This little song, conceived quietly in the sanctuary of Congregation Micah in the spring of 2016, has since gone on to be sung by millions. I am deeply grateful to Rabbi Peter Rubinstein and the 92nd Street Y for commissioning me to compose this Rosh Hashanah blessing. This year more than ever...a chance to start all over.
Commissioned by Temple Peninsula Sholom (Burlingame, CA), this piece is part of an ongoing collaboration with a congregation that has truly become my home away from home. As is often the case — and under the watchful eye of Cantor Yonah Kliger — rather than offering a direct English translation, I wrote an adaptation. Here is an excerpt from the bridge: “Inside of every heart, a song we long to share, and when we sing together, we become a symphony of prayer.” At that very moment, we invited the entire congregation to share their personal prayers out loud. It was messy. It was difficult for me to hear every voice (though they were heard). And it was beautiful — as all of our voices together became like the instruments of a living symphony.
Commissioned in honor of Cantor Naomi Weiss, the first cantor in the history of Congregation Kol Shofar, this original musical setting is composed in the key of C major and features three primary movements, highlighting verses 1, 4, and 6. Additionally, it includes an optional niggun in A minor, designed to ease the congregation into the piece during times when it may be difficult to feel the joy of Shabbat or fully embrace the act of praising G-d. This thoughtful arrangement provides space for a gradual transition from the demands of the workweek into the peace and sanctity of Shabbat.
Hashkiveinu and V’Shamru have long been two of my favorite prayers, and there are so many beautiful versions of each. Debbie Friedman’s V’Shamru and the Zweiback/Brodsky Hashkiveinu were among the pieces that first inspired me to write Jewish music.
So, when Rabbi Cantor Alison Wissot (Temple Judea, Los Angeles) commissioned me last year to merge these two powerful pieces of liturgy into one, I was immediately intrigued and inspired. The result is "When The Sun Sets"—a seamless musical fusion of Hashkiveinu and V’Shamru. The verses, featuring an original English adaptation, bring the themes of both prayers to life, while the chorus intertwines their Hebrew texts with melodic counterpoint.
Perfect for a duet or choir, this piece is also an ideal solution when Shabbat services run long—no need to choose between these beloved prayers. Now, both are beautifully united in one powerful and uplifting song.
My first "one hour demo" - just to document the song! All first take vocals...
It was a true pleasure to collaborate with Rabbi Dan Feder and Cantor Yonah Kliger on the inspiration for this song, created in honor of Rabbi Feder’s 18th year as senior rabbi of Peninsula Temple Sholom. Rabbi Feder wanted something that “grooves and makes you feel good,” so we selected one of his favorite texts, Ozi V’zimrat Yah, as the foundation, with Shiru L’Adonai—the words inscribed on his own tallit—as the refrain.
During our conversations, it became clear that Rabbi Feder is a true music aficionado—he really knows his stuff! With that in mind, I wanted to craft not just one groove, but multiple grooves, to keep things dynamic and engaging. Additionally, we decided to limit the use of English so the music itself would convey the essence of the liturgy: Adonai is my strength and my song.
Commissioned by Cantor Rachel Brooke for the 150th Anniversary of Anshe Emet Synagogue, this song features an uplifting pop/gospel vibe. The Hebrew lyrics translate to "My house shall be called a house of prayer for all people." Cantor Brooke selected this text to highlight the congregation's values, while offering a universal message that resonates deeply in today's world, reminding us of the essential principles of inclusivity and unity.
This song was commissioned by Temple Israel to honor the life’s work of Rabbi John Spitzer…a man who lives his life in the service of others, and pursuing justice for the forgotten among us. The piece was premiered on October 13, 2023 and we were delighted to hear the congregation singing along after just one round through the chorus. Perfect for soloist and congregation, call and answer on the chorus, and easily accompanied by piano or guitar.
Commissioned by the Weg Family and Cantor Yonah Kliger in loving memory of Robert Weg.
Commissioned by Cantor Rebecca Garfein and Congregation Rodeph Sholom in honor of Rabbi Robert Levine's 25th Anniversary with the congregation. This is a rousing, gospel tinged adaptation of L'chah Dodi. It has affectionately become known as the "Ray Charles version." Perfect for Cantor and choir or very easy to get full participation of the congregation on the chorus with an easy to sing call and answer. This video was filmed at Temple Judea (Los Angeles) - thank you Emma Aaronson for stepping up at the last minute...what a beautiful residence at this lovely congregation.
Commissioned to commemorate the 175th Anniversary of Barnert Temple by Rabbi Rachel Steiner. This piece highlights the holy space we create between the walls of our sanctuary...and between the hearts of our congregants. It is mid tempo, perfect for soloist with or without choir, and easily singable by your congregation after one listen!
Commissioned by Temple Emanuel Denver to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of this historic congregation. Up-tempo, easily singable, with a unique English adaptation...I like to refer to the piece as Psalm 150...the Hummingbirds version as verse two reads: Can you hear the ocean sing? And hummingbirds flap their wings Let everything that has a breath Come to know your holiness
Commissioned by the 92nd Street Y in 2016 to commemorate the Jewish New Year, the words have never felt more relevant and timely than today…as we approach 2024. This felt like the right time to share it in the form of a choir arrangement. May this song in some small way help bring together a cacophony of voices - Jewish, Muslim, Christian and simply all people of good will anywhere. Let us raise our spirits, heed our better angels, begin to hear and listen to each other…and create real and everlasting harmony.
Suggested Honorarium: $5.00 per member of your choir
Commissioned by Cantor Abbie Strauss and Temple Judea over the summer, this piece was originally crafted as an inspiring and uptempo song designed to complement the congregation's "Year Of Torah" program. As tragic events continue to spiral in Israel and Gaza, the underlying Hebrew text and English adaptation take on new meaning...posing a profound challenge to us: love thy neighbor as thyself (Leviticus 19:18). Writing this piece also afforded me the opportunity to reimagine and adapt the text.
V'ahavta l'reyacha kamocah (Love your neighbor as yourself) Hinei ma tov uma na'im shevet achim gam yachad (How good it is when brothers and sisters come together)
Let me be not afraid let me rise above to love the other as my sister as my brother (repeat 4x)
Will I be there for my neighbor When my neighbor is in need of help? Will I learn to love the stranger Love the stranger as myself?
I look forward to hearing how you and your community will reinterpret and infuse your own vision into the song for your congregation.
An interesting anecdote accompanies the creation of this piece: one morning, after the song was essentially complete, I found myself in bed at 6 am, strumming the song on my guitar. To my surprise, the words of Hinei Ma Tov spontaneously flowed from my lips and immediately felt right...that they belonged. I had some reservations about how Rabbi Kapitulnik would respond to the merging of these two texts and it was beautiful that we all agreed on the seamless compatibility of this combination. And, Abbie, with her insight and creativity, reimagined it as a ballad for Yom Kippur, a transformation that deeply resonated with me.
Ever grateful to Cantor Abbie Strauss Music, Rabbi Yaron Kapitulnik and Temple Judea of Palm Beach Gardens for inviting me to play my small part in the congregation's Year Of Torah program.
May we all find a way to live up to one of the most familiar and enduring lines of Torah...Leviticus 19:18.
We have been singing this song at Congregation Micah for over 20 years. This year it arrives for Soloist and Choir! The video below contains a behind the scenes look at the composition and insights into the underlying prayers with Cantor Yonah Kliger.May this piece in some small way enrich your Holy Day experience. Suggested: $5.00 per choir member
Perfect for soloist or congregation choir -- the refrain of The Priestly Benediction is easily singable for all ages. Guitar or piano accompaniment with a verse melody suitable for flute or clarinet, violin or cello. Commissioned by The Temple (Nashville, TN) in honor of Cantor Tracy Fishbein and her 10 years of devoted service.
Commissioned by Peninsula Temple Sholom in honor of the installation of Cantor Yonah Kliger. One part Shehechyanu, one part Kol Han'shamah...a lovely groove in 6/8 (or 3/4!). This re-imagining of Shehechyanu is easily sung by all ages and music experience. And, as always, the original English is not a translation...rather, an adaptation of the Hebrew inspired by my many conversations with Cantor Kliger during the creative process.
Freedom has taken on a life of its own since it was commissioned in 2018 by East End Temple and Cantor Shira Ginsburg. Perfect for Shabbat (especially MLK week), Passover, Interfaith events, Camp sing-a-longs and more.
A entirely original take on a most cherished prayer...the prayer for freedom. With original English lyrics that speak to those things the enslave us today...fear, bigotry, hate, low self esteem, lack of forgiveness...this uptempo song is perfect with piano or guitar accompaniment or full band!
Gospel tinged arrangement of the song that truly started my journey as a Jewish composer.
Freedom has taken on a life of its own since it was commissioned in 2018 by East End Temple and Cantor Shira Ginsburg. Perfect for Shabbat (especially MLK week), Passover, Interfaith events, Camp sing-a-longs and more.
Commissioned by Cantor Alisa Pomeranz-Boro and Congregation Beth El...this song, written during the pandemic, provides a sense of both individual, community, and global healing. For soloist or soloist/choir.
Commissioned by Rabbi Peter Rubinstein and the 92nd Street Y...this song found its way around the world with over 10 million views on social media. Perfect for celebrating the New Year in synagogues or churches.
A entirely original take on a most cherished prayer...the prayer for freedom. With original English lyrics that speak to those things the enslave us today...fear, bigotry, hate, low self esteem, lack of forgiveness...this uptempo song is perfect with piano or guitar accompaniment or full band!
This adaptation with entirely original English lyrics speaks to passing the stories, values, and traditions we hold dear down from generation to generation. (Commissioned by Cantor Yonah Kliger)
The lyrics for this song are all inspired by either iconic civil rights speeches or Jewish ethical teachings, Pirkei Avot. Perfect for MLK Shabbat, interfaith concerts, lessons on justice...
Affectionately referred to as the "Ray Charles" version - this uptempo, gospel-tinged jam was commissioned by Cantor Rebecca Garfein at Rodeph Sholom, NYC.
An original take on a prayer that has over 2000 documented versions. The stunning English lyrics will take you and your congregation on a journey to Safed during the times of Schlomo Halevi (the author of the original poem, Lecha Dodi), and shares the story of how the Kabbalists originally welcomed Shabbat.
Three songs in one...an uptempo medley with entirely new melodies for Hinei Ma Tov, L'chu N'ran'nah and Shira L'adonai. A joyous way to welcome Shabbat. Instantly singable!
A a beautiful, brand new melody...that somehow feels instantly familiar.
This song has taken on a life of its own. Originally commissioned in 2014 by Cantor Tracy Fishbein (The Temple, Nashville). Two years later, Alaa Alshaham, an extraordinary Muslim poet added Arabic lyrics that bring an entirely new, deeply moving and emotional dimension to this prayer. Imagine an interfaith service with the refrain...we give thanks to you...being sung in Arabic and Hebrew, side by side.
A lovely and easily singable adaptation of one of our most ancient prayers. Commissioned in honor of Dr. Alan Mason's 25 years as Music Director at Temple Israel of Greater Miami.
Written in Berlin during the commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of Krisstalnacht...the call and answer nature of this piece is sure to bring your congregation together in song...as the English lyrics profess: When we sing, we pray twice, when we sing, we are one."
This haunting melody and soul searching original English lyric will help bring you and your congregation to the heart of the High Holy Days. The opening verse asks in the first person, "Am I there for those who need me? Giving of myself completely. Have I been caring and have I been patient? Have I forgiven without reservation?" Written for soloist or as a duet, the refrain to this piece is in Hebrew.
When reciting the Kaddish, do you ever wonder how the words of this prayer are supposed to be comforting during a time of mourning? They do not speak to mourning or loss. They are not words of consolation. There is something intimately familiar, calming, and nurturing about the sound of the prayer...but, the actual translation of the words might leave many wondering.
"A Mourner's Song" stays true to original Aramaic words, while adding a deeply comforting English verse, and a chorus that draws from the 23rd Pslam..."for you are here with me."
An exciting and rousing version of Adon Olam - guaranteed to get your congregation on its feet. Multiple tempo changes and chords that dance between major and minor keys...this piece provides a catchy and uplifting addition to your services.
