59-year-old Debbie Friedman, the Jewish singer-songwriter considered on of the most important figures in contemporary Jewish music, died of pneumonia in a California hospital on Sunday.
Friedman, who blended Hebrew liturgical texts with folk music, released over 20 albums in her 35-year career, and performed in concerts worldwide at synagogues, churches, schools, and venues such as Carnegie Hall.
The Union for Reform Judaism issued a statement, saying, “Debbie influenced and enriched contemporary Jewish music in a profound way. Her music crossed generational and denominational lines and carved a powerful legacy of authentic Jewish spirituality into our daily lives.”
See Debbie Friedman tribute video below.