Cap and Collar Rabbi Yossi Liebowitz and Senior Pastor Paul Harmon Friends? Enemies? Fr–enemies?

On first blush, it’s really difficult to discern the relationship between Spartanburg Temple B’Nai Israel Rabbi Yossi Liebowitz and Washington Street United Methodist Senior Pastor Paul Harmon, who make up the musical duo, “The Cap and the Collar.”

“He’s insufferable,” said Harmon of Liebowitz. “He comes up with morbid songs in minor keys. He delights in making up songs on the way to performances and then forcing me to perform them.”

“It’s been a terrible disappointment to me that it’s all worked out this way,” said Liebowitz of his and Harmon’s relationship.

But underneath the good–natured ribbing, there’s a deep appreciation for each other, which comes out when they discuss what the seven–year association has meant for them, personally and spiritually.

“We actually have become very good friends,” Harmon said. “We’ve gotten really good at counseling one another as we made the discovery that we often deal with the same dynamics at our congregations.”

“We just don’t fight about things,” said Liebowitz. “I think there might have been one time we might have jabbed at each other about theology, but as Paul has always said, ‘if we can get along, anyone can.’ I believe that it has deepened my faith.”

“It really is okay for a Christian and a Jew to get along,” said Harmon. “I hope it makes a statement.”

The two met at a local rotary club in 2003 and discovered their mutual love of music. They soon joined forces as The Cap and The Collar, presenting a mixture of traditional folk, country, and original songs to a variety of audiences — churches and synagogues, college campuses, and community centers.

Their songs include parodies such as “Thank God I’m a Jewish Boy” and “Your Rabbi’s Nice,” as well as heart–felt original songs, including “The Flower Boy” and “Where the Wind Blows.”

During a recent performance that was posted on the Internet site YouTube, the two bandied about their early ideas for a group name.

“The Rev and the Rabbi was the first idea,” Harmon said.

“No, Paul, it was actually the Rabbi and the Rev,” Liebowitz retorted.

Not to be outdone, Harmon shot back, “How about the Christian and the Cranky Jew?”

It’s this kind of humor that keeps the relationship fresh, both agree.

“He’s an insufferable liberal, and I’m a moderate, so we don’t have a lot in common, but what I like about Yossi is that he’s genuine. He’s just Yossi.”

“He usually ridicules some of my lyrics that I come up with, and of course, I will ridicule his,” Liebowitz said. “But he’s actually a pretty good wordsmith, so it’s a good partnership.”

The two have no delusions about their talent. “We’re just two guys banging on guitars,” said Liebowitz, who is in his 32nd year as a rabbi.

“I’m the straight guy,” added Harmon, who is in his sixth year at Washington Street Methodist. “It works.”

The two perform about 12–14 times a year in various venues around the Columbia and Spartanburg areas. They have made a CD of some of their songs that Liebowitz said “can be found nowhere.” To find out more, visit capandcollar. com.