January 9, 2011: Beloved Jewish Singer/Songwriter Debbie Friedman Dies: Thousands mourn the passing of Debbie Friedman (z”l), legendary performer, composer, recording artist, teacher and passionate Jewish visionary who so profoundly influenced and enriched contemporary Jewish music. Debbie, as all who knew her, changed the face of Jewish liturgy throughout the world and shared her talent with all who would Sing Unto God.

“Many Thanks” to all who have supported the journey of making this documentary.

The DVD is now available for purchase for home viewing. Click on the button below to order your personal copy.

A Journey of Spirit is a documentary that tells the story of the remarkable singer, songwriter and guitarist Debbie Friedman. One of the preeminent women in contemporary Jewish culture, Debbie has integrated contemporary melody with Jewish liturgy to transform Jewish sacred music, making the text accessible to a large and diverse audience. A Journey of Spirit explores the tremendous power this artist and leader has to promote spirituality, healing, and community.

This 75-minute documentary explores the transformation of liberal Jewish worship, the growth of the new profession of Jewish singer/songwriter, and humanity’s need for healing. Viewers are treated to a lively and heartfelt exchange as A Journey of Spirit places the debate about contemporary versus traditional prayer music squarely on the table.

AWARDS

A Journey of Spirit wins SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD for SOCIAL CHANGE THROUGH THE ARTS from the Greater Seattle Business Association

A Journey of Spirit wins 1ST PRIZE AWARD for the BEST NEW JEWISH FILM at the Detroit Jewish Film Festival.

A Journey of Spirit wins award for BEST FILM at the NCJW Film Festival.

A Journey of Spirit ties for 2nd place as Audience Favorite, Argentina Intl. Jewish Film Festival.

A Journey of Spirit is 2nd runner-up as Audience Favorite-Documentary, Desert Jewish Film Festival.

— CLICK HERE FOR SCREENING HISTORY —

OF SPECIAL NOTE:
‘A Journey of Spirit’ is now available to NBC stations beginning June 3, 2012 for a 6-month window. Please contact your local NBC affiliate’s program director and tell them you are interested in viewing this program and hope that they will be able to air it. The program is part of Horizons of the Spirit (documentary offerings from the Interfaith Broadcasting Commission) and the Edited for Television version is sponsored by Union for Reform Judaism.

Click here to view a 2-min trailer

A Journey of Spirit selected press:

November 27, 2005 “Charleston Post and Courier”  Charleston, SC –Jewish Music Film About Community

November 2005 “Argentina International Jewish Film Festival Brochure” About the film “A JOURNEY OF SPIRIT”: When the soul can sing (translated from Spanish) 

May 2005 “Hadassah Magazine” – Film Review, P. 43

April 16, 2005, “Ann Arbor News” Ann Arbor, MI – Jewish Culture on Screen

February 11, 2005, “Jewish News of Greater Phoenix” Phoenix, AZ – Old Friends Team Up For Musical Documentary

February 2005, “Jerusalem Report” Jerusalem, Israel — Chords of Reform

December 2004, “Jerusalem Post” Jerusalem, Israel — Debbie Friedman’s Spiritual Undertaking

Check the Film Festival Screening Schedule to find out when A Journey of Spirit is playing in your town.

“In time, I hope that all congregations interested in growth will get to see the film. It can be a dynamic educational tool, a trigger to discussions about nusach, change, courage of one’s convictions, and Jewish continuity.”
— Judy Aronson, Chairperson CAJE 28