This song is a bit of a paradox. It’s a Nigun with words. The paradox is that Nigun (plural Nigunim) is a style of Jewish music that has no words. So a Nigun with words is a bit of a
Soul Love- A Nefesh Mountain Love Letter
This week I had the delightful joy of hanging out with Nefesh Mountain. If you haven’t heard of, or better yet, heard, Nefesh Mountain– it’s time to love up your ears. Once you’ve done that, this love letter will make
Mi Yimaleil, A New Chanukah Melody
I’m very proud of this version of Mi Yimaleil that I wrote and which will be released on an upcoming Davis Academy/Hello, Goodbye, & Peace album. Mi Yimaleil emphasizes the heroism of the Maccabees in their struggle against the Greeks
Sukkot, Music to My Ears
I’m glad I don’t have to choose a favorite holiday. I can love Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. I can love Shavuot and Sukkot. But every year, when Sukkot arrives, it is literally, music to my ears. When I think of Sukkot I think of
L’chah Dodi
One of my more “popular” Jewish liturgical settings is a melody I wrote to the medieval hymn, L’chah Dodi. L’chah Dodi is sung during Kabbalat Shabbat, the Friday night prayer service that welcomes Shabbat. It describes two companions going out
Today, if only we could hear
Of all the songs I’ve written I think this is one of the most beautiful and meaningful. It’s based on two passages from Psalm 95. The first, “v’anachnu am marito v’tzon yado,” means something like, “we, your people, are like
Abandoned or Taken Away
Last night I heard the great novelist, Daniel Silva, give a book talk at the MJCCA. He’s a very interesting writer and speaker and I enjoyed hearing him reflect not only on his new book, but on writing and the
Baruch Adonai
There’s a common adage that goes (and I’m paraphrasing here), “Whatever we’re looking for is what we will see.” Psalm 68:20, the basis for the song “Baruch Adonai” asks us to see God’s sustaining power in every day and every
Love Your Neighbor
It’s simple: Love your neighbor as yourself. The rest is commentary. Love your neighbor even after they’ve moved and are no longer your neighbor. Love your neighbor even before they’re your neighbor. Love your neighbor even when their guests park
Sweetness and Light
For several thousands of years the Jewish People considered themselves to be God’s “Chosen People.” Our ancestors felt that God has chosen the Jewish People to help realize God’s vision for humanity and all creation. Sometimes the idea of