Craig Taubman

Shiru l’Adonai Hero: Craig Taubman

Craig Taubman’s dynamic music and moving performance style have inspired the Jewish community for over twenty-five years. He brings the joy and spirit of Jewish heritage to life. Craig is a singer, songwriter, performer, album producer, event creator and worship leader. For Craig, shiru l’Adonai is a way of life.

The Start

Craig first began creating Jewish music at the age of fifteen, when he picked up a guitar and began to lead services at Camp Ramah in Ojai, California. He continued at USY and at Los Angeles Hebrew High School. Raised in Los Angeles to a Conservative Jewish family, his interest in music was interwoven with his passion for Jewish history and culture. Craig’s path led him to record two albums for the Los Angeles Hebrew High School. He then founded Yad B’Yad, a city-wide teen performing arts program funded by the Bureau of Jewish Education.

Secular Succ ess

Taubman’s career took off when he became a Disney recording artist in the early 1990s. He was seen in heavy rotation on the Disney Channel performing songs like “Haircut” and in concerts like “Rock’n Toontown” at Disneyland. In recent years he has branched out into recording and performing more adult-oriented music, most of it Jewish in nature, although he continues to record and perform for children.

Jewish Succ ess

Rabbi David Wolpe asked Craig to compose and perform a new erev Shabbat service for Sinai Temple. “Friday Night Live,” held once a month at Sinai Temple in Los Angeles. It is matched with “One Shabbat Morning,” which has also become a monthly service at Adat Ari El in Los Angeles. These two services have changed the nature of music in the Conservative Movement and inspired more and more congregations to create their own “Engaging Shabbat” experiences. “I am happiest doing the Jewish stuff,” Taubman says, “but my feet are firmly grounded in both communities.” His life work sings to God. While Debbie Friedman brought folk music to Jewish services, Craig made them rock.

Shiru L’Adonai

Here is the song that Craig wanted you to look at.

Anim zmirot these songs we sing

Anim zmirot these song we weave

From where they come to where they go

Anim zmirot these song we sing.

1. What do you think anim zmirot means? 2. What does this song say about singing? 3. Where is God involved?