Original Music
|
Uvchein (2023) A unique feature of the High Holiday Amidah is the insertion of three paragraphs, each beginning with the innocuous word Uvchein, translating to "and so..." Following that, however, are poetic passages expounding on gifts imparted to us by The Eternal that in turn allow us to bring holiness into this world.
This setting is included in Transcontinental Music Publications' High Holy Days Anthology Volume II. I composed it to build in intensity in each successive section, though they can also be used individually. The intricate arrangement by my friend and collaborator Shy Kedmi incorporates several familiar motifs. |
|
Wisdom (2021) This is a musical setting of the poem by late Rabbi Richard Levy that is found in Mishkan T'filah. The text is a creative English interpretation of Aleinu. My setting opens with text painting of a metaphorical overflowing river of understanding whose flow increases in pace and intensity until The Divine is dramatically invited to, "Rise up like the sun." The majestic imagery offered by Levy's text alternates from 6/8 to 4/4 to highlight themes of wholeness, freedom, and peace. The setting shifts to Goldfarb's familiar melody to closing words from Zechariah ("V'Neemar"), reharmonized in minor, reminding us our work is not done. Download sheet music
Epitaph (2020) The late poet Merritt Malloy penned this text, which is now standard for moments of memory. When COVID hit I conducted shivas on zoom, and I realized it needed a musical setting, albeit with a Jewish riff. The poem urges mourners not to wallow in bereavement but spread the love once shared with the departed. I've interspersed the stanzas with words from Job traditionally recited after the Kriyah ribbon is cut. Adonai gives, Adonai takes and Adonai is the source of all blessings. Life, foremost among them, is ours to make. "Love doesn't die, people do. So when all that's left of me is love, give me away."
|
|
Avot (2023) - The nusach for the opening brachah of the Amidah on Shabbat is widely known. On occasion, however, the mood calls for something a bit lighter, gentle and relaxed. I composed this melody for that purpose, working to stay within the original mode with just a few color notes. I also had in mind to create this as a possible companion piece to Joey Weisenberg's M'chalkel for use in an informal worship setting. Download sheet music
Oseh (2018) The world needs more settings of Oseh Shalom as much as it needs Shalom itself. So I wrote another. There's not much more to say about it, other than that it has a a fun little rhythm that might have been inspired by the fact that I wrote it while waiting for a train. Download sheet music
HaTov (2020) During the pandemic, while worship was exclusively virtual, we searched for ways to make services more interactive and engaging. We needed good news, and so I introduced Modim Moments, when congregants would share things for which they were grateful that week. It came during the Hoda'ah section of our Amidah, and I wrote this melody to serve as musical bookends.
Download sheet music Ivdu (2019) We all need a more joy. These words from Psalm 100:2 urge us to serve The Eternal with joy. Rebbe Nachman of Breslov famously taught this is one of the keys to life. He wrote "Mitzvah g'dolah l'hiyot b'simchah tamid! It is a great mitzvah to be happy always! Make every effort to maintain a happy, positive outlook at all times... everyone has their share of suffering. That is why you must force yourself to be happy at all times. Use every possible way to bring yourself to joy, even by joking or acting a little crazy!" Download sheet music Space Laser Operator (2020) Marjorie Taylor Greene is one one the most infuriating characters to ever emerge from the culture wars. She introduced the latest, perhaps most ridiculous, of anti-Semitic tropes- that Jews are responsible for forest fires, which we start using "space lasers." I wrote this song to place the slur alongside myriad others hurled at Jews, but mostly to honor my secret side-hustle. It's a rough cut but in these dark times, we need to laugh or else we'll cry. Kedushah (2018)
There are remarkably few contemporary settings for this prayer depicting the heavenly court of angels competing to glorify The Eternal. I wanted to create on that was at once singable by Cantor and congregant and allowed us all to take the time to revel in the words. Too often this prayer is rushed and I wanted to foster a musical experience of creating that heavenly choir in the moment. |