Cantor Azi Schwartz: Recent Episodes
Cantor Azi Schwartz
Cantor Azi Schwartz is a world-renowned vocal performer and recording artist whose music reaches both Jewish and interfaith audiences internationally. His craft of Jewish liturgical music has been described as emotionally moving, spiritually uplifting, and artistically dynamic.
Azi grew up in a traditional community in Israel. His grandfather, also a cantor, inspired Azi to pursue his passion and inclination for singing and music. After graduating from the Tel Aviv Cantorial Institute and studying under the top cantors in the world, Azi continued studying music, earning a Masters in Classical Singing and Conducting from Mannes School of Music in New York.
Since 2009, Azi serves as cantor at Park Avenue Synagogue, the largest Conservative community in NYC and the flagship of Jewish liturgical music in North America. Following distinguished predecessors, including Cantor David Lefkowitz, Cantor Schwartz creates, records, and publishes new liturgical music, as well as hosts world-class guest artists for concerts and worship.
Passionate to bring Jewish liturgy to the broader world, Azi has performed at Carnegie Hall, the United Nations, Madison Square Garden, the US Capitol Rotunda, and the Israeli Knesset. In 2018, Azi was featured in a PBS special titled “The New York Cantors,” which brought cantorial music to millions of viewers across the US and in Europe. During Pope Francis’s visit to New York in October 2015, Cantor Schwartz represented the Jewish people at the multi-religious service at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. He played the role of the cantor in Richard Gere's movie Norman, and performs in concerts and interfaith missions around the world. Azi has an astounding online following. He has released nine studio albums containing traditional and newly commissioned Jewish liturgical music.
Dedicated to cultivating the next generation of cantors, Azi serves on faculty of all major cantorial schools, and serves as Treasurer for the Cantors’ Assembly, the largest professional organization for cantors.
Park Avenue Synagogue is honored to have Cantor Azi Schwartz, his wife Dr. Noa Schwartz, and their four children in our community.
A relatively modern addition to our liturgy, the words of Miriam HaNivia (Miriam the Prophetess) accompany the traditional text of Eliyahu HaNavi (Elijah the Prophet), whom we invoke as we end shabbat and enter the week with the ritual of Havdalah. This spirited new musical setting by Beth Styles, commissioned by the PAS Music Center as part of the Family Siddur Project, recalls the moment in our collective history when Miriam took a timbrel in her hand and led the Israelites in music and dance. We hope that this new premiere will bring more song and dance to your life, both inside and outside of the synagogue walls!
Kol nidrei v’esarei vaharamei v’konamei v’khinuyei v’kinusei, u-sh’vuot, dindarna u-d’ishtavana, u-d’aharimna v’diasarna al nafshatana. Mi-yom kippurim zeh ad yom kippurim ha-ba aleinu l’tovah. Kul’hon iharatna v’hon, kul’hon y’hon sharan, sh’vikin sh’vitin b’teilin u-m’vutalin, la sh’ririn v’la kayamin. Nidrana la nidrei ve’esarana la esarei u-sh’vuatana la sh’vuot.
All vows, and binding statements, and oaths, bans, restrictions, penalties, and every term that sets things out of bounds; all that we vow and swear, ban or bar from ourselves, from this Yom Kippur to next Yom Kippur (let it be for good), each one of them we regret. Let each one be released, forgotten, undone, null and void, not in force and not in effect. Our vows are no longer vows, and our prohibitions are no longer prohibitions, and our oaths are no longer oaths.
Mr. Gelb, General Manager of the Metropolitan Opera, will connect the opera world with traditional hazzanut and everything in between, in conversation with Cantor Schwartz and Music Director Colin Fowler.
Prior to joining the Met, Peter Gelb served as President of the Sony Classical record label and as President of CAMI Video. Under his leadership, the Met has launched several new initiatives, including The Met: Live in HD; a new opera commissioning program; and a 24-hour Met Radio station on Sirius XM. Mr. Gelb has won Emmy, Grammy, and Peabody Awards, the Sanford Prize from the Yale School of Music, and France’s Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur.
[Kabbalat Shabbat, Friday evening service]
L’kha dodi likrat kallah, p’nei shabbat n’kab’lah. *Shamor v’zakhor b’dibur ehad, hishmi·anu eil ham’yuhad. Adonai ehad ush’mo ehad, l’shem ul’tiferet v’lit’hilah. L’kha . . . Likrat Shabbat l’khu v’nelkhah, ki hi m’kor ha-b’rakhah. Mei-rosh mi-kedem n’sukhah, sof ma·aseh b’mahashavah t’hilah. L’kha . . . Mikdash melekh ir m’lukhah, kumi tz’i mi-tokh hahafeikhah. Rav lakh shevet b’emek ha-bakhah, v’hu yahamol alayikh hemlah. L’kha . . . Hitna·ari mei-afar kumi, livshi bigdei tifartekh ami. Al yad ben yishai beit ha-lahmi, korvah el nafshi ge·ala. L’kha . . .
*Hitoreri hitoreri, ki va orekh kumi ori. Uri uri shir dabeiri, k’vod Adonai alayikh niglah. L’kha . . . Lo teivoshi v’lo tikalmi, ma tishtohahi u-mah tehemi, Bakh yehesu aniyei ami v’nivn’ta ir al tila. L’kha . . . V’hayu limshisah shosayikh, v’rahaku kol m’valayikh. Yasis alayikh elohayikh, kimsos hatan al kallah. L’kha . . . Yamin u-smol tifrotzi, v’et Adonai ta·aritzi. Al yad ish ben partzi, v’nism’hah v’nagilah.
