SONGS OFFER INTROSPECTION FOLK-ROCKER MAKES MUSIC FOR HOLIDAYS.Byline: Holly J. Andres Staff Writer STUDIO CITY - In the months leading up to the Jewish High Holidays of Rosh Hashanah Rosh Hashanah Jewish New Year. Sometimes called the Day of Judgment, Rosh Hashanah falls on Tishri 1 (in September or October) and ushers in a 10-day period of self-examination and penitence that ends with Yom Kippur. and Yom Kippur Yom Kippur [Heb.,=day of atonement], in Judaism, the most sacred holy day, falling on the 10th day of the Jewish month of Tishri (usually late September or early October). It is a day of fasting and prayer for forgiveness for sins committed during the year. , observant ob·ser·vant adj. 1. Quick to perceive or apprehend; alert: an observant traveler. See Synonyms at careful. 2. Jews question whether God inscribes their names in the ``book of life'' for the coming year. But before the first apple is dipped in honey or the new year greeting inscribed in·scribe tr.v. in·scribed, in·scrib·ing, in·scribes 1. a. To write, print, carve, or engrave (words or letters) on or in a surface. b. To mark or engrave (a surface) with words or letters. , spiritual work has to be undertaken. Folk-rock artist Craig Taubman has just released ``Inscribed, Songs for Holy Days'' that is intended to be a musical spark to examining one's conduct in order to make positive changes. ``There is an intense period of introspection introspection /in·tro·spec·tion/ (in?trah-spek´shun) contemplation or observation of one's own thoughts and feelings; self-analysis.introspec´tive in·tro·spec·tion n. prior to these holidays. 'Inscribed' is one tool to get you to think about the path you've chosen,'' said Taubman, whose CraignCompany is based in Studio City. ``Every faith has something like this time period - Ramadan, Lent. All of the songs hopefully will motivate people to live their life to the fullest.'' The days between Rosh Hashanah, beginning at sundown Oct. 3, and Yom Kippur, which starts at sundown Oct. 12, are traditionally seen by Jews as a serious time when their life is held in the balance. The goal of soul searching and change for the better - metaphorically or literally, depending on the viewpoint - is that God will write your name in the ``book of life'' for the coming year. ``I think that music is a very powerful spiritual tool. Craig's great talent is finding a modern way of expressing traditional thoughts,'' said Rabbi Moshe Rothblum of Adat Ari El in Valley Village. ``His music speaks to the contemporary ear and soul.'' Taubman has been leading alternative musical services for the High Holidays for Rothblum's congregation at Adat Ari El, Valley Beth Shalom Valley Beth Shalom is a Conservative Synagogue in Encino, Los Angeles, California. With over 1,800 member families[1] it is one of the largest synagogues in Los Angeles and one of the largest Conservative synagogues in the United States. in Encino and Sinai Temple in Los Angeles Los Angeles (lôs ăn`jələs, lŏs, ăn`jəlēz'), city (1990 pop. 3,485,398), seat of Los Angeles co., S Calif.; inc. 1850. for years. ``Inscribed,'' is Taubman's first solo recording since 2002's ``One Shabbat Morning.'' Twelve of the 13 songs, sung by Taubman in Hebrew, are on the gentle, moody side. Taubman described ``Im Ain Ani Li,'' the final song on the CD, as ``a little daring'' for him. Joining him on the vocals for the pulsating Middle Eastern rap-reggae-inspired tune are Justin and Jared Stein singing in English and Alula alula, alula spuria the freely articulated first digit of the avian hand. Called also bastard wing. alula remiges see remex. Tzadik singing in Arabic. ``Anything worthwhile requires thought and preparation. One of the many things about Judaism I like is the realistic approach to human nature,'' Rothblum said. ``If you're serious about changing your life, it's going to take hard work.'' Rothblum said the 28 days during the month of Elul that come prior to Rosh Hashanah is the time when apologies are made to the people you have wronged and asking for their forgiveness. ``The goal during Elul is one of making your life better and doing better. Judaism is an optimistic op·ti·mist n. 1. One who usually expects a favorable outcome. 2. A believer in philosophical optimism. op religion,'' said Rothblum. ``It is possible to do this. We can do better and we can improve.'' ``Inscribed'' by Craig Taubman is available at (800) 627-2448 or www.craignco.com. Holly Andres, (818) 713-3708 holly.andres(at)dailynews.com CAPTION(S): photo Photo: Folk-rock musician Craig Taubman, here singing in his Studio City home, has just released ``Inscribed, Songs for Holy Days,'' as a musical spark to prepare for the Jewish High Holidays. Tina Burch/Staff Photographer |
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