Hold on. We're both right, I believe. Here's how I reconcile difference, and my earnest appeal to all who create Jewish music. The most important thing is to ask, "To be or not to be?" That is question.

Every song has a purpose, a message. It can be joy, faith, pensiveness, determination, anything. The message is in melody and rhythm, which create atmosphere. It's in text, which gives articulation to message. And it's in performance, which makes message personal between performer and listener. If message is congruent, if music and lyrics are a perfect union that inspires performer, then you have a great piece of music. If message is mixed, if there's a battle going on between rhythm and words, then we are troubled. That was why that "kumee oy'ree" was so absolutely awful. It was a mixed message of licentious music with holy texts.

We love to set verses from liturgy to music, and that's wonderful. Composers have a special responsibility to make sure that music conveys message and colors words with deeper meanings. Do that, and I'm fascinated, I'm inspired, even if it's a contemporary style.

But be very, very careful with verses. We tend to ask, "Do you think Adon Olam goes to this?", when we would do better to ask, "What is this melody saying?". If it says Adon Olam, good. If it does not, then WRITE YOUR OWN WORDS. To keep with idea of message, if you have a great tune that can say something worthwhile (something human and real, not negative or immodest), say it your way. That satisfies.

The foundation of Jewish music has always been expressing what's in our hearts as a prayer to God. That expression must be congruent, pure, sincere. There is room in Jewish music world for great innovation, if it comes from our hearts, not from charts.

Hurriedly they went their way to market, and as twilight fell, they returned. The first youth was dragging a bale of straw. When loosened, it made a pile so great that it filled half room. He was complimented by other two as they helped him clear it away.

The second youth brought in two bags of thistledown which, when released, filled two thirds of room.

Now it was time for third nephew, who was standing still and forlorn. “And what have you?” asked his rich uncle. “I gave my coin to a mission,” he replied, “leaving only one farthing. With it I bought a flint and this small candle.” Using flint, third boy made a spark and lit candle, which filled every corner of room with light.

Light and salt fill emptiness. If you are living your faith as salt and light of earth, then you are filling emptiness in this world with life of Christ. If you are living your testimony of faith in Christ, you are driving out darkness everywhere you go. This world needs substance. The world needs your witness. Keep your light shining brightly, and keep your life salty.

Stay course…..(Sources cited are available)