L’kha . . .
*Bo·i v’shalom ateret ba·alah, gam b’simhah uv’tzoholah. Tokh emunei am s’gulah, bo’i khalah, bo·i khallah.
L’kha . . .
Come my beloved, to greet the bride; let us welcome Shabbat. “Observe” and “remember”were uttered as one; so we heard it from the singular One. God is one and God’s name is one, reflected in fame, in splendor, and in praise. Come . . . Shrine of our sovereign, royal city, rise up from destruction and fear no more. End your dwelling in the tear-filled valley, for with God’s compassion you will be upraised. Come . . . Awake! Rise up from the dust! Dress yourself in this people’s pride. By the hand of Jesse’s son, of Bethlehem’s tribe bring my redemption without further delays. Come . . . Rouse yourself, rouse yourself, for your lamp is lit; let the flame rise up and glow. Awake awake, utter songs of praise, for God’s glory is revealed to your gaze. Come . . . Do not be embarrassed, do not be ashamed. Why are you downcast? Why do you moan? The poorest of your people, trust in this: the city will be rebuilt as in ancient days. Come . . . Your despoilers shall be despoiled, your tormentors removed far away. God and you will celebrate together, a bride and groom in joyful embrace. Come . . . You will spread out to the left and the right, acclaiming Adonai our God with delight. Redeemed by the scion of Peretz’s line, we shall joyously chant songs of praise. Come . . . *Come in peace, crown your spouse, surrounded by gladness and joyous shouts. Come to the faithful, the people You treasure with pride, come, my bride; come my bride. Come . . .
from L'dor Vador, releases October 10, 2016
Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco (1895–1968) Born in Florence, Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco was descended from a prominent Jewish banking family that had lived in the city since the expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492. He was one of the foremost guitar composers of the twentieth century, with almost one hundred compositions for that instrument. After immigrating to the US in 1939, he worked for MGM Studios for fifteen years, composing scores for some 200 Hollywood movies as well as becoming a significant influence on other major film composers, including Henry Mancini, André Previn, and John Williams. He also wrote concertos for Jascha Heifetz and Gregor Piatigorsky as well as several operas. His work was inspired by great literature and also by his Jewish heritage, most notably the Bible and Jewish liturgy.
Ein keloheinu, ein kadoneinu, ein k’malkeinu, ein k’moshi·einu. Mi kheloheinu, mi khadoneinu, mi kh’malkeinu, mi kh’moshi·einu . Nodeh leloheinu, nodeh ladoneinu, nodeh l’malkeinu, nodeh l’moshi·einu . Barukh Eloheinu, barukh adoneinu, barukh malkeinu, barukh moshi·einu . Atah hu Eloheinu, atah hu adoneinu, atah hu malkeinu, atah hu moshi·einu.
There is nothing like our God, like our Lord; there is nothing like our Leader, like our Protector. / Who is like our God, our Lord? Who is like our Leader, our Protector? / Let us thank our God, our Lord; let us thank our Leader, our Protector. / Let us praise our God, our Lord; let us praise our Leader, our Protector. / You are our God, our Lord; You are our Leader, our Protector.
Y’varekh’kha Adonai v’yishm’rekha. Ken y’hi ratzon. Ya’eir Adonai panav eilekha vihuneka. Ken y’hi ratzon. May God bless you and protect you. May God show you favor and be gracious unto you. May God show you kindness and grant you peace. Yisa Adonai panav eilekha v’yaseim l’kha shalom. Ken y’hi ratzon.
Shalom aleikhem, malakhei ha-shareit, malakhei elyon, mi-melekh malkhei ham’lakhim haKadosh Barukh Hu. Bo·akhem l’shalom, malakhei ha-shalom, malakhei elyon . . . Bar’khuni l’shalom, malakhei ha-shalom, malakhei elyon . . . Tzeitkhem l’shalom, malakhei ha-shalom, malakhei elyon. . .
Peace to you, ministering angels, messengers of the Most High, Sent by the Sovereign, the sovereign of all sovereigns, the Holy One, whom we bless. Come in peace, angels of peace, messengers of the Most High . . . Bless us with peace, angels of peace, messengers of the Most High . . . Go in peace, angels of peace, messengers of the Most High . . .
Azamra l’Elohai b’odi Ahal’la . . . Halleluyah! All sing to You, all praise to You, O Source of all Creation. We call Your Name, we sing Your praise, O Holy One of Blessing: Halleluyah!
El na r’fa na la. Mi shebeirakh avoteinu/imoteinu Grant us r’fuah sh’leimah May the source of strength renew our body, renew our spirit, and let us say: Amen.
Y’varekh’kha Adonai v’yishm’rekha. Ya’eir Adonai panav eilekha vihuneka. Yisa Adonai panav eilekha v’yaseim l’kha shalom.
May Adonai bless and protect you. May Adonai’s countenance shine upon you and be gracious to you. May Adonai’s countenance be lifted toward you, and grant you peace.
Eliana Light, arr. Eldor
Eliana Light (1990–) Eliana Light is the Director of Music Education at Park Avenue Synagogue. She has two albums of original Jewish music, A New Light and Eliana Sings (About Jewish Things!). Her songs have been featured on PJ Library compliations and are used by educators, song-leaders, and clergy all over the country. Eliana has performed and taught throughout the US, including at the Union for Reform Judaism Biennial, the NewCAJE Jewish Education Conference, Limmud New York, and the DeLeT Masters Program. She is the author of Hebrew in Harmony, a curriculum published by Behrman House that teaches prayer and Hebrew through music. Eliana received her Masters in Jewish Experiential Education from JTS in 2016.
