Friendly spirit

Massachusetts-born Julie Silver has become a nationally known figure in contemporary Jewish music. Now a resident of California, she returns to Boston this music for a rare concert appearance to raise funds for the progressive congregation Boston Jewish Spirit. The busy Silver spoke with Bay Windows by phone, while en route to a music conference, about her work and faith.

Q: Maybe I should start by warning you that I was raised Catholic, and contemporary Jewish music is a whole new world to me.
A: Worship music is really one of the most important ways that people express their faith. I don't mean to compare it, it's just part of a larger world of Jewish music, but contemporary music hopefully engages people and includes the historically marginalized and disenfranchised. Boston Jewish Spirit is a synagogue that is really serving those who have been historically marginalized. Senior citizens, the gay community, single people...people who have been underserved. My music, and the music of my colleagues, tries to reach them. I want everyone to enjoy it and have a meaningful experience.

Q: I would imagine this is especially an issue if you're gay and Jewish.
A: Yes, that's especially an issue for LGBT Jews. The Reform and Reconstructionist movements have been on the cutting edge of progress when it comes to people of faith embracing LGBT people and couples and families. In the last 20 years, Reform Judaism has been on the forefront of this movement. As much as I've been a songwriter and teacher in this movement, I've also been a student. These role models who have embraced the LGBT community have really helped form my songwriting.

Q: So being out has not been a big issue for you?
A: In my community I feel encouraged as a writer and an artist, and I feel totally encouraged to include the LGBT community in my music. The fact that I'm a lesbian, and a mother, and a partner, and a person of faith, all that is in my music.

Q: What about coming out? Did you ever wrestle with faith versus sexuality?
A: I think that I was very lucky to be raised in a traditional appearing community but in a liberal state. I didn't really have the struggles around coming out that many do across the country. In honor of that, I think its my obligation to help people come out and to be receptive to people who are figuring out their way. The second I wanted to come out, there were people, especially in the Jewish community, I knew I could count on. I was always shown the progressive and embracing side of the Jewish community. One of the most powerful and meaningful parts of my work is that people feel they can come out to me. That's very satisfying.

Q: You've taken that support, and become a role model yourself.
A: I don't wave a rainbow flag, but I'm out on stage. I mention my partner, and talk about defining family, and it's very clear. I try to reach people who have felt outnumbered and have not been prioritized. Boston Jewish Spirit is doing such a remarkable thing, they are building their foundation on this. Our faith teaches us that the stones the builder rejected become the cornerstones of our communities. Those who have been disenfranchised are the builders. They are the educators, the rabbis. I wish the world could see the kind of progress the Jewish community has made in this area, with the LGBT community.

Q: Have you written music for weddings? I know you live in California now...
A: I think marriage is going to be booming! In August I'm performing at two weddings. I have written liturgical music for weddings. It's very inclusive. The fact that I was born and raised in Massachusetts, and now this in California...it's a wonderful time! What more could we ask for, except for all prejudice to go away in a finger snap?

Q: I forgot to ask, how did you get involved with Boston Jewish Spirit?
A: This is the best story of all. My parents, after years of being suburbanites in Newton, moved to downtown Boston. And they and their friends decided they would just form their own synagogue. It's very typical of my parents to be proactive and involved in their community. And if there isn't a community, they'll make one!

Julie Silver performs Saturday, May 31 at 7:30 p.m. at Emmanuel Church, 15 Newbury St. Boston. There is no cover charge but donations will be gladly accepted. Info: www.bostonjewishspirit.org