It seems an impossible task to give adequate tribute and praise to Deborah Lynn Friedman. I join with many others around the globe in acknowledging how deeply she has impacted my life, and in recognizing how much she contributed to the person I have become.

On so many levels, Debbie was what we call a Tzaddik – a righteous person. She was the kind of person who wore her heart on her sleeve…or more like, her guitar. Her songs, blending Hebrew liturgy and English, found a way to connect to the largest number of people possible. Her concerts were more like the most raucous song sessions in which you would cry, dance, hug, jump, and of course, sing along with her, even if you weren’t expecting it when you first arrived. (If you’ve ever been to a concert or song session I led, you’ll see her influence! I always make ya sing along. I have also been called, at times, “a younger Debbie Friedman”. I am always deeply honored by that title.)

For Jewish communities around the world, Debbie paved a pathway for spirituality and music to come back into the fold. Her music and the way she shared it was groundbreaking, allowing so many people to understand prayer in a new way. Of course, her Mi Shebeirach – prayer for healing – has now become the standard healing prayer in congregations around the world and is considered full-on liturgy. The same is true for Havdallah, a ceremony which is inextricably linked with her beautiful melody. And where would my Hebrew skills be without the Aleph-Bet song? What an educator! She created an alphabet song for Jewish kids everywhere, so we can now remember the order of the alphabet. As a songleader and educator, I know that we would not be where we are now without Debbie.

She gave – and continues to give – language to prayers and concepts that were otherwise inaccessible. She gave us back our Judaism, in a beautiful new form.

On a personal level, Debbie was so generous – she would go out of her way to connect in a meaningful way, and make each person she was talking to feel special. She was always ready to give a hug, and wanted to know how you were doing for real. When I spoke with Debbie I always felt like she was listening with her entire being, and felt so much what I was saying that she was almost inside my head! That’s how she was able to write music that touched so many people: her genius and greatness came from her incredible humanity. She was a real person with deep and honest pain, struggle, humor and love which she did not hide.

I have many more thoughts on Debbie, but I will leave it for now. If you knew her or her music, how were you impacted? If you’re Jewish, can you even imagine what Judaism would looks like without her? (Me neither). If you’re not Jewish, I encourage you to explore her legacy. Debbie, thank you for all that you were and are, for all that you gave and still give, for the immeasurable and indelible mark you have left on this world. May your memory be for a blessing.