L’dor va-dor nagid godlekha u-l’netzah n’tzahim k’dushat’kha nakdish. V’shivhakha Eloheinu mi-pinu lo yamush l’olam va-ed, ki El melekh gadol v’kadosh atah. Barukh atah Adonai ha-El ha-kadosh.
From one generation to another we will declare Your greatness, and forever sanctify You with words of holiness. Your praise will never leave our lips, for You are God and Sovereign, great and holy.
Elliot Weiss Arr. Oran Eldor
Elliot Weiss (1952–) Mr. Weiss’s works include Bittersuite: Songs of Experience, winner of the Off-B’way MAC award for Best Musical; The Witch of Wall Street, recipient of the Eugene O’Neill Award for Excellence in Musical Theatre; and the oratorio Dori: The Life and Times of Theodore Herzl, featuring lyrics by Eric Blau, creator of Jacques Brel. Mr. Weiss is currently at work on an opera based on the holocaust memoirs of Dr. Thomas Nyiszli with a libretto by noted author Leslie Epstein. He has also recently completed a sequel to Bittersuite entitled Bittersuite: Songs of More Experience, exploring the humorous side of growing older.
Hamakom y’naheim etkhem b’tokh sh’ar av’lei tziyon virushalayim. Min ha-shamayim t’nuhamu.
May God comfort you among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. May Heaven comfort you.
Elliot Weiss, arr. Oran Eldor
Elliot Weiss (1952–) Mr. Weiss’s works include Bittersuite: Songs of Experience, winner of the Off-B’way MAC award for Best Musical; The Witch of Wall Street, recipient of the Eugene O’Neill Award for Excellence in Musical Theatre; and the oratorio Dori: The Life and Times of Theodore Herzl, featuring lyrics by Eric Blau, creator of Jacques Brel. Mr. Weiss is currently at work on an opera based on the holocaust memoirs of Dr. Thomas Nyiszli with a libretto by noted author Leslie Epstein. He has also recently completed a sequel to Bittersuite entitled Bittersuite: Songs of More Experience, exploring the humorous side of growing older.
Hayom t’amtzeinu, Amen. Hayom t’varkheinu, Amen. Hayom t’gad’leinu, Amen. Hayom tidr’sheinu l’tovah, Amen. Hayom tikht’veinu l’hayim tovim, Amen. Hayom tishma shavateinu, Amen. Hayom titm’kheinu bimin tzidkekha, Amen.
Today may You strengthen us, Amen. Today may You bless us, Amen. Today may You exalt us, Amen. Today may You grant us well-being, Amen. Today may You inscribe us for a good life, Amen. Today may You hear our cry, Amen. Today may You sustain us in Your righteousness, Amen.
Noah Aronson, arr. Eldor, vocal arr. Raymond Goldstein
Noah Aronson (1983–) Noah Aronson’s music is sung in Jewish communities and summer camps worldwide and has been included as part of the cantorial curriculum at the HUC-JIR Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music. Noah appears and his music is featured in Hebrew in Harmony from Behrman House as well as on two compilations from PJ Library. Noah currently serves as the Creative Director of Sacred Music NY, a non-profit organization that brings together spiritual musicians from diverse backgrounds to inspire interfaith dialogue and social change. He holds a degree in Jazz Composition and Piano from Berklee College of Music. He was Composer in Residence at Temple Beth Elohim in Wellesley, MA, where he produced four albums with his mentor, Cantor Jodi Sufrin. Noah has released two solo albums and songbooks entitled “Am I Awake” and “Left Side of the Page” He serves on the faculty of the annual Hava Nashira and Shabbat Shira workshop in Oconomowoc, WI, and the Shirei Chagigah workshop in London, England.
Ha-hamah mei-rosh ha-ilanot nistalkah, Bo·u v’netzei likrat Shabbat ha-malkah. Hineh hi yoredet ha-k’doshah ha-b’rukhah, v’imah malakhim, tz’va shalom u-m’nuhah. Bo·i ha-malkah, bo·i ha-kallah.
The sun has disappeared from the tree-tops; come, let us go out to welcome the Sabbath, the queen. Here, she is descending, the holy, the blessed, and with her are angels – a host of peace and of rest. Come, O queen; come, O bride.
May the One who makes peace in the heavens descend on us, and the world will say: Amen. Amen, amen, descend on us, and the world will say: Amen. Oseh shalom bimromav, Hu ya’aseh shalom aleinu, v’al kol Yisrael, v’al kol yoshvei teivel. Amen.
Mimkom’kha malkeinu tofi·a, v’timlokh aleinu, ki m’hakim anahnu lakh. Matai timlokh b’tziyon, b’karov, b’yameinu, l’olam va-ed tishkon.
From your place, our Sovereign, may you appear and reign over us, for we are waiting for You. When will you reign in Zion? Soon, in our days, forever may you dwell there.
Bar’khu et Adonai ham’vorakh. Barukh Adonai ham’vorakh l’olam va-ed. Amen.
Praise Adonai, to whom all prayer is directed. Praise Adonai, to whom all prayer is directed forever and ever.
L’dor va-dor nagid godlekha u-l’netzah n’tzahim k’dushat’kha nakdish. V’shivhakha Eloheinu mi-pinu lo yamush l’olam va-ed, ki El melekh gadol v’kadosh atah. Barukh atah Adonai ha-El ha-kadosh.
From one generation to another we will declare Your greatness, and forever sanctify You with words of holiness. Your praise will never leave our lips, for You are God and Sovereign, great and holy.
