jewish moms (or other) would this bother you? (might be controversial)

I take my DD to gymnastics on mondays. I realized today that the song that was playing in the gym was Kumbaya.

Being jewish it kind of bothered me. Talia pics up the words to songs very quickly. I just don't think its the time or place to play religious music.

Before I say something to the director I wanted to know what you all thought.

Re: jewish moms (or other) would this bother you? (might be controversial)

I think that's a strange song for gymnastics, however, as a music teacher, I have to say that a lot of times, especially with really little kids, religious songs are used because they're simple and recognizable. It's not that anyone is trying to push their religious beliefs. That being said, I'm not religious, so I have no idea how I'd feel if I were you. I'd personally wait, and if it happened again, say something.

Re: jewish moms (or other) would this bother you? (might be controversial)

Im not really anything....my family was Jewish back ages ago in Hungary but werent when they came here....

DH is Jewish...as will be DS. (the rest of the kids are Catholic)

They probably looked at it as more of a childrens song than anything else....I wouldnt stress out over it...

Re: jewish moms (or other) would this bother you? (might be controversial)

Not Jewish, but I think it's an odd music selection for gymnastics. I would say something. I'm sure they're being harmless, they're just not aware that not everyone would want to hear that song.

Message edited 9/15/2008 4:44:03 PM.

Re: jewish moms (or other) would this bother you? (might be controversial)

When I walked into Alex's former class, they were playing god bless america - and something about it irked the heck out of me, so I can see where you're coming from.

The issue may lie with just not understanding how certain songs are religious. It really just might be an oversight.

Re: jewish moms (or other) would this bother you? (might be controversial)

I definitely agree with Beth, so many people don't even realize that certain songs are religious. Sheesh, I have a teacher in my school who is mad that the recorder program I use has Merrily We Roll Along (Mary had a Little Lamb) because she said it's too religious and she'd pull her kid from my class if I had her. I had no idea it was a religious song

Re: jewish moms (or other) would this bother you? (might be controversial)

I had no idea that was a religious song

Re: jewish moms (or other) would this bother you? (might be controversial)

"Kumbaya" (also spelled Kum Ba Yah) is a spiritual song from the 1930s. It enjoyed newfound popularity during the folk revival of the 1960s and became a standard campfire song in Scouting and other camping organizations.

The song was originally associated with unity and closeness, but more recently is also alluded to sarcastically to connote a blandly pious and naively optimistic view of the world and human nature.[1]

Re: jewish moms (or other) would this bother you? (might be controversial)

Posted by Mikismom

I had no idea that was a religious song

Re: jewish moms (or other) would this bother you? (might be controversial)

Posted by Mikismom

I had no idea that was a religious song

Message edited 9/15/2008 4:56:00 PM.

Re: jewish moms (or other) would this bother you? (might be controversial)

Posted by JRD2008

Posted by Mikismom

I had no idea that was a religious song

Neither did I. I also didn't know God Bless America was either...I know they use the word God, but to me it was always more about being proud of your country. But hey, you learn something new everyday!

As for the original question, I am not Jewish, but if DS heard Jewish songs it would not bother me. Doesn't make it wrong that it would bother you though. Your kid, and if you do not feel comfoable having Talia hear that song, I would absoloutly say something. Good luck!

Re: jewish moms (or other) would this bother you? (might be controversial)

Posted by JRD2008

Posted by Mikismom

I had no idea that was a religious song

Neither did I. I also didn't know God Bless America was either...I know they use the word God, but to me it was always more about being proud of your country. But hey, you learn something new everyday!

As for the original question, I am not Jewish, but if DS heard Jewish songs it would not bother me. Doesn't make it wrong that it would bother you though. Your kid, and if you do not feel comfoable having Talia hear that song, I would absoloutly say something. Good luck!

Message edited 9/15/2008 4:53:56 PM.

Re: jewish moms (or other) would this bother you? (might be controversial)

Posted by Sweets13

Posted by Mikismom

I had no idea that was a religious song

Me too...Did the other mothers seem to have a problem with it? Ask at the next class and see how everyone else feels. I am sure the director would like to know if something they play is offensive...she may not realize it

Message edited 9/15/2008 4:55:30 PM.

Re: jewish moms (or other) would this bother you? (might be controversial)

Posted by JRD2008

As for the original question, I am not Jewish, but if DS heard Jewish songs it would not bother me. Doesn't make it wrong that it would bother you though. Your kid, and if you do not feel comfoable having Talia hear that song, I would absoloutly say something. Good luck!

Re: jewish moms (or other) would this bother you? (might be controversial)

Posted by Theresa05

Posted by Sweets13

Posted by Mikismom

I had no idea that was a religious song

Me too...Did the other mothers seem to have a problem with it? Ask at the next class and see how everyone else feels. I am sure the director would like to know if something they play is offensive...she may not realize it

Ro its not like they are signing
"Luna Mezz'o Mare

Re: jewish moms (or other) would this bother you? (might be controversial)

Posted by MrsR

Posted by JRD2008

As for the original question, I am not Jewish, but if DS heard Jewish songs it would not bother me. Doesn't make it wrong that it would bother you though. Your kid, and if you do not feel comfoable having Talia hear that song, I would absoloutly say something. Good luck!

I have no issue exposing Talia to other cultures/religions especially through music. I think it is a wonderful gift to give children.

2 things that bothered me about it were:
1. Not sure gymnastics is the place to hear songs about the lord or g-d no matter what the religion
2. There is a difference between jewish songs (hebrew songs) and religious songs. I am not sure they would ever give equal time to religious jewish songs...and if they did I think the other parents would probably question it.

Again - it just struck me as odd...not sure its the time or place. I am sure they will play xmas/hanukkah music when the holidays come around...but then its a little more understandable since it is that time of year...and its so commercial for some reason it doesn't bother me as much.

Re: jewish moms (or other) would this bother you? (might be controversial)

Posted by Theresa05

Posted by MrsR

Posted by JRD2008

As for the original question, I am not Jewish, but if DS heard Jewish songs it would not bother me. Doesn't make it wrong that it would bother you though. Your kid, and if you do not feel comfoable having Talia hear that song, I would absoloutly say something. Good luck!

I have no issue exposing Talia to other cultures/religions especially through music. I think it is a wonderful gift to give children.

2 things that bothered me about it were:
1. Not sure gymnastics is the place to hear songs about the lord or g-d no matter what the religion
2. There is a difference between jewish songs (hebrew songs) and religious songs. I am not sure they would ever give equal time to religious jewish songs...and if they did I think the other parents would probably question it.

Again - it just struck me as odd...not sure its the time or place. I am sure they will play xmas/hanukkah music when the holidays come around...but then its a little more understandable since it is that time of year...and its so commercial for some reason it doesn't bother me as much.

its really a folk song and used to meditate so that is prob why they were playing it.. a few girls here said they hear it at Yoga!

Re: jewish moms (or other) would this bother you? (might be controversial)

Posted by MrsR

Posted by JRD2008

As for the original question, I am not Jewish, but if DS heard Jewish songs it would not bother me. Doesn't make it wrong that it would bother you though. Your kid, and if you do not feel comfoable having Talia hear that song, I would absoloutly say something. Good luck!

I have no issue exposing Talia to other cultures/religions especially through music. I think it is a wonderful gift to give children.

2 things that bothered me about it were:
1. Not sure gymnastics is the place to hear songs about the lord or g-d no matter what the religion
2. There is a difference between jewish songs (hebrew songs) and religious songs. I am not sure they would ever give equal time to religious jewish songs...and if they did I think the other parents would probably question it.

Again - it just struck me as odd...not sure its the time or place. I am sure they will play xmas/hanukkah music when the holidays come around...but then its a little more understandable since it is that time of year...and its so commercial for some reason it doesn't bother me as much.

Re: jewish moms (or other) would this bother you? (might be controversial)

Once you have the word "Lord" in a song, it becomes religious. Its a question of how it is interpreted. Frankly, I think it has no place in a secular gathering. I wouldn't like it nor would I want my child singing it and that has nothing to do with being Jewish. I just think it is innappropriate.

Re: jewish moms (or other) would this bother you? (might be controversial)

I am almost positive that it is not used in reference to religion at all. Hardly anyone knows that it is a religious song as you can see.

I also do not think its that big of a deal but I am sending Cadi to Temple for nursery school and catholic school later. My mother also send me to nursery school in a temple. I just do think what song you sing religious or not is a big deall. Its the idea that they are learning songs, melodies which can help them in their education.

Message edited 9/15/2008 5:11:09 PM.

Re: jewish moms (or other) would this bother you? (might be controversial)

I grew up Jewish and I will say I never thought about either song being religious. Kumbuya to me was always a folk song about getting along and God Bless America was a patriotic song. I always take the word God meaning the deity that you choose believe/ pray to. I would not be offended. Strange yes offended no.

Re: jewish moms (or other) would this bother you? (might be controversial)

My mom grew up with an orthodox dad and said she went to a Jewish camp and they sang Kumbuya there. She said she would not be offended by either song, especially God Bless America since she is a proud American- this is what she dictated to me.

Re: jewish moms (or other) would this bother you? (might be controversial)

Re: jewish moms (or other) would this bother you? (might be controversial)

I never looked at God Bless America as a religious song in fact that is the first time I have even heard someone say that.

Growing up in Nashville I had a lot of jewish friends and I know in girl scouts we always sang Kumbaya when we did sleep overs/camp fires and I don't think anyone ever had a problem with it. Again I never thought of it as anything other than a camp song.

Also I went to sleep away camp one summer growing up and my father's cousin and his wife worked at the camp. His wife was jewish and would lead songs and we would sing typical camp songs and Kumbaya was one of them.

I think a gym is a strange place to hear those type of songs - not for religious reasons but more along the lines of it just not really being a song I would associate with a gym.

As far as playing a religious music - I'm not jewish but I do encourage DD to listen to and appreciate music from all cultures and religions, so I probably wouldn't give it a second thought if I heard a religious song no matter which religion it is from.

Growing up in NY it is funny b.c although there is such a diversity here sometimes it seems people are less open in some ways. I went to private school in Nashville and in elementary school our class was about 50% jewish and 50% christian. They were very big about teaching about all holidays. When there was a religious holiday like christmas, Hanakakah, Passover, Easter etc a parent would come in and discuss everything, answer questions etc- we even had a field trip to a temple and a church.

Message edited 9/15/2008 6:00:24 PM.

Re: jewish moms (or other) would this bother you? (might be controversial)

Posted by JRD2008

Posted by Mikismom

I had no idea that was a religious song

Neither did I. I also didn't know God Bless America was either...I know they use the word God, but to me it was always more about being proud of your country. But hey, you learn something new everyday!

As for the original question, I am not Jewish, but if DS heard Jewish songs it would not bother me. Doesn't make it wrong that it would bother you though. Your kid, and if you do not feel comfoable having Talia hear that song, I would absoloutly say something. Good luck!