Publication date:
26 April 2012Length of book:
198 pagesPublisher
Lexington BooksISBN-13: 9780739168318
Social Functions of Synagogue Song: A Durkheimian Approach by Jonathan L. Friedmann paints a detailed picture of the important role sacred music plays in Jewish religious communities. This study explores one possible way to approach the subject of music’s intimate connection with public worship: applying sociologist Émile Durkeim’s understanding of ceremonial ritual to synagogue music. Durkheim observed that religious ceremonies serve disciplinary, cohesive, revitalizing, and euphoric functions within religious communities. Drawing upon musical examples from different composers, regions, periods, rites, and services, Friedmann demonstrates how Jewish sacred music performs these functions.
The study of synagogue ritual and prayer has been dominated by research into historical origins and textual traditions. Friedmann adds a distinctive lens by analyzing synagogue rituals using sociological theory. He thereby provides insights into the social impact of 'praying' making a vital contribution to the understanding of praying and the roles and meanings for prayer leaders and congregants.