Adam Gwon Arr. Oran Eldor Vocal arr. Raymond Goldstein
Adam Gwon is a rising musical theater writer, named one of "50 to Watch" by The Dramatist magazine and hailed "a promising newcomer to our talent-hungry musical theater" by The New York Times.
His musicals have received more than 150 productions on five continents. Off-Broadway: Ordinary Days (Roundabout Theatre), Old Jews Telling Jokes (Westside Theatre); Regional: Cake Off (Signature Theatre, Helen Hayes Award nomination), Cloudlands (South Coast Repertory), The Boy Detective Fails (Signature Theatre), Bernice Bobs Her Hair (Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma); West End: Ordinary Days (Trafalgar Studios).
Adam has also contributed songs as a staff writer on the hit webseries Submissions Only.
Adam is the proud recipient of the Kleban Award, the Fred Ebb Award, the Richard Rodgers Award, the Frederick Loewe Award, the Second Stage Theatre Donna Perret Rosen Award, the Weston Playhouse New Musical Award, the ASCAP Harold Adamson Award, and the MAC John Wallowitch Award, as well as commissions from Roundabout Theatre Company, Playwrights Horizons, Signature Theatre, South Coast Repertory, and Broadway Across America. His songs have been heard at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, and more, performed by such luminaries as Audra McDonald, Kelli O’Hara, and Brian d'Arcy James.
Recordings of Adam's work include the cast album of Ordinary Days (Ghostlight Records), Audra McDonald's Go Back Home (Nonesuch), The Essential Liz Callaway (Working Girl Records), Over the Moon: The Broadway Lullaby Project (Entertainment One), and more.
Adam has been a fellow at the MacDowell Colony, the O'Neill Music Theater Conference, and the Dramatists Guild, is a graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, and is a member of ASCAP and the Dramatists Guild.
L’dor va-dor nagid godlekha u-l’netzah n’tzahim k’dushat’kha nakdish. V’shivhakha Eloheinu mi-pinu lo yamush l’olam va-ed, ki El melekh gadol v’kadosh atah. Barukh atah Adonai ha-El ha-kadosh.
From one generation to another we will declare Your greatness, and forever sanctify You with words of holiness. Your praise will never leave our lips, for You are God and Sovereign, great and holy.
[End of Kedushah]
Kol Adonai hotzev lahavot esh. Kol Adonai yahil midbar, yahil Adonai midbar kadesh. Kol Adonai y’holel ayalot va-yehesof y’arot uv’heikhalo kulo omer kavod. Adonai lamabul yashav vayeshev Adonai melekh l’olam. Adonai oz l’amo yiten Adonai y’varekh et amo va-shalom.
The voice of Adonai flashes fire, splitting rocks; the voice of Adonai convulses the desert, the very desert of Kadesh. The voice of Adonai makes hinds calve; the voice of Adonai strips forests bare, while in the sanctuary all acknowledge God’s glory. Adonai was enthroned above the primal waters; Adonai sat enthroned, the eternal sovereign. Adonai will grant strength to God’s people, blessing them with peace.
Leib Glantz , arr. Raymond Goldstein
Leib Glantz (1898–1964) Born in Ukraine, Leib Glantz was a cantor, composer, musicologist, educator, and Zionist leader. Glantz graduated in piano and composition from the Kiev Music Conservatory. He also was a delegate to congresses of the HeHalutz movement and to World Zionist Congresses and served as chief editor of the Labor Zionist newspaper Ard Un Arbeit. In 1926 became chief cantor of the Ohev Shalom synagogue in New York. He recorded cantorial music with and appeared in concert tours all over the world. In 1941, Glantz became Chief Cantor of Sinai Temple in LA, and from 1949 to 1954 was cantor at the Shaarei Tefila synagogue. He was also professor of Jewish Music at the University of Judaism. Living in Israel for the last decade of his life, Glantz continued to compose and to serve as a delegate to World Zionist Congresses. He founded the the Tel Aviv Institute for Jewish Liturgical Music, and HaAkademia L’hazzanut, an academic level conservatory for training cantors.
Raymond Goldstein (1953–) Raymond Goldstein was born in Cape Town and completed his musical studies there. Since 1978 he has been on the faculty of the Jerusalem Rubin Academy of Music and Dance, specializing in opera. He also holds the post of arranger/composer and associate conductor of the Jerusalem Great Synagogue Choir. In 1991 Goldstein was appointed senior teacher at the Tel Aviv Cantorial Institute. As a musical director/accompanist, he frequently appears on stage, radio and television in Israel and has undertaken concert tours in Australia, the U.S. and Western Europe. He has made professional recordings with international cantors and singers, and his name appears on more than 200 CDs, cassette tapes and DVDs as accompanist and/or arranger. His compositions include a chamber opera, two cantatas, a concert Kabbalat Shabbat service, orchestrations, works for chamber ensemble, and more than 2000 arrangements, both sacred and secular.
Ilu finu maleh shirah ka-yam, u-l’shoneinu rinah ka-hamon galav, v’siftoteinu shevah k’merhavei raki·a, v’eineinu m’irot ka-shemesh v’kha-yarei·ah, v’yadeinu f’rusot k’nishrei shamayim, v’ragleinu kallot ka-ayalot, ein anahnu maspikim l’hodot l’kha . . .
Even if our mouths could fill with song as water fills the sea, and joy would move our tongues like countless waves, and our lips could utter praise as limitless as the sky, and our eyes could fill with light like the sun and the moon, and our arms spread like eagles’ wings, and our legs run as fleet as gazelles’, we could never sufficiently express our thanks.
