Paul Wieder interviews Debbie Friedman

In memory of Debbie Friedman, we offer again her interview with JUF News in 2009. May her legacy be— as her life was— a blessing for us all.

Debbie Friedman’s name is synonymous with American Jewish music. She is one of the foremost artists in the Jewish-music world, having blazed a new genre of Jewish music, bringing American folk and contemporary sounds to traditional texts, a style which now boasts hundreds of performers. She pioneered the movement of Jewish healing services. And, as a liturgical composer, Friedman is more responsible for what is sung in Jewish prayer services than any other woman in history. Her new CD, As You Go On Your Way: Shacharit— The Morning Prayers, continues that lifelong effort.