Thaindian News

By Gina Gomez
Jan 10, (THAINDIAN NEWS) Renowned Jewish folk singer Debbie Friedman died on Sunday owing to her complications of pneumonia. Union for Reform Judaism announced the news to the media. Debbie Friedman was admitted to a hospital in Orange County, California for the fatal fit of pneumonia. The singer was in her late 50s and her family has not yet announced anything about funeral service. On Friday, her fans from all over the country gathered in JCC in Manhattan to pray for her. However, on Sunday she succumbed to pneumonia and passed away.

The news of Debbie Friedman’s death was confirmed in her website as well. Her website read that the singer has created a new genre of accessible and contemporary Jewish music. The website also read that from the very beginning of her career she has taken the teachings, prayers and melodies of Ancient Jewish Texts and used them on her music. Debbie Friedman’s website stated that the singer was committed to her work and had wonderful capability of creating melodious music and because of that her music was loved by people of all religions and ages.

Union for Reform Judaism officials expressed their condolence at the sudden demise of such a great singer. In their statement, they stated that Debbie Friedman influenced contemporary Jewish music in a “profound” way. The statement also maintained that the singer’s music crossed “generational and denominational” lines of music and spread Jewish spirituality into the daily lives of people. The vice president of Union for Reform Judaism, Daniel Freedlander expressed his condolence and said that Debbie Friedman created a genre of contemporary Jewish music and she managed to introduce Jewish spirituality in people.