Shiru lAdonai shir hadash, shiru lAdonai kol ha-aretz. Shiru lAdonai, bar’khu sh’mo, basru mi-yom l’yom y’shu·ato. Sapru va-goyim k’vodo, b’khol ha-amim niflotav. Ki gadol Adonai u-m’hulal m’od, norah hu al kol-elohim. Ki kol-elohei ha-amim elilim, vAdonai shamayim asah. Hod v’hadar l’fanav, oz v’tiferet b’mikdasho. Havu lAdonai mishp’hot amim, havu lAdonai kavod va-oz. Havu lAdonai k’vod sh’mo, s’u minhah u-vo·u l’hatzrotav.
Sing a new song to Adonai, renew yourselves, all people on earth. Sing to Adonai, praise God for daily help. Proclaim God’s glory and wonders to all the world. Revere Adonai beyond all that is worshipped. All of the gods are nothingness, but Adonai created the heavens. Majesty and might accompany Adonai, splendor and strength adorn God’s sanctuary. Acknowledge Adonai, all families of the nations, acknowledge God’s majestic power. Acknowledge God’s glory and bring tribute.
Ofer Bashan, arr. Eldor
Ofer Bashan is a composer, singer-songwriter and music instructor. His songs have topped Israeli charts and have been performed by major Israeli vocal artists. Ofer was born and raised in Israel, and traveled around the world as a child, including 3 years in Nigeria. He completed his B.A. in Classical Piano Performance at The Rubin Academy for Music in Jerusalem, with honors. The first single form his debut album was the most played tune in the Israeli radio and media in Israel. In his second album, one of the songs was the second most played tune for 2009, along with other songs from the album played widely at the most prominent Israeli radio and television stations. The album included a duet with Miri Mesika, one of the most successful vocal artist in Israel. Ofer has performed all across Israel and has written songs for distinguished Israeli vocal artists such as Miri Mesika, Harel Skaat, Amir Fey Gutman, the first winner of “Israeli Idol”, among others. Additionally, Ofer has worked as a musical director and composer, and has taken part in acclaimed theatrical shows, cabarets, the biggest children festival in Israel, video dance festivals and musical events in London, NYC and Tel Aviv. He studied acting and dance, and collaborated with “Beit Zvi,” one of the leading Israeli institution for performing arts. Ofer’s third album was released simultaneously with his acceptance to the Master’s program in Composition at NYU, from which he recently graduated (focused on scoring for Film & Multimedia and Songwriting), with support by the Billy Joel Merit Scholarship. Today Ofer aims to write for American vocal artists, films, as well as to perform and teach.
L’kha dodi likrat kallah, p’nei shabbat n’kab’lah. *Shamor v’zakhor b’dibur ehad, hishmi·anu eil ham’yuhad. Adonai ehad ush’mo ehad, l’shem ul’tiferet v’lit’hilah. L’kha . . . Likrat Shabbat l’khu v’nelkhah, ki hi m’kor ha-b’rakhah. Mei-rosh mi-kedem n’sukhah, sof ma·aseh b’mahashavah t’hilah. L’kha . . . Mikdash melekh ir m’lukhah, kumi tz’i mi-tokh hahafeikhah. Rav lakh shevet b’emek ha-bakhah, v’hu yahamol alayikh hemlah. L’kha . . . Hitna·ari mei-afar kumi, livshi bigdei tifartekh ami. Al yad ben yishai beit ha-lahmi, korvah el nafshi ge·ala. L’kha . . .
Hitoreri hitoreri, ki va orekh kumi ori. Uri uri shir dabeiri, k’vod Adonai alayikh niglah. L’kha . . . Lo teivoshi v’lo tikalmi, ma tishtohahi u-mah tehemi, Bakh yehesu aniyei ami v’nivn’ta ir al tila. L’kha . . . V’hayu limshisah shosayikh, v’rahaku kol m’valayikh. Yasis alayikh elohayikh, kimsos hatan al kallah. L’kha . . . Yamin u-smol tifrotzi, v’et Adonai ta·aritzi. Al yad ish ben partzi, v’nism’hah v’nagilah. L’kha . . . Bo·i v’shalom ateret ba·alah, gam b’simhah uv’tzoholah. Tokh emunei am s’gulah, bo’i khalah, bo·i khallah. L’kha . . .
Come my beloved, to greet the bride; let us welcome Shabbat. “Observe” and “remember”were uttered as one; so we heard it from the singular One. God is one and God’s name is one, reflected in fame, in splendor, and in praise. Come . . . Shrine of our sovereign, royal city, rise up from destruction and fear no more. End your dwelling in the tear-filled valley, for with God’s compassion you will be upraised. Come . . . Awake! Rise up from the dust! Dress yourself in this people’s pride. By the hand of Jesse’s son, of Bethlehem’s tribe bring my redemption without further delays. Come . . . Rouse yourself, rouse yourself, for your lamp is lit; let the flame rise up and glow. Awake awake, utter songs of praise, for God’s glory is revealed to your gaze. Come . . . Do not be embarrassed, do not be ashamed. Why are you downcast? Why do you moan? The poorest of your people, trust in this: the city will be rebuilt as in ancient days. Come . . . Your despoilers shall be despoiled, your tormentors removed far away. God and you will celebrate together, a bride and groom in joyful embrace. Come . . . You will spread out to the left and the right, acclaiming Adonai our God with delight. Redeemed by the scion of Peretz’s line, we shall joyously chant songs of praise. Come . . . *Come in peace, crown your spouse, surrounded by gladness and joyous shouts. Come to the faithful, the people You treasure with pride, come, my bride; come my bride. Come . . .
