Synagogue Music

I have looked at two different systems that use the cantillation points as representing actual musical notes. The results are interesting, but I don't think that was the point of the points. There are similarities, of course, in the way we speak, read, chant and sing.

I even thought of some possibilities for devising my own system of notes from the cantillation points. But I resisted the temptation. It would be very time-consuming. More important is to learn to read the Psalms.

It would be quite suitable and very nice, I think, if congregations could simply read Psalms together, if they don't have tunes for all of them.

Here is a link to some information about synagogue music.

Jewish music - 1. Ancient Hebrew music, 2. The rise
of synagogue song

The synagogue service, as far as I understand, is all written in a book. All the prayers, songs, what is said or done and when, is all there. There are also prayers for about every facet of life. You see people praying (reading prayers out of a book) quite often on the bus or on the street. But to pray extemporaneous prayers is not commonly done.

You also often see here Muslims praying in the park. They stand, kneel down to pray, stand, kneel, etc. 7 times. I wish I felt so free to pray in public. On the other hand, Jesus said to pray in your closet and the Father will reward you openly.