This Gift

This book has been an incredible blessing in my life. The original title of this book was How to become a Jewish Rock Star. After the first three interviews, I realized that the title was absolutely misleading in terms of what our work in the Jewish world actually is. You will hear references to that title and to being a 'Rock Star' in the first few interviews. What's so funny about the transition is that, like every artist in this book, it was unplanned. What started out as a How to guide, turned into a very deep, moving revelation of 15 personal journeys into this work. My prayer for this book is that it inspires the current and future generations of Jewish Music artists and prayer leaders on their journey. To understand that this is a viable and vital path for us and our communities. I want you to know that if you truly feel called to do this work, we will support you and there are communities and people whose very lives and spiritual path are waiting for you to speak to them in a way that is uniquely yours. I chose all of these artists specifically and intentionally for several reasons. First and foremost is that I have relationships with all of them. We have spent time together, hours together on and off the bimah, in studios, on stages, at conferences, and on tour. It was from that place of trust that they were able to open up and really give you all the benefit. Secondly, none of these artists are ordained Cantors, Rabbis or work full time at one congregation as a Cantorial Soloist. They are all independent artists. Volume two of this series will be dedicated to Hazzans, Cantors, and Cantorial Soloists. Volume three will feature Rabbis. Here are the Artists I interviewed: Noah Aronson Craig TaubmanRick Recht Duvid Swirsky Julie SilverNefesh Mountain: Doni Zasloff and Eric LindbergBilly Jonas Joe Buchanan Michelle Citrin Shira Kline Joey Weisenberg Naomi LessSam GlaserJosh Nelson Saul Kaye ( Interviewed by Joe Buchanan)for more info go to www.saulkaye.com