Halleluyah! Hallelu El b’kodsho, Halleluhu birkia uzo. Halleluhu vig’vurotav, Halleluhu k’rov gudlo. Halleluhu b’teika shofar, Halleluhu b’nevel v’khinor. Halleluhu b’tof u-mahol, Halleluhu b’minim v’ugav. Halleluhu b’tziltz’lei shama, Halleluhu b’tziltz’lei tru’ah. Kol han’shamah t’hallel Yah – Halleluyah!
Halleluyah! Praise God in the sanctuary; praise God in the powerful heavens. Praise God for the mighty acts; praise God for infinite greatness. Praise God with shofar calls; praise God with harp and lyre. Praise God with timbrel and dance; praise God with flute and strings. Praise God with crashing cymbals; praise God with resounding cymbals. Let all that breathes praise Adonai – Halleluyah!
[Conclusion of Shabbat morning service]Ein keloheinu, ein kadoneinu, ein k’malkeinu, ein k’moshi∙einu. Mi kheloheinu, mi khadoneinu, mi kh’malkeinu, mi kh’moshi∙einu. Nodeh leloheinu, nodeh ladoneinu, nodeh l’malkeinu, nodeh l’moshi∙einu. Barukh Eloheinu, barukh adoneinu, barukh malkeinu, barukh moshi∙einu. Atah hu Eloheinu, atah hu adoneinu, atah hu malkeinu, atah hu moshi∙einu. Atah hu sheh-hiktiru avoteinu l’fanekha et k’toret ha-samim.
There is nothing like our God, like our Lord; there is nothing like our Leader, like our Protector. / Who is like our God, our Lord? Who is like our Leader, our Protector? / Let us thank our God, our Lord; let us thank our Leader, our Protector. / Let us praise our God, our Lord; let us praise our Leader, our Protector. / You are our God, our Lord; You are our Leader, our Protector. / You are the One to whom our ancestors offered wonderfully scented incense.
[Kabbalat Shabbat]
Zam’ru l’Adonai b’khinor, b’khinor v’kol zimrah. B’hatzotzrot, v’kol shofar, hari∙u, lifnei ha-melekh Adonai. Yiram ha-yam u-m’lo∙o, teiveil v’yoshvei vah. N’harot yimha∙u khaf, yahad harim y’raneinu.
Sing to Adonai to the music of the lyre, the lyre and voices singing together; with horns and shofar, trumpet the presence of Adonai, the Sovereign. Let the sea and all that is in it roar, the earth and all who dwell on it thunder; let rivers clap hands, mountains sing in harmony.
[Shabbat services]
V’shamru v’nei yisrael et ha-shabbat, la’asot et ha-shabbat l’dorotam b’rit olam. Beini u-vein b’nei yisrael ot hi l’olam, ki sheshet yamim asah Adonai et ha-shamayim v’et haaretz, uva-yom ha-sh’vi∙i shavat va-yinafash.
The people Israel shall observe Shabbat, to maintain it as an everlasting covenant throughout all generations. It is a sign between Me and the people Israel for all time, that in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth and on the seventh day God ceased from work and rested.
[Torah service]
Ant hu shalit al kola, ant hu d’shalit al malkhaya, u-malkhuta dilakh hi. Ana avda d’kudsha b’rikh hu, d’sagidna kameih, u-mikameih dikar oraiteih b’khol idan v’idan. La al enash rahitzna v’la al bar elahin samikhna, ela beilaha dish’maya d’hu elaha k’shot, v’oraiteh k’shot, u-n’vio∙hi k’shot, u-masgeih l’me’bad tav’van u-k’shot. Beih ana raheitz, v’lishmeih kadisha yakira ana eimar tushb’han. Y’hei ra’ava kadamakh d’tiftah libi b’oraita v’tashlim mishalin d’libi v’liba d’khol amakh yisrael, l’tav u-l’hayin v’lishlam. Amen.
You rule over all, for dominion is Yours. We are servants of the Holy One, whom we revere and whose Torah we revere at all times. We do not rely on mortals, nor on angels, but on the God of the universe, the God of truth, whose Torah is truth, whose prophets are truth, and who abounds in deeds of goodness and truth. In God we trust; to God we utter praise. Open our hearts to Your Torah. Answer our prayers and the prayers of all Your people Israel for goodness, for life, and for peace. Amen.
[Shabbat morning]
Ahavah rabbah ahavtanu, Adonai Eloheinu, hemlah g’dolah viteirah hamalta aleinu. Ba-avur avoteinu v’imoteinu shebat’hu v’kha va-t’lamdeim hukei hayim, kein t’honeinu u-t’lamdeinu.
Deep is Your love for us, Adonai our God, boundless Your tender compassion. Our ancestors – men and women – trusted in You, and You taught them life-giving laws. For their sake graciously teach us, Merciful One, and show us mercy.
[Yom Kippur eve, introduction to Kol Nidrei]
Or zarua la-tzadik u’l’yish’rei lev simhah. Bi-shivah shel malah, u-vi-shivah shel matah, al da’at ha-makom v’al da’at ha-kahal, anu matirin l’hitpalleil im ha-avaryanim.
Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for those whose hearts are true. By the authority of the court on high and by the authority of this court below, with divine consent and with the consent of this congregation, we grant permission to pray with those who have transgressed.
[Blessing to Bat/Bar Mitzvah]
Mi shebeirakh avoteinu, God of our people, and all who came before, Mi shebeirakh imoteinu, May your love and guidance open every door. Mi shebeirakh avoteinu, God of our people, whose strength will never cease, Mi shebeirakh imoteinu, May your love and guidance be a path to peace. L’dor va-dor, There comes an ancient yearning L’dor va-dor, No history can tame L’dor va-dor, And here and now We feel the seasons turning As a brand new spark is added To the world’s eternal flame. Mi shebeirakh avoteinu, Please bless this journey and all the joy it brings, Mi shebeirakh imoteinu, May your love and guidance fill the song he/she sings. L’dor va-dor, And in a distant future someday L’dor va-dor, May another chorus rise L’dor va-dor, And in that distant future someday May you see the light of knowledge In your son or daughter’s eyes. Mi shebeirakh avoteinu, God of our people, one thing we’re certain of From the seeds of faith and learning Grows a family never ending in its love.
[Kabbalat Shabbat]
Tov l’hodot l’Adonai u-l’zamer l’shimkha elyon. L’hagid ba-boker hasdekha ve-emunat’kha ba-leilot.
It is good to thank God, to sing Your praise, exalted God, to proclaim Your love each morning, to tell of your faithfulness each night.
[Shabbat services]
V’shamru v’nei yisrael et ha-shabbat, la’asot et ha-shabbat l’dorotam b’rit olam. Beini u-vein b’nei yisrael ot hi l’olam, ki sheshet yamim asah Adonai et ha-shamayim v’et haaretz, uva-yom ha-sh’vi∙i shavat va-yinafash.
The people Israel shall observe Shabbat, to maintain it as an everlasting covenant throughout all generations. It is a sign between Me and the people Israel for all time, that in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth and on the seventh day God ceased from work and rested.
[End of Shabbat morning service]
Adon olam, asher malakh, b’terem kol y’tzir nivra. L’et na’asah v’heftzo kol, azai melekh sh’mo nikra. V’aharei kikhlot hakol, l’vado yimlokh norah. V’hu haya, v’hu hoveh, v’hu yih’yeh b’tifarah. V’hu ehad, v’ein sheni l’hamshil lo, l’hahbirah. B’li reishit, b’li tahlit, v’lo ha’oz v’hamisrah. V’hu Eili, v’hai go-ali, v’tzur hevli b’eit tzarah. V’hu nisi u-manos li, m’nat kosi b’yom ekra. B’yado afkid ruhi b’eit ishan v’a∙irah. V’im ruhi g’viyati, Adonai li v’lo ira.
God eternal reigned before the birth of every living thing. When all was made as God ordained, God alone was known as King. When all is ended, God will reign alone in awesome majesty. God was, God is, God will be, glorious in eternity. God is unique, there is no other, there is none at all to be compared. Without beginning and without end, God’s vast dominion is not shared. God is my God, my life’s redeemer, my refuge in distress, my certain shelter, my cup of life. I place my spirit in God’s care, when I sleep as when I wake. God is with me, I shall not fear.
[End of Shabbat morning service]
Adon olam, asher malakh, b’terem kol y’tzir nivra. L’et na’asah v’heftzo kol, azai melekh sh’mo nikra. V’aharei kikhlot hakol, l’vado yimlokh norah. V’hu haya, v’hu hoveh, v’hu yih’yeh b’tifarah. V’hu ehad, v’ein sheni l’hamshil lo, l’hahbirah. B’li reishit, b’li tahlit, v’lo ha’oz v’hamisrah. V’hu Eili, v’hai go-ali, v’tzur hevli b’eit tzarah. V’hu nisi u-manos li, m’nat kosi b’yom ekra. B’yado afkid ruhi b’eit ishan v’a∙irah. V’im ruhi g’viyati, Adonai li v’lo ira.
God eternal reigned before the birth of every living thing. When all was made as God ordained, God alone was known as King. When all is ended, God will reign alone in awesome majesty. God was, God is, God will be, glorious in eternity. God is unique, there is no other, there is none at all to be compared. Without beginning and without end, God’s vast dominion is not shared. God is my God, my life’s redeemer, my refuge in distress, my certain shelter, my cup of life. I place my spirit in God’s care, when I sleep as when I wake. God is with me, I shall not fear.
[Kedushah, as sung on Shabbat]
L’dor va-dor nagid godlekha ul’netzah n’tzahim k’dushat’kha nakdish. V’shivhakha Eloheinu mi-pinu lo yamush l’olam va-ed, ki El melekh gadol v’kadosh atah. Barukh atah Adonai ha-el ha-kadosh.
Through all generations we declare Your greatness, and to all eternity we hallow Your holiness. Your praise will never leave our lips, for You are God and King, great and holy.
[End of Shabbat morning service]
Adon olam, asher malakh, b’terem kol y’tzir nivra. L’et na’asah v’heftzo kol, azai melekh sh’mo nikra. V’aharei kikhlot hakol, l’vado yimlokh norah. V’hu haya, v’hu hoveh, v’hu yih’yeh b’tifarah. V’hu ehad, v’ein sheni l’hamshil lo, l’hahbirah. B’li reishit, b’li tahlit, v’lo ha’oz v’hamisrah. V’hu Eili, v’hai go-ali, v’tzur hevli b’eit tzarah. V’hu nisi u-manos li, m’nat kosi b’yom ekra. B’yado afkid ruhi b’eit ishan v’a∙irah. V’im ruhi g’viyati, Adonai li v’lo ira.
God eternal reigned before the birth of every living thing. When all was made as God ordained, God alone was known as King. When all is ended, God will reign alone in awesome majesty. God was, God is, God will be, glorious in eternity. God is unique, there is no other, there is none at all to be compared. Without beginning and without end, God’s vast dominion is not shared. God is my God, my life’s redeemer, my refuge in distress, my certain shelter, my cup of life. I place my spirit in God’s care, when I sleep as when I wake. God is with me, I shall not fear.
[End of Shabbat morning service]
Adon olam, asher malakh, b’terem kol y’tzir nivra. L’et na’asah v’heftzo kol, azai melekh sh’mo nikra. V’aharei kikhlot hakol, l’vado yimlokh norah. V’hu haya, v’hu hoveh, v’hu yih’yeh b’tifarah. V’hu ehad, v’ein sheni l’hamshil lo, l’hahbirah. B’li reishit, b’li tahlit, v’lo ha’oz v’hamisrah. V’hu Eili, v’hai go-ali, v’tzur hevli b’eit tzarah. V’hu nisi u-manos li, m’nat kosi b’yom ekra. B’yado afkid ruhi b’eit ishan v’a∙irah. V’im ruhi g’viyati, Adonai li v’lo ira.
God eternal reigned before the birth of every living thing. When all was made as God ordained, God alone was known as King. When all is ended, God will reign alone in awesome majesty. God was, God is, God will be, glorious in eternity. God is unique, there is no other, there is none at all to be compared. Without beginning and without end, God’s vast dominion is not shared. God is my God, my life’s redeemer, my refuge in distress, my certain shelter, my cup of life. I place my spirit in God’s care, when I sleep as when I wake. God is with me, I shall not fear.
[Morning amidah for the High Holidays and three festivals]
Atah v’hartanu mikol ha-amim, ahavta otanu v’ratzita banu, v’romamtanu mikol ha-l’shonot, v’kidashtanu b’mitzvotekha, v’keravtanu malkeinu la-avodatekha, v’shim’kha ha-gadol v’ha-kadosh aleinu karata.
You have chosen us from all the nations, You have loved us and found favor in us, and have exalted us above all tongues, and have sanctified us through Your commandments, and have drawn us close, our Sovereign, to Your service, and Your holy and great Name You have proclaimed upon us.
[Friday evening service]
Barukh atah Adonai, eloheinu melekh ha-olam, borei p’ri ha-gafen. Barukh atah Adonai, eloheinu melekh ha-olam, asher kidshanu b’mitzvotav v’ratzah vanu, v’shabbat kodsho b’ahavah u-v’ratzon hinhilanu zikaron l’ma∙aseih v’reishit, ki hu yom t’hilah l’mikra∙ei kodesh, zekher litzi∙at mitzrayim, ki vanu vaharta v’otanu kidashta mikol ha-amim, v’shabbat kodsh’kha b’ahavah u-v’ratzon hinhaltanu. Barukh atah Adonai, m’kadesh ha-shabbat . Blessed are You Adonai, our God, sovereign of time and space, who desired us and sanctified us through mitzvot and who lovingly and willingly bestowed on us Shabbat, a measure of God’s holiness, a sign of creation. For it is the first of sacred times, a symbol of the exodus from Egypt. You have chosen us and sanctified us from among all peoples by lovingly and willingly bestowing on us Your holy Shabbat. Blessed are You, Adonai, who makes Shabbat holy.
[Kabbalat Shabbat]
Mizmor shir l’yom ha-shabbat. Tov l’hodot l’Adonai, u-l’zameir l’shimkha elyon. L’hagid ba-boker hasdekha, ve’emunat’kha ba-leilot. Alei asor va’alei navel, alei higayon b’khinor. Tzadik ka-tamar yifrah, ka-erez bal’vanon yisgeh.
A Song for Shabbat. It is good to thank God, to sing Your praise, exalted God, to proclaim Your love each morning, to tell of your faithfulness each night, to music of the lute and melody of the harp. The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree; they shall thrive like the cedar in Lebanon.
Oran Eldor
[Amidah, setting for the High Holidays]
Barukh atah Adonai eloheinu veilohei avoteinu, elohei avraham, elohei yitzhak, veilohei ya’akov, elohei sarah, elohei rivka, elohei rahel, veilohei leah, ha-el ha-gadol ha-gibor v’ha-norah, el elyon, gomeil hasadim tovim, v’koneh ha-kol, v’zokheir hasdei avot, u’meivi go∙el livnei v’neihem l’ma∙an sh’mo b’ahavah.
Praised are You Adonai, our God and God of our ancestors, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah, great, mighty, awesome, exalted God who bestows lovingkindness, Creator of all. You remember the pious deeds of our ancestors and will send a redeemer to their children’s children because of Your loving nature.
[Shabbat morning]
Yism’hu v’malkhut’kha shomrei Shabbat v’korei oneg. Am m’kad’shei sh’vi∙i, kulam yisb’u v’yitan’gu mi-tuvekha. Uva-sh’vi∙i ratzita bo v’kidashto, hemdat yamim oto karata zekher l’ma’aseh v’reishit.
Those who celebrate Shabbat rejoice in Your kingdom and make the seventh day holy, calling it a delight. All of them truly enjoy Your goodness. For it pleased You to sanctify the seventh day, calling it the most desirable day, a reminder of Creation.
David Enlow
[Yom Kippur]
Avinu malkeinu, honenu va’anenu ki ein banu ma’asim Aseih imanu tzedakah va-hesed v’hoshi∙einu.
Our God, our King, have mercy on us, answer us, for our deeds are insufficient; deal with us charitably and lovingly, and redeem us.
May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable to you, Adonai, my Rock and my Redeemer. Amen.
For all these blessings we shall ever praise and exalt You. May every living creature thank You and praise You faithfully, God of our deliverance and our help. Praised are You Adonai, the essence of goodness, worthy of acclaim.
For the sake of my comrades and companions, I pray that peace be yours. For the sake of the house of Adonai our God, I seek your welfare. May Adonai grant His people strength; may Adonai bless His people with peace.