Jewish music with a country twang

Joe Buchanan, a convert to Judaism inspired by the traditions of Americana music and his faith, will be Artist in Residence on March 1 and 2 at Congregation Ohev Shalom.

It was just after a harrowing 2011 visit to the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C., that Buchanan listened with astonishment as his wife of 13 years, April, revealed something she hadn't yet told him: she was born Jewish because her mother was Jewish. He knew she had been raised in Texas by a Christian father and a non-practicing Jewish mother and had attended church as a child. But he hadn't realized that according to the Jewish practice of matrilineal descent, April was considered to be Jewish, as well as their 12-year-old son, Nathan.

Like April, Joe had also been raised as a church-going Texan. But neither one had felt the spark of true connection with Christianity, in spite of Joe's restless wandering from church to church. They decided to learn more about Judaism. "The exploration that followed absolutely changed our lives," he says now.

They contacted a Conservative synagogue near their Houston home and, as the family learned more, they felt a connection to Judaism they'd never had with Christianity. Joe began the conversion process, and Nathan celebrated becoming a bar mitzvah at age 13.

Joe is a musician, and as he studied and learned in preparation for conversion, he began processing the new ideas through songwriting. He shared some of it with their rabbi, who encouraged him to write more and perform at their synagogue. "The music came from a strong desire to share everything that was learned and continues to be learned-the healing, the hope, and the joy of life that's so central to who we are," he says.

Following his conversion in 2013 and a stint at the annual Jewish song leader bootcamp, Joe began performing his music and leading musical services in some Texas synagogues and was encouraged by the response. As word spread, he eventually realized he had built a new career, one that enables him to express the beauty and meaning he has found as a Jew. Now 47, he writes and performs his music and leads special musical services full time, traveling to congregations and events around the country a few weekends per month. He has released two albums of original Jewish music steeped in the traditions of the Americana, Country and Bluegrass music he grew up loving: a debut entitled "Unbroken" and his latest, "Back From Babylon."

In anticipation of his upcoming weekend as Artist in Residence at Congregation Ohev Shalom of Orlando, we asked Joe a few questions about his experiences.

As a convert to Judaism, what aspect of the religion or culture have you found most personally meaningful-beyond the career you have found as a writer and performer of Jewish music?

"It's hard to separate the music because it comes from what is meaningful about being Jewish. If it didn't, I wouldn't be doing this. I don't know that there is a central aspect that is the most meaningful, but I'm currently most moved by the idea that this is the time we have, given to us by a loving Creator, to live well. I spent so much time feeling apart from my life before I found Judaism. We have tremendous healing in our values."

About how many congregations have you performed for? Are there particular states or cities you mostly go to? Ones you've yet to visit?

"Wow, a lot. It's been a mix of communities, festivals, bars, and more. On average, I'm on the road about three weekends a month in different Jewish communities, but this year we're stepping back to two to spend more time at home. I've never been one to count the number of bookings I've had and it's been quite a few over the last 8 years. There's only a couple of states I haven't played or prayed in yet, but I have played internationally and we're planning more of that in the next year. As for specific states, I'd sure love to visit Montana."

Jewish congregations can vary widely in their practices and tone. Have you encountered customs or ideas that have surprised you as you have performed and interacted with congregants at various synagogues?

"People are people, no matter where you go, and so I'm rarely surprised by folks. I go into communities very open minded and curious about how life is there, but what catches me off guard is the very small things. You can have two synagogues, both the same denomination, down the road from each other, and their way of chanting the v'ahavta will be different in a tiny way. I mean 2-3 notes in a moment tiny. Usually because of something someone did long ago that just stuck in that community. I love hearing those little differences. It's like an echo with a story. It started somewhere and I'm always glad I had the chance to hear it."

 Describe the songs you write. What do they sound like? What do they express?

 "All the music I make is inspired by the Torah, the decision to become Jewish, and the lessons learned along the way to where we are. It's all country music and it's all Jewish. I grew up on country and singer-songwriters from long road trips with my grandparents and a jukebox we had at the ranch. When I started writing Jewish music, those were my influences and it seemed like such a natural pairing. At its best, country music is about people and captures everything from the quiet moments to the celebrations and struggles. My main goal was to always be authentic with every song and honor both the music and beliefs that inspired it."

What are some special moments that stand out in your memory as you look back on these years of sharing Jewish spirit through music?

"I sometimes describe this work as very 'close.' You get to spend real time with folks in prayer and conversation, hearing their stories and getting to know them. It's just been a joy to hear so many share how they've reconnected to being Jewish. I've had the pleasure of hearing a lot of stories from folks who joined the tribe, as well as those who found it again after long years. I'm always honored when they share that it's because of something I did. I think the best thing you can hope for with your music is that it does some good out there in the world.

"Recently, a lady shared with me that she didn't enjoy country music but her late husband loved it. She came to a service I did and said not only did she enjoy the music, but she felt like her husband was sitting beside her. That was pretty special."  

Joe Buchanan will be Artist in Residence at Congregation Ohev Shalom on March 1 and 2, 2024. He will offer his original musical prayers beginning with Kabbalat Shabbat services at 6:30 p.m. on Friday evening, March 1, and continuing with Shabbat morning services at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 2. During Kiddush lunch following the morning service on March 2, Joe will speak about his journey to Judaism. Then, on Saturday evening, March 2, at 7:30 p.m., Joe will lead his original Havdallah service and then perform in concert, with a dessert reception to follow. 

All events will be held at Congregation Ohev Shalom, 613 Concourse Parkway South, Maitland, and the public is warmly invited to attend at no cost. RSVPs are requested; find the link at OhevShalom.org.

The Artist in Residence weekend is underwritten by the Dr. Edward S. Ackerman Memorial Endowment and sponsored in his memory by his wife, Dr. Shelley Fleet, and their children, Brad, Andrew and Hilary.

For more information on Joe Buchanan, visit his website: JoeBuchananMusic.com.