Reconstructionist Music Project &
Harmoniyah Collective Archives
Welcome to the 2025 Reconstructionist Music Project and Harmoniyah Collective Archives!
The Harmoniyah Collective was a music collective affiliated with the Reconstructionist movement that was active in the early aughts. With the generosity of the founding members of Harmoniyah and members of the RRC Class of 1997, we were recently able to gather additional music from within the Reconstructionist movement and are thrilled to share it with you here.
Our collection contains original Jewish music written for Shabbat and Holiday services and lifecycle events. You will find songs by rabbis, cantors, lay leaders, and people who defy categorization. Each entry includes a recording of the song. Additionally, some composers have included sheet music, lyric sheets, suggested uses, and/or an artist’s statement.
The music on this page is intended for use in services or other Jewish communal settings and does not require royalty payments for use, as long as the event does not require paid entry. Additionally, towards the bottom of the page, we have provided links that will lead you to other collections of music by individuals from the Reconstructionist movement.
Enjoy the music!
Categories
All Services
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
A-don o-lam, a-sher ma-lach, b’-te-rem kol y’-tzir ni-vra… L’-et na’a-sah v’-chef-tzo kol, a-zai me-lech sh’-mo ni-kra. V’-a-cha-rey kich-lot ha-kol l’-va-do yim-loch no-ra. V’-hu ha-ya, v’-hu ho-veh, v’-hu yih-‘yeh b’-ti-fa-ra. V’-hu e-chad, v’-eyn shey-ni l’-ham-shil lo, l’-hach-bi-ra. B’-li rey-shit, b’-li tach-lit, v’-lo ha-oz v’-ha-mis-rah. V’-hu ey-li, v’-chai go-ali, v’-tzur chev-li b’-eyt tza-rah. V’-hu ni-si u-ma-nos li, m’-nat ko-si b’-yom e-kra. B’-ya-do af-kid ru-chi b’-eyt i-shan v’-a-i-rah. V’-im ru-chi g’-vi-ya-ti, A-do-nai li v’-lo i-ra.
Lord, You ruled before it all /Each and everything was made by You My King/ And when it ends/ You alone shall reign /You were, You are and You shall be in glory /There is no other who measures up to You /Without beginning, without end/ To You belongs the power over each and everyone /To You my G-d, my living G-d /To You I flee in times of grief /You’re my miracle, my rock, who answers when I call/ To You I give my spirit Night and day /And even when my soul takes flight, You are there, beside me, I shall not fear
English version adapted by Spencer David Chandler
Suggested Uses
For the conclusion of any service where Adon Olam is sung. It goes nicely into the traditional melody for “Shabbat Shalom.”
Artist’s Statement
This was written on the occasion of my kid’s bat mitzvah – for real! It was the pandemic, and our daughter had to have her bat mitzvah on Zoom, from home. I had originally thought of a way to have the many people who would be attending, for whom singing along in Hebrew was not an option, participate. I wanted there to be a rhythmic clapping component, so that people could add their energy and enthusiasm. It has since been in the rotation of Adon Olam melodies at three different synagogues: Beth El in Minneapolis, Mayim Rabim in Minneapolis, and Ner Tamid in San Francisco (where my sister is the Rabbi).
Find more of Spencer’s work at www.spencerchandler.com
Credits
Spencer David Chandler (2020)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Adon Olam
Suggested Uses
Services
Artist’s Statement
Written to show the influence of our “civilization” on Judaic music as a Reconstructionist.
Credits
Jeffrey Eisenstat (1978)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Adon Olam
Suggested Uses
Often sung at the end of morning services
Credits
Composer: David Alon Friedman (2016)
Piano: David Alon Friedman
Voice: David Alon Friedman
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Adon Olam
Suggested Uses
To be sung during Shabbat & Festival services
Artist’s Statement
I composed this musical setting of “Adon Olam” for general use during Shabbat (especially Shabbat eve) services.
Find more from Seth at sethdanielriemer.substack.com/
Credits
Music: Seth Daniel Riemer (1997)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Second paragraph and final lines of Aleinu (Kol Haneshamah: Shabbat v’Chagim 447-49)
Suggested Uses
Services
Artist’s Statement
I was just starting to get back into music composition after a multi-year hiatus, and this was the first piece that came to me, out of the blue.
Credits
Composed and sung by Rabbi Ruhi Sophia Motzkin Rubenstein (2021)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Click Here for Lyrics and Chords
Text
Ashrey psalm (Psalm 144)
Suggested Uses
Afternoon/evening & anytime
Credits
Micah Becker-Klein (2016)
Find out more about Micah’s music here.
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
אַשְׁרֵי יוֹשְׁבֵי בֵיתֶךָ עוֹד יְהַלְלוּךָ סֶּלָה
Ashrei yoshvei veytecha Od yehalleucha selah – Psalm 145:1
Suggested Uses
Shabbat
Credits
Composer: Rabbi Emily Cohen (2020)
English translation: Lab/Shul Liturgy team
Click Here to Download Audio File (part 1)
Click Here to Download Audio File (part 1 + 2)
Click Here to Download Audio File (all parts)
Text
Ashrei yoshvei vetecha od y’hal’luchah
Happy are those that dwell in Your house; they keep on praising. (Psalm 84:5)
Artist’s Statement
Sometimes our perspective gets very narrow. Our view is determined by “small mind” (mochin de-katnut). From this state, the possibilities seem quite limited, and our sense of who we are and where our consciousness can reach is constricted and finite. From this state, it feels quite natural to complain and be filled with despair about the world.
But then it is possible to step into a wider perspective, to expand into “big mind” (mochin de-gadlut). This is called stepping into the “God-house.” By chanting this sacred phrase we can move into a state of consciousness that is wide and spacious. From here we can feel a sense of limitless possibility. We can feel our awareness reach out to the far edges of the universe, as far as the imagination can touch. From this state, it feels completely right to express praise for everything we perceive. Praise becomes our natural way of being in the world.
May we all radiate with the happiness that comes from knowing that we live in the God-House and may praise pour forth from that knowing.
Find more of Rabbi Shefa’s work here.
Credits
Ashrei – The Magic of Hebrew Chant ©2013 Shefa Gold.
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
כְּבוֹד מַלְכוּתְךָ יֹאמֵרוּ וּגְבוּרָתְךָ יְדַבֵּרוּ
Kevod malkhut’kha yomeiru U’gevurat’kha y’dabeiru
[translation: They will tell of the glory of your sovereignty, and speak of your greatness]
Suggested Uses
Anytime Ashrei is used! Shacharit and mincha, etc…
Artist’s Statement
This text is the כ / kaf line of the Ashrei prayer or Psalm 145. Ashrei is one of my favorite piece of liturgy, said 3+ times a day. It’s bookended by a few scattered lines of psalms, but the majority is the acrostic text of Psalm 145 (notably missing the נ line). I’ve been dreaming of a musical project to set each individual line to music and this is the first step towards that dream.
Find more of Léah’s work here: www.soundcloud.com/leahmiller1228
Credits
Credits:
Melody composed by Léah Miller and Jesse Weil (2024)
Hebrew text from liturgy
Recorded at RRC in Philadelphia, PA on Lenni-Lenape land
Artwork by Léah Miller
Vocalists: Adina Ikeman, Erin Viola, Jesse Weil, Léah Miller, Leo Levine, Miriam Ginsberg, Molly Paul
Click Here to Download Audio File
Click Here for Music and Lyrics
Suggested Uses
It can be used as an opening or closing song for Shabbat services.
Artist’s Statement
I came up with this melody and decided to keep its as a niggun and not write any lyrics. But, I did not have a name for it. I introduced it as an opening song for an Erev Shabbat service, but had a hard time getting started. The capo was not set right and I started playing the wrong chords. One of our congregants in the front row was giving me a lot of good-natured heckling for my rough start. So, I named it “Dr. Dan’s niggun.”
Credits
Music by Charlie Bernhardt (2013)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Click Here for Choral Arrangement – Please note this is the full score for SATB choir and piano.
Text
The lyrics in this composition come from a prayer that appears as a closing meditation in the Amidah – a prayer traditionally recited daily, standing, and in silence; words found at link above.
Suggested Uses
As a closing meditation in the Amidah – a prayer traditionally recited daily, standing, and in silence.
Artist’s Statement
Composed for the 30th Anniversary of West End Synagogue, and premiered by the WES choir at the 30th Anniversary celebration.
Credits
Composer: David Alon Friedman (2015)
Piano: David Alon Friedman
Voice: David Alon Friedman
Please note that one of the PDFs above is of the full score for SATB choir and piano.
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Rabbi Rami Shapiro’s Alternative Aleynu in Kol Haneshamah: Shabbat v’Chagim (page 126)
Suggested Uses
Wherever Aleynu is sung
Artist’s Statement
Rabbi Rami Shapiro’s “Alternative Aleynu” has always resonated with me as an appropriate charge for us as we conclude our services. I wrote my musical setting of it for my congregation (Kol HaLev in Baltimore, MD) to sing with me in place of the “traditional” Aleynu.
Credits
Text – Rabbi Rami Shapiro
Music – Cantor George Henschel (2009)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Suggested Uses
It’s intended as an intro to the mourners Kaddish or in place of when you don’t have a minyan
Artist’s Statement
We wanted to capture the feeling of mourners kaddish, without the text.
See the accompanying music video to this song here.
Credits
Lyrics, music and arrangement – Robby Kurrus and Steven Silvern (2020)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Click Here for Music and Lyrics
Text
Suggested Uses
Any time there is a desire for a Jewish peace song.
Artist’s Statement
I have always loved this Torah portion!
Find more of Joanie’s work at joaniecalem.bandcamp.com
Credits
Words and Music – Joanie Calem (2020)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Kaddish Yatom from Kol Haneshamah
עוֹשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם בִּמְרוֹמָיו הוּא יַעֲשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם עָלֵינוּ וְעַל כָּל יִשְׂרָאֵל וְעַל כָּל יוֹשְׁבֵי תֵבֵל וְאִמְרוּ אָמֵן
Oseh shalom bimromav hu ya’aseh shalom aleynu ve’al kol yisrael ve’al kol yoshvey tevel ve’imru amen.
Suggested Uses
Shabbat services
Artist’s Statement
I felt as though I wanted to experience the prayer differently than some of the standard settings that are so often heard. At the time I created the new melody, I felt as though changing the tune in a meditative way could allow a renewed or deeper connection to the liturgy.
Credits
Jennifer Sherman – composer/vocalist (2023)
Beth Sperber Richie – vocalist
Jennifer Gold – vocalist
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Ozi v’Zimrat Yah Vayahi li lishuah
My Strength (balanced) with the Song of God will be my salvation (Psalm 118:14, Exodus 15:2)
Artist’s Statement
In this practice I find and express my strength, my will, my effort and desire when I chant “Ozi.” When I chant “v’zimrat Yah,” I open and surrender to the God-song and let it be sung through me. Then in the last phrase, “Vayahi li lishuah,” I balance those two aspects of my practice.
Find more of Rabbi Shefa’s work here.
Credits
Ozi v’Zimrat Yah – The Magic of Hebrew Chant ©2013 Shefa Gold.
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Every Living Being Will Praise You (Psalm 150)
Artist’s Statement
I wanted to write a spirited, upbeat song of praise.
Click here to learn more about Reuben’s work.
Credits
Reuben Haller – lead vocal, mandola, mandolin, djembe
Will Robertson – bass, vocals
Emrah Kotan – drums
Gayanne Guerin – vocals
Composed by Reuben Haller
Recorded and mixed by Will Robertson (2017)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Suggested Uses
Shabbat services
Artist’s Statement
Written for Shabbat services
Credits
Music – Lorenzo Valensi (2009)
Vocals -Lorenzo Valensi, Rabbi Irwin Keller, Ari Keller
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
The Shema (Kol Haneshamah: Shabbat v’Chagim p.65)
Suggested Uses
Shabbat and Holiday services
Artist’s Statement
I composed this original melody for the Shema for our shul’s (Oseh Shalom, in Laurel, Maryland) annual Retreat
Credits
Music by Brad Sachs (2020)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
וּבָחַרְתָּ בַּחַיִּים לְמַעַן תִּחְיֶה
U’va, u’va-charta ba, ba-chayim L’ma’an t’chiyeh (Deut. 30:19)
Translation: Choose life in order that you may live
Suggested Uses
Artist’s Statement
There’s a pasuk from the second to last parsha, Nitzavim, that has become a favorite of mine. I first encountered the short phrase within the alternate middle paragraphs of the Shema offered in the Reconstructionist Kol Haneshama siddur. “ובחרת בחיים למען תחיה / choose life in order that you may live” (Deut 30:19). In order to truly live, I can choose life, actively, in as many moments as I can. And Baruch HaShem, that life includes singing in community✨
This track was recorded in the magic bubble of Eden Village Camp and released as part of an album of amazing staff music under the english name “So That You May Live.”
Find more of Léah’s music here.
Credits
Composition – Léah Miller
Vocals – Hannah Bensoussan, Elijah Burger, Rocky Klein, Léah Miller, Brina Novogrebelsky, Avra Shapiro, Lisa Stein, & Ari Westreich
Produced by Aly Halpert & Lisa Stein
Mixed and Mastered by Rafael Gell
Album Artwork by Karen Cheirif, Liad Hasson, Léah Miller, & Denean Ritchie
from Derekh Eretz: Land, Love, & Liberation, released August 14, 2022, recorded on Wappinger land at Eden Village Camp in Putnam Valley, NY
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your mind, and with all your being. I take these words which you command to me this day upon my heart, upon my heart. I’ll teach them faithfully to my children when I’m at home and when I’m away. When I rise up and when I lie down. I’ll bind them as a sign upon my hand. Let them be a symbol before my eyes, inscribe them on the door post of my house and upon my gates. I’ll be mindful of your mitzvot, and do them. So shall I consecrate myself to you my God, calls me forth from Egypt to be my God, to be my God. Calls me forth from Egypt.
Suggested Uses
Shabbat Services
Artist’s Statement
An English setting of v’ahavta.
Credits
Composer – David Sanders
Click Here to Download Audio File
Suggested Uses
Before the Amidah
Artist’s Statement
I was inspired by the prayer before the Amidah.
Credits
Diane Wacks (2023-24)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
יִהְיוּ לְרָצוֹן אִמְרֵי פִי וְהֶגְיוֹן לִבִּי לְפָנֶֽיךָ יְהֹוָה צוּרִי וְגוֹאֲלִי עֹשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם בִּמְרוֹמָיו הוּא יַעֲשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם עָלֵֽינוּ וְעַל כָּל־יִשְׂרָאֵל וְאִמְרוּ אָמֵן
Yihyu l’ratzon imrei fi v’hegyon libi l’fanekha Hashem tzuri v’go’ali oseh shalom bimromav hu ya’aseh shalom aleinu v’al kol Yisra’el v’imru amen
May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable to you, G-d, my rock and my redeemer. May the one who makes peace on high make peace upon us and upon all of the People Yisrael, and upon all who dwell on Earth.
Suggested Uses
Services
Artist’s Statement
Find more of Adina’s work at www.amberikeman.com
Credits
Composed by Adina Ikeman (2018)
Audio Engineer and Producer: Cantor Josh Goldberg
Mixing and Mastering: Aaron Howard
Vocals: Adina Ikeman
Guitar: Adina Ikeman
Cello: Jenny Young
Harmonium: Josh Goldberg
Kabbalat Shabbat
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Ahavat olam beit Yisrael amcha ahavta
Torah umitzvot, chukim umishpatim
Otanu limadeta
With everlasting love, you love the house of Israel. Torah and mitzvoth, laws and justice your have taught us. (Kol Haneshamah: Shabbat v’Chagim p.63)
Suggested Uses
Kabbalat Shabbat
Artist’s Statement
I wrote this melody for the Erev Shabbat service.
Credits
Music and English lyrics by Charlie Bernhardt (2016)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Psalm 95:10 (Kol Haneshamah: Shabbat v’Chagim 23)
אַרְבָּ֘עִ֤ים שָׁנָ֨ה ׀ אָ֘ק֤וּט בְּד֗וֹר… וְ֝הֵ֗ם לֹא־יָדְע֥וּ דְרָכָֽי
Arba’im shanah akut b’dor / v’hem lo yad’u d’rachai
Suggested Uses
Kabbalat Shabbat
Artist’s Statement
We were looking to create a visceral sense of the end of Psalm 95.
See the accompanying music video to this song here.
Credits
Music and arrangement – Robby Kurrus and Steven Silvern (2020)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
These words are part of the Ma’ariv blessing, Golel Or.
Golel or mipnei khoshech v’khoshech mipnai
You roll the light away before the dark, and the dark rolls away to make space for light
Suggested Uses
Any evening service.
Artist Statement
On my drive home during the winter of 2017 to 2018, as I drove home in the not late, but dark hours of early evening, the words of this prayer kept coming to me, and I felt that a musical setting was trying to come through. By spring of 2018 I had this!
Find more from Daria here.
Credits
Daria Jacobs-Velde (2018)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Hashkivenu blessing, Maariv (Kol Haneshamah: Shabbat v’Chagim p.81)
Suggested Uses
Evening services
Credits
Music – Toba Spitzer (1995)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Hashkiveinu blessing, Maariv (Kol Haneshamah: Shabbat v’Chagim p.81)
Suggested Uses
Shabbat services
Credits
Rabbi Emily Cohen (2015). Find more from Rabbi Emily at her website, IG: @emcohen or bsky: @thatrabbicohen
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Kol Haneshamah: Shabbat v’Chagim p.81
Suggested Uses
Shabbat services
Artist’s Statement
Written for Shabbat services
Credits
Music – Lorenzo Valensi (2008)
Vocals – Rabbi Irwin Keller
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Lecha Dodi (Kol Haneshama: Shabbat v’Chagim p.40-47)
Suggested Uses
Friday night Kabbalat Shabbat service
Artist Statement
After coming home from a Quwali concert, I was inspired by the jubilation present in the music. It inspired me to create this very danceable setting of Lecha Dodi.
Find more of David’s music here.
Credits
Composer: David Alon Friedman (2021)
Piano: David Alon Friedman
Voices: David Alon Friedman and Julie Sandler-Friedman
Click Here to Download Audio File
Click Here for Lyrics and Chords
Text
Lecha Dodi
Suggested Uses
Kabbalat Shabbat and anytime
Credits
Music by Micah Becker-Klein (2016)
Find out more about Micah’s music here.
Click Here to Download Audio File
Click Here to Download for Lyric Sheet
Text
Verse 1
I laid my table with her silver, and followed the candle flame I swear I saw her reflection, dancing in the window pane So let’s raise a glass of sweet wine and carry her memory tonight
Chorus
L’cha Dodi L’krat kallah p’nai shabbat n’kabbelah Sh’mor vizachor bidibur echad, hishmiyanu el hamyuchad
English translation: Come my Beloved to greet the bride The Sabbath presence let us welcome! ‘Observe’ and ‘Remember’ both uttered as one
Verse 2
Come gather, my friends and my family, I’ll cook you the meals she made I’ll tell you her tales, her stories, may they always bring light to our days So let’s raise a glass of sweet wine and carry her memory tonight
Suggested Uses
Kabbalat Shabbat
Artist’s Statement
I wrote this song in honor of my Grandmother, Helene “Hindy” Kaufman, who passed away in 2017. I include the words of the ‘L’cha Dodi” in the chorus to not only welcome the Sabbath bride into our homes, but to welcome the memory of those who have passed on.
Find more of Eleanor’s work here.
Credits
Eleanor Kaufman, featuring Raly Barrionuevo (2022)
Click Here to Download Audio File (version 1)
Click Here to Download Audio File (version 2)
Text
Lecha Dodi (Kol Haneshama: Shabbat v’Chagim p.40-47)
Suggested Uses
Kabbalat Shabbat
Credits
Elaine Moise – composer (2004)
Lyrics – Shlomo haLevi Alkabetz
Click Here to Download Audio File
Suggested Uses
Shabbat services
Artist’s Statement
This setting of Lecha Dodi is part of Sasson v’Simcha (Joy and Delight), a collection of bluegrass and bluegrass-inspired settings of the Friday night Shabbat liturgy. The full service was premiered on May 12, 2023, at Congregation Beth-El Zedeck in Indianapolis, Indiana, for the retirement of Rabbi Dennis Sasso. David dedicates this music to both his parents, Rabbis Dennis and Sandy Sasso, and with gratitude to his childhood synagogue. The music can be found on Spotify and Bandcamp, and studio videos can be seen on YouTube. Lead sheets can be obtained by contacting the composer.
Find the song on Youtube here and more about David here.
Credits
David Sasso (2020)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Psalm 95
Suggested Uses
Shabbat eve service
Artist Statement
I composed this music to be sung during Shabbat eve services.
Find out more about Seth here.
Credits
Music: Seth Daniel Riemer (1990s)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Mah Yafeh Hayom
Suggested Uses
Kabbalat Shabbat
Artist Statement
Written for our shul’s Shabbat Retreat.
Find out more about Brad here.
Credits
Brad Sachs (2023)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Mi Chamocha for Erev Shabbat (p. 79, Siddur Kol Haneshamah)
Suggested Uses
Erev Shabbat services
Artist Statement
I wrote it for 3-part choir because I was tired of the melodies the choir was using.
Credits
Composer – Brad Smith (2016)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Psalm 97 & Shabbat liturgy
Suggested Uses
During Shabbat Services for the Psalm 97 excerpt “Or Zarua La’Zadik”
Artist’s Statement
When we founded Or Zarua Havurah of the East Bay in 2004, we thought it would be fun to have a song celebrating our name. One of the havurah founders, Joshua Wirtschafter, wrote this round and the interpretive English translation. While the original Hebrew is passive, the English calls on us to be active in spreading light, joy and justice. In 2022, the song was selected for inclusion in the Reconstructing Judaism Conference Havdallah Concert.
Find out more about Or Zarua of the East Bay here.
Credits
Hebrew from Psalm 97
English lyrics and music by Joshua Wirtschafter (2004)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Baruch atoh adonai Eloheinu melekh ha-olam Boreh pree ha-gah-fen Boreh pree ha-gah-fen
We thank Thee for this gift of wine, Amen
Baruch atoh adonai Eloheinu melekh ha-olam Ha-motzi lekhem min ha-aretz Ha-motzi lekhem min ha-aretz
We thank Thee for this gift of bread, Amen
Suggested Uses
On Shabbat, when reciting prayers for wine and bread
Artist Statement
I started experimenting with new but still familiar sounding ways of reciting weekly/frequently occurring prayers, seeking to incorporate enough English translation so that when non-Jewish or simply non-Hebrew speaking guests would hear them, they would feel included and informed. This melody has become standard for our family and friends have told me they have adopted the melody and extended phrasing (including the repetition of phrases and the inclusion of English) into their family’s traditions. It can be sung freely, a cappella, or with available instruments, according to one’s custom.
Find out more about Spencer here.
Credits
Spencer David Chandler (2011)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Mizmor L’David / Psalm 29
Suggested Uses
during Shabbat services
Artist Statement
An original composition for Congregation T’chiyah Kabbalat Shabbat, especially for the sake of transitioning away from Carlebach
Credits
Tune & vocals: Jake Ehrlich (2024)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Psalm 93
Suggested Uses
Shabbat eve service
Artist Statement
I set Psalm 93 to music for liturgical use.
Find out more about Seth here.
Credits
Music: Seth Daniel Riemer (1996)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Psalm 98
Suggested Uses
Shabbat eve service
Artist Statement
Wishing to offer, for use in Shabbat services, a musical setting of selected verses from Psalm 98, I arranged them and set them to music.
Find out more about Seth here.
Credits
Music: Seth Daniel Riemer (1997)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Shabbat Blessings
Suggested Uses
Shabbat, B’nai Mitzvah
Credits
David Sanders (2014)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Click Here for Lyrics and Chords
Suggested Uses
Kabbalat Shabbat and anytime
Text
Shalom Alechem with English from Kol Haneshamah siddur
Credits
Micah Becker-Klein (2016)
Find out more about Micah’s music here.
Click Here to Download Audio File
Suggested Uses
Shabbat services, home Shabbat rituals
Artist’s Statement
This setting of Shalom Aleichem is part of Sasson v’Simcha (Joy and Delight), a collection of bluegrass and bluegrass-inspired settings of the Friday night Shabbat liturgy. The full service was premiered on May 12, 2023, at Congregation Beth-El Zedeck in Indianapolis, Indiana, for the retirement of Rabbi Dennis Sasso. David dedicates this music to both his parents, Rabbis Dennis and Sandy Sasso, and with gratitude to his childhood synagogue. The music can be found on Spotify and Bandcamp, and studio videos can be seen on YouTube. Lead sheets can be obtained by contacting the composer.
Find the song on Youtube here and more about David here.
Credits
David Sasso (2020)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Psalm 92:13-16
Suggested Uses
Shabbat and/or holiday services
Artist’s Statement
This choral setting of Tzadik Katamar was written for the choir at WES in 2014, a year when Yom Kippur fell on Shabbat. It was also performed at the Shalshelet Festival in 2016 in Philadelphia by “Nashirah – the Jewish Chorale of Greater Philadelphia,” who then incorporated it into their regular repertoire. During COVID, Nashirah created a “virtual performance” of this piece, which is where this recording is taken from.
Find more of David’s music here.
Credits
Composer: David Alon Friedman (2014)
Choir: Nashirah – The Jewish Chorale of Greater Philadelphia
Musical Director/Conductor: Dr. Julia Zavadsky
Piano: Soyeon Bin
Click Here to Download Audio File
Suggested Uses
Shabbat services
Artist’s Statement
This setting of Tzadik Katamar is part of Sasson v’Simcha (Joy and Delight), a collection of bluegrass and bluegrass-inspired settings of the Friday night Shabbat liturgy. The full service was premiered on May 12, 2023, at Congregation Beth-El Zedeck in Indianapolis, Indiana, for the retirement of Rabbi Dennis Sasso. David dedicates this music to both his parents, Rabbis Dennis and Sandy Sasso, and with gratitude to his childhood synagogue. The music can be found on Spotify and Bandcamp, and studio videos can be seen on YouTube. Lead sheets can be obtained by contacting the composer.
Find the song on Youtube here and more about David here.
Credits
David Sasso (2023)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Click Here for Sheet Music (Choral Arrangement)
Text
Psalm 92
Suggested Uses
Shabbat evening or morning
Artist’s Statement
Like most of my liturgical songs, it came about because I wasn’t a fan of the other tune(s) for this prayer that I was familiar with.
Credits
Music – Toba Spitzer (1994)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
V’shamru
Suggested Uses
Kabbalat Shabbat Services
Artist Statement
Written for our shul’s Shabbat Retreat.
Find out more about Brad here.
Credits
Music by Brad Sachs (2021)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Click Here for Music and Lyrics
Text
Exodus 31:16-17
Suggested Uses
Kabbalat Shabbat
Artist’s Statement
This was written for Shabbat services at Oseh Shalom in Laurel, MD.
Credits
Music: Cantor Charlie Bernhardt (2005)
Vocals and Acoustic Guitar: Charlie Bernhardt
Electric Bass: Ari Fink
Piano: Geoff Rohrbach
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Yedid Nefesh (p. 7, Siddur Kol Haneshamah)
Suggested Uses
Erev Shabbat services
Artist Statement
I was helping lead services regularly and wanted something new for this prayer.
Credits
Composer – Brad Smith (2021)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Psalm 98:7-8
Suggested Uses
Kabbalat Shabbat
Artist Statement
I had moved to a new town recently and was going through a lot of life transitions all at once, and this piece of liturgy about rivers/waves, depending how you translate it, spoke to me.
Credits
Composed by Nate Craig (2024)
Arranged by Rabbi Solomon Hoffman and Ari Weinberg
Shabbat Morning
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Ahavah Rabbah
Suggested Uses
Shabbat or holiday services
Artist’s Statement
One of my favorite texts–tried to create melody to match power of words.
Credits
Rabbi Steve Segar (2012)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Ahavah Rabah – Kol Haneshamah version
Suggested Uses
Morning services
Artist’s Statement
I wrote it for the aufruf of my dear friend and rabbinical school classmate, Daniel Brenner.
Credits
Music – Toba Spitzer (1995)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
After the morning Shma:
Atah Hu ad sh’lo nivra ha’olam; Atah Hu mi’sh’nivra ha’olam. Atah Hu ba’olam ha’zeh; Atah Hu l’olam ha’bah.
At hi ad sh’lo nivra ha’olam; At hi mi’sh’nivra ha’olam. At hi ba’olam ha’zeh; At hi l’olam ha’ba (feminine God language)
You are the One who existed before the world even existed; You are the one who has existed since the world existed. You are the One in this world; You are the One in the coming world. (p. 28 in Artscroll, complete Ashkenazi siddur)
Suggested Uses
Shabbat morning, holidays, any time grounding in the larger view of life would be helpful!
Artist’s Statement
I came across this phrase and the music came through as I sat with and chanted the Hebrew.
Find out more about Daria here.
Credits
Daria Jacobs-Velde (2018)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Suggested Uses
We often use this in the morning Pesukei D’Zimrah.
Artist’s Statement
In 2018, Congregation Ner Shalom dedicated its cemetery in an old apple orchard in Sebastopol, California. I wanted the occasion to feel holy and glorious, because I wanted the land to feel that way. I composed this setting for that day.
Credits
Rabbi Irwin Keller (2018)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Prayer for the State of Israel in Kol Haneshamah
Suggested Uses
Shabbat Services in lieu of the complete Prayer for the State of Israel
Artist’s Statement
In 2022, I sought to write a melody for the Prayer for the State of Israel, in order to provide a more intentional kavanah and congregational unity for that prayer. Rabbi Chai Levy at Congregation Netivot Shalom in Berkeley (where I also belong) suggested focusing on the following sentence in the prayer: “And give peace to the land and perpetual joy to its inhabitants.” I then wrote a melody to that sentence, with small lyrical changes to make it more musical as a chant/ song. Since then we have sung it at services of Or Zarua Havurah of the East Bay and last year it became part of the Shabbat service at Netivot Shalom as well.
Credits
Allen Samelson (2022)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Hebrew text: Kol Haneshamah: Shabbat v’Chagim, p. 425
Suggested Uses
Shabbat, for Birkat haChodesh, also Rosh Chodesh celebrations
Artist’s Statement
Written for use by my Rosh Chodesh group.
Credits
Music and Lyrics: Elaine Moise (1994)
Lyrics adapted from the liturgy
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Hamalach hagoel oti mikol ra yevarech et han’arim vikareh bahem sh’mi V’shem avotai Avraham v’Yizchak v’yidgu larov b’kerev ha’aretz.
May the angel who redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named in them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth. (Genesis 48:16)
Suggested Uses
Blessing children on Shabbat; Seudah Shlishit; or with reading of Parshat Vayechi.
Credits
Caitlin McLaughlin (2024)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Suggested Uses
Services, gatherings
Artist’s Statement
Written for the last JRF convention to welcome everyone.
Credits
Jeffrey Eisenstat (2010)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Suggested Uses
Services and other gatherings
Artist’s Statement
This setting of Hinei Ma Tov in Hebrew and English is part of Sasson v’Simcha (Joy and Delight), a collection of bluegrass and bluegrass-inspired settings of the Friday night Shabbat liturgy. The full service was premiered on May 12, 2023, at Congregation Beth-El Zedeck in Indianapolis, Indiana, for the retirement of Rabbi Dennis Sasso. The music is dedicated to both his parents, Rabbis Dennis and Sandy Sasso, and with gratitude to his childhood synagogue. The music can be found on Spotify and Bandcamp, and studio videos can be seen on YouTube. Lead sheets can be obtained by contacting the composer.
Find the song on Youtube here and more about David here.
Credits
David Sasso (2023)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Ilu Finu (p. 237, Siddur Kol Haneshamah)
Suggested Uses
Shabbat morning services
Artist’s Statement
We were using the same repetitious melody for a long time. I wanted something new and more of a real melody.
Credits
Composer – Brad Smith (2025)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Misheberach l’cholim (Kol Haneshamah: Shabbat v’Chagim p. 684)
Suggested Uses
Shabbat services
Artist’s Statement
I began writing the Hebrew section of this song as a gift to Rabbi Rachel Hersh on the occasion of her smicha because she wanted some new options for healing prayers at shul. We ended up finishing the song together, with Rachel writing the English section and our writing that section’s music together
Credits
Beth Sperber Richie and Rabbi Hazzan Rachel Hersh (2017)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Nishmat kol chai t’varech et shimcha, v’ruach kol basar, t’fa’eir ut’romeim zichr’cha malkeinu.
The soul of every living thing shall bless your name…and the spirit of all flesh shall glorify and hold in revence the memory of you, our Sovereign One.
Suggested Uses
Blessing children on Shabbat; Seudah Shlishit; or with reading of Parshat Vayechi.
Artist’s Statement
I wrote this to add something jazzy to the morning Shabbat service, an adaptation of traditional nusach, with a jazzy twist.
Credits
Caitlin McLaughlin (2024)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Yehi Shalom b’chaylaich-shalvah b’armonotayich (Psalm 122)
Suggested Uses
Shabbat or Holiday services
Artist’s Statement
Felt this text was beautiful and deserved a melody.
Credits
Rabbi Steve Segar (2018)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Suggested Uses
Religious school; camp; Tot Shabbat; family gatherings
Artist’s Statement
I wanted to add songs to the repertoire of songs I taught to religious school students in the 1980s. This was one of those songs. It was recorded on a cassette titled “The Brightest Candle.”
Credits
Lyrics and music by Madeleine Langman
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Sim Shalom blessing of the Amidah (Kol Haneshamah)
Suggested Uses
Morning services
Artist’s Statement
I just wanted a new tune for this prayer!
Credits
Music – Toba Spitzer (1998)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Unending Love by Rabbi Rami Shapiro (Kol Haneshamah: Shabbat v’Chagim p.61)
Suggested Uses
Shabbat services
Artist’s Statement
Written for Shabbat services
Credits
Music – Lorenzo Valensi (2009)
Arrangement – Lorenzo Valensi
Words – Rabbi Rami Shapiro
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
וִיהִ֤י ׀ נֹ֤עַם אֲדֹנָ֥י אֱלֹהֵ֗ינוּ עָ֫לֵ֥ינוּ וּמַעֲשֵׂ֣ה יָ֭דֵינוּ כּוֹנְנָ֥ה עָלֵ֑ינוּ וּֽמַעֲשֵׂ֥ה יָ֝דֵ֗ינוּ כּוֹנְנֵֽהוּ׃
May the pleasantness of the Lord our God be upon us. May the work of our hands endure and have lasting value!
Suggested Uses
Shabbat morning, P’sukei d’Zimrah (preliminary Psalms)
Artist’s Statement
I wrote this during the pandemic as a song of hopefulness and determination.
Find more music by this synagogue community (Kol HaLev) here.
Credits
Music – Cantor George Henschel (2020)
Text from Psalm 90:17
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha’olam, yotzer or u’vorei choshech, oseh shalom u’vorei et hakol. Or chadash al tzion ta’ir v’nizkeh kulanu m’heira l’oro. Baruch atah Adonai yotzer ham’orot.
Suggested Uses
Morning services (shabbat, Rosh Chodesh festival or weekday), morning service that falls on Chinese New Year.
Artist’s Statement
This was written for a morning service on the Chinese New Year. As some of morning nusach is in pentatonic, it got me thinking about the Chinese pentatonic scale, which inspired this melody. At the time I was learning about the Kaifeng Jewish community, and became interested in their weaving together of Confucian, Taoist and Jewish thought.
Credits
Composer: Rabbi Gabrielle Pescador (2021)
Text: Morning Liturgy
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Priestly Blessing (p. 319, Kol Haneshamah: Shabbat v’Chagim)
Suggested Uses
Shabbat, family gatherings, baby naming, b’nai mitzvah
Artist’s Statement
Written for my son’s Bar Mitzvah
Credits
David Sanders (2003)
Havdallah
Click Here to Download Audio File
Click Here for Lyrics and Chords
Text
Havdallah blessings
Suggested Uses
Havdallah
Credits
Micah Becker-Klein (2001)
Find out more about Micah’s music here.
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Havdalah blessings
Suggested Uses
Havdalah, or use the nigun at any other time!
Artist’s Statement
I composed it one Shabbat afternoon while living in Jerusalem during rabbinical school.
Find out more about Daria at TheGreatRebalancing.Life
Credits
Daria Jacobs-Velde (2005)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Suggested Uses
During Havdalah service
Artist’s Statement
I was moved to write a new Havdalah song. The recording of this song is from a 1980s cassette I made entitled “The Brightest Candle.”
Credits
Lyrics and music – Madeleine Langman
Click Here to Download Audio File
Suggested Uses
Havdallah, before or after Lighting Hanukkah candles, seasonal concert or singing
Artist’s Statement
Inspired while in rabbinical school to integrate Hanukkah past and current realities
Find more of Rabbi Shawn’s work at www.rabbizevit.com
Credits
Words and music – Rabbi Shawn Zevit (1994-5)
Weekday
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
בְּשֵׁם הַשֵּׁם אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל מִימִינִי מִיכָאֵל, וּמִשְּׂמֹאלִי גַּבְרִיאֵל, וּמִלְּפָנַי אוּרִיאֵל, וּמֵאֲחוֹרַי רְפָאֵל וְעַל רֹאשִׁי וְעַל רֹאשִׁי שְׁכִינַת אֵל
Beshem Hashem elohei Yisrael / mimini Micha’el / u’mismoli Gavri’el / u’milfanai Uri’el / u’mei’achorai Refa’el / v’al roshi / v’al roshi Shekhinat El
Suggested Uses
Bedtime shema/tahara liturgy, lullaby
Artist’s Statement
This text is part of the bedtime shema liturgy and is also used as part of tahara (ritual cleaning and preparation of a body for burial). The embodied imagery of the different angels on all sides has been a sweetness, a salve, a support system, an imaginative exercise, a spiritual practice for me.
The most well-known melody to these words is one that I cherish. Yet I also continue to wrestle with Shlomo Carlebach’s complicated legacy of harm. I wanted another melody to hold some of the magic of these words for myself. This melody came to me in the summer of 2024, as I worked as a hospital chaplain, walking alongside and witnessing wells of grief, trauma, and resilience.
Find more of Léah’s work at www.instagram.com/leahmiller28
Credits
Melody composed by Léah Miller (2024)
Recorded at RRC in Philadelphia, PA on Lenni-Lenape land
Léah Miller – lead vocals
Jesse Weil – guitar, vocals
Chloe Zelkha – vocals
Adina Amber Ikeman – vocals
Click Here to Download Audio File
Click Here for Lyrics and Chords
Text
Every day, Creation is renewed.
Wake up and see unfolding
In the spreading light of dawn,
The world and all it contains
Coming into being, new, fresh,
Filled with divine goodness
And love.
Every day, Creation is renewed.
Reflected in the great lights
We see a new day,
One precious day,
Eternity.
– Sheila Peltz Weinberg (Kol Haneshamah Limot Chol)
Suggested Uses
Shabbat or weekday morning & anytime.
Credits
Music by Micah Becker-Klein (2001)
Lyrics by Sheila Peltz Weinberg
Find out more about Micah’s music here.
Click Here to Download Audio File (part 1)
Click Here to Download Audio File (part 2)
Text
Genesis 2:15 is the melody. Genesis 1:1 can be used as a counterpoint – harmonizing over Genesis 2:15, or making this into a round.
Suggested Uses
In lieu of some of the beginning morning blessings, connecting to nature.
Artist’s Statement
This was written while spending a weekend on a beach in Delaware, as I strolled and danced on the beach, by the waves, in the quiet morning hours.
Find out more about Daria here.
Credits
Daria Jacobs-Velde (2020)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
אֱלֹהַי נְשָׁמָה שֶׁנָּתַֽתָּ בִּי טְהוֹרָה הִיא
Elohai neshamah shenatata bi tehora hee
My God! The soul that you have given me is pure
Suggested Uses
Weekday or Shabbat morning services
Credits
Chloe Zelkha (2021)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Esa Einai, I Lift Up My Eyes (Psalm 121)
Artist’s Statement
We all know the upbeat version of this song that is commonly known and loved. Our version is more pensive. The rising and falling notes that make up our melody are like the ascending and descending slopes of a mountain range.
Click here to learn more about Reuben’s work.
Credits
Reuben Haller – lead vocal, mandola, triangle
Will Robertson – guitar, bass
McKenzie Wren – background vocals
Composed by Reuben Haller and McKenzie Wren
Recorded, mixed and produced by Will Robertson (2018)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Shema al haMita
מִימִינִי מִיכָאֵל, וּמִשְּׂמֹאלִי גַּבְרִיאֵל, וּמִלְּפָנַי אוּרִיאֵל, וּמֵאֲחוֹרַי רְפָאֵל וְעַל רֹאשִׁי שְׁכִינַת אֵל
Mimini Micha’el / u’mismoli Gavri’el / u’milfanai Uri’el / u’mei’achorai Refa’el / v’al roshi / v’al roshi Shekhinat El
Suggested Uses
Bedtime comforting lullaby
Artist’s Statement
Based on Shema al haMita (bedtime Sh’ma), it is written as a comforting lullaby.
Credits
Composer: David Alon Friedman (2014)
Piano: David Alon Friedman
Voice: David Alon Friedman
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Modah Ani l’fanecha ruach chai v’kayam, shehechezarta bi nishmati b’chemlah, rabba emununatecha.
I thank You, Breath and Animator of Life, for graciously and compassionately returning my soul within me. Great is Your faithfulness.
Suggested Uses
Morning services. Gendered language to be adjusted as appropriate.
Artist’s Statement
A person in my chevreh changed her Hebrew name to Chemlah because she wanted to cultivate more compassion. Modah Ani has the word Chemlah in it so I wrote this melody for her, that she wake up each morning chanting the prayer with the kavanah of honoring the gift of her soul by filling her heart with compassion throughout the day.
Credits
Music – Rabbi Gabrielle Pescador (2021)
Text: Morning liturgy
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Modeh ani l’fanecha ruach chai v’kayam.
Suggested Uses
Morning gratitude chant.
Credits
Reuben Haller – lead vocal, mandola, djembe
Will Robertson – guitar, bass, vocals
Rob Kistenberg, Rebecca Leary Safon, Amy Price, McKenzie Wren – group vocals
Emrah Kotan – drums, udu, bongos
Composed by Reuben Haller (2020)
Click here to learn more about Reuben’s work.
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
רַבֹּ֣ות מַחֲשָׁבֹ֣ות בְּלֶב־אִ֑ישׁ וַעֲצַ֥ת יְ֝הוָ֗ה הִ֣יא תָקֽוּם׃
There are so many thoughts in a person’s heart, but the counsel of the Holy One will last. (Proverbs 19:21)
Suggested Uses
Shacharit services, weekday and Shabbat
Artist’s Statement
This verse is part of the morning tefillah, and it’s a lovely, little-known verse. One day, as I was davening, this melody came to me.
Credits
Composer and translator – Josh Jacobs-Velde (2011)
High Holidays
Click Here to Download Audio File
Suggested Uses
This is meant for the Neilah service on Yom Kippur.
Artist’s Statement
I wanted an entryway into the Neilah Service that was contemplative, before reaching the big piyyutim. This mostly call-and-response setting has been a staple in my community for more than a dozen years.
Find more of Irwin’s work at www.irwinkeller.com and www.nershalom.org
Credits
Rabbi Irwin Keller (2011)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Inspired by Rosh Hashanah’s “Hayom teamtzeinu”
Suggested Uses
As a substitute / addition for Hayom