Casting A Song

this week’s torah portion- haazinu- is moses’ departing song to the children of israel. this moment highlights music’s connection to cultural memory. the bible’s earliest portions, as recognized by scholars, are songs. two of the most important being the song of the sea and the song of deborah.

while we cannot re-telling oration at the flip of a switch, we thrive on singing songs. campfires and a skilled guitarists have inspired many to belt out tunes throughout the night.

present times has signaled a music “crisis”. the youth don’t have much of a voice. this is evidenced by five percent of music sold being “new” music. rather, investment groups- realizing this gap- have invested huge dollars to purchase the catalogues of past greats.

if i had to cast a modern moses, one who could make a memorable closing song, there are a few great choices. one, however, whose goodness and greatness , makes him the best to cast. he, like moses, had to transition. due to illness, singer-songwriter neil diamond is no longer a performer. mr. diamond will no longer “not” bring any flowers to ms. streisand. mr. diamond hopefully will have many years to say “hello again” to family and friends. perhaps, he might share a glass of “red red wine” and partake some “crunchy granola” at the time. he can talk to them about his “holy, holy” in terms of male-female relationships. with brilliant words, he could make you a “believer”. he had a ways of breaking out the pain in one’s changing identity in “i am, i said.” he even had a moment to inspire a nation with his “coming to america.”

mr. diamond’s most endearing moment, however, was his appearance in a little movie, keeping up with the steins. mr. diamond makes a special appearance to perform at a bar mitzvah party. armed with his guitar, he breaks out a version of “hava nagila”. he proves that he is someone who would not let his fame supercede family values.

in sum, moses’ last song is disconcerting as to the future of music. will there be new songs to inspire future generations. are there any more diamonds in the rough who are ready to emerge?