already knows it. Hyim will receive the last aliyah, called Maftir, and will also read the Haftarah (a shorter, non-Pentateuch portion of the Bible that relates to the weekly portion). Traditionally, he'd also lead the next section of the prayer service, Musaf. However, Hyim doesn't have much of a voice, so he's declining. Apparently, I've been tapped as "the only Baronofsky offspring with a singing voice," so there's an even chance that I'll be asked to lead. If I'm asked to, I will, most of it's straightforward, and isn't too difficult.

Except, of course, for Kedusha, which is a responsive section. Generally, the person leading the service picks a specific tune, and shows off a bit, if possible.

My problem:

If I'm asked to lead the service, and I accept, when Kedusha rolls around do I use:

1. A nice, traditional, Old World melody.

2. Something more contemporary, but still Judaic

3. Green Day's "Basket Case" (it scans rather well, if you try it).

The problem with number three is that when Hyim recognizes it, he'll probably vault across the sanctuary and strangle me where I stand.

Opinions, anyone?

Comments

[browngirl.livejournal.com]

#3. Just have someone standing beside Hyim to restrain him. ;)

[eleri.livejournal.com]

#3, because the chance to watch him squirm is too good to pass up.

[vaxjedi]

I'm not one for disrupting solemn religious observances, but #3 seems just too good.

Re:

[eleri.livejournal.com]

yes you are! Da*n Discordian ;)

[cellio]

The problem with number three is that when Hyim recognizes it, he'll probably vault across the sanctuary and strangle me where I stand.

We are told not to place a stumbling block before the blind, broadly interpreted to also include tempting people to sin. So you'll have to ensure that he is restrained. :-)

Unless there is a strong tradition of silliness in your shul for such occasions, I'd go with #2. 'Cause much as #3 would be fun, the service is for everyone else too and not just your family.

(N.B.: I don't actually know the song you're talking about in #3, so if everyone else's reaction would be "ok, that's kind of a nice tune too", then disregard what I just said.)

[ttocs.livejournal.com]

I'd go for 3 on general principles. Though if you feel you must give it a pass, then 1.

Now I need to find an MP3 of Basket Case to check the scan.

[ororo.livejournal.com]

In order: 3, 2, 1 and be prepared to duck.

Re:

[arib.livejournal.com]

Hopefully, by that time the bags of candy will be in the hands of hungry children, not pelt-mad adults. :-)