Debbie Lost

I was shocked to hear on Friday night that Debbie Friedman was gravely ill. I spent much of the weekend listening to her wonderful music and sending out healing prayers. I even asked for help from my friends on Facebook. Today, as I was downloading more of her music into my itunes account, I googled Debbie to see if I could learn of her progress. It was then that I learned that Debbie had died this morning in L.A.

She was said to be in her late fifties. When is the age when it is okay to die? Certainly, not in your late fifties. I feel so bereft and saddened at her death. I remember the first time I saw her at a Jewish Federation meeting over a decade ago. I was so moved by her music. Debbie took much of the traditional liturgy and translated it into songs that grace modern Judaism. I remember standing outside Jerusalem with a group on a mission and all singing Debbie's songs. "L'chi Lach to a land that I will show you...and you shall be a blessing L'chi lach..." She touched such a deep place inside of me. And then, I remember that Debbie came to a synagogue on Miami Beach soon after 9/11. She seemed truly broken by that event. This is the woman who sang of Shekinah keeping us safe. I think she just couldn't really fathom such an occurrence. Some of her zest had deflated.

The song I had just downloaded this afternoon was one I'd never heard before: Until the Morning Comes. "With steady hearts we'll stand by each other and we will raise our hats to the sky until the morning comes..With steady hands we'll touch one another. I'll carry you with me as I go along until the morning comes..With open hearts and when I am lost you will help me find the way until the morning comes."

Debbie sang our deepest feelings and I listen to her voice as I write this blog. Her words, her music, her essence will never be lost. She's lighting up the next dimension.