Debbie Friedman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Debbie Friedman
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Deborah Lynn Friedman |
| Born | February 23, 1951 Utica, New York |
| Died | January 9, 2011 (aged 59) Mission Viejo, California |
| Genres | Music-Jewish Liturgy |
| Occupation(s) | Jewish songwriter/songleader |
| Instruments | Guitar |
| Years active | 1971–2011 |
Deborah Lynn Friedman (born February 23, 1951 – died January 9, 2011) was an American singer and songwriter. She wrote many popular Jewish religious songs and melodies. She is especially known for her song "Mi Shebeirach". This song is a prayer for healing and is used in many Jewish communities. Her music is sung in different types of Jewish congregations. Many people saw her as a very important religious artist for the whole community.
Contents
About Her Life
Debbie Friedman was born in New York. She grew up in Minnesota from the age of five. She started writing many of her songs while working at a summer camp called Olin Sang Ruby Union Institute. This was in the early 1970s.
Between 1971 and 2010, Debbie released 22 music albums. Her music was inspired by folk artists like Joan Baez and Peter, Paul and Mary. She wrote songs using both English and Hebrew words. Her songs were enjoyed by people of all ages. Some of her famous songs include "The Aleph Bet Song," "Miriam's Song," and "I am a Latke." She also performed her music in synagogues and concert halls.
Since the 1990s, Debbie faced health challenges. She had a neurological condition that made living difficult. A documentary film called A Journey of Spirit was made about her in 2004. It showed her musical journey and how she bravely dealt with her illness.
In 2007, Debbie joined the faculty at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York. She taught students who were studying to become rabbis and cantors. Later, the school's music program was even renamed the Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music in her honor.
Her Passing and Lasting Impact
Debbie Friedman passed away on January 9, 2011, in a hospital in Mission Viejo, California. She died from pneumonia.
After her death, the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion decided to honor her. On December 7, 2011, they officially renamed their School of Sacred Music after her. It became the Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music. This showed how much she meant to Jewish music education.
In 2014, a special book was published called Sing Unto God: The Debbie Friedman Anthology. This book contains almost every song she ever wrote and recorded. It also includes more than 30 songs that were not available before. The book has lyrics, music notes, and guitar chords for her songs.
Some of her most loved songs are still sung widely today. These include her "Mi Shebeirach" (which she wrote with Drorah Setel), "Miriam's Song," and her melody for Havdalah. Her music continues to inspire and connect people in Jewish communities.
Her Music Albums
Studio Albums
- Sing Unto God (1972)
- Not by Might Not by Power (1974)
- Ani Ma-Amin (1976)
- If Not Now, When? (1980)
- ...And The Youth Shall See Visions (1981)
- And You Shall Be a Blessing.... (1989)
- Debbie Friedman: Live at the Del (1990)
- The World of Your Dreams (1993)
- Miracles & Wonders (1995)
- Shirim Al Galgalim: Songs on Wheels (1995)
- Shanah Tovah: A Good Year (1996)
- Renewal of Spirit (1997)
- The Journey Continues: Ma'yan Passover Haggadah In Song (1997)
- It's You (1998)
- The Alef Bet (2001)
- The Water in the Well (2001)
- Light These Lights: Debbie Friedman Sings Chanukah Songs For The Whole Family (2003)
- One People (2006)
- As You Go On Your Way: Shacharit – The Morning Prayers (2008)
Live Albums
- Debbie Friedman: Live at the Del (1990)
- At Carnegie Hall (1996)
Compilation Albums
- In The Beginning (1994)
- Songs of the Spirit - The Debbie Friedman Anthology (2005)
Other Connections
Debbie Friedman graduated from Highland Park High School in Saint Paul, Minnesota, in 1969. She was honored by being added to the school's Hall of Fame in 1999. She was also an honorary member of the American Conference of Cantors.
See also
In Spanish: Debbie Friedman para niños
