Who wrote ein keloheinu?

Answer 1

Marcus Heinemann

Since religious instruction shifted to the German language there appeared textbooks which contain, accidentally or on purpose numerous erroneous or misinterpretations of Jewish principles. Others appeared in a manner which is contrived or imitative, and do not reflect the traditions of Judaism. One exception is the book issued at the instigation of Abraham Bing, rabbi in Wurzburg, whose student, Dr. Alexander Behr, emphasized religious substance rather than form.40 He then rather sharply describes "a picture of an era of indifference in all of its desolation," which in fact reflects much of Jewish society of that period and, as mentioned above, made most ugly appearances, especially in Berlin. It is the merit of men like Jeremias Heinemann who wanted not only to renew Judaism but wanted to innovate, based on tradition, and through their pedagogic efforts contributed so much to overcome the dangers which threatened Judaism.

The Thora school, which Jeremias had improved so greatly in so short a time, became, after it was merged with the community school, a place where his son Marcus became active as he displayed new talents for music and drawing in addition to his legacy in pedagogy. His compositions are evidence of his musical gifts, foremost, En Kelohenu, the closing song for the Sabbath which became popular everywhere because it was included in Lewandowski's collection of synagogue music.41 The compositions for piano, still in possession of the family, are in keeping with the times and give melodic pleasure and reflect harmonious tastes, while the synagogue pieces are of much higher standing and reflect music which sounds good and is thoroughly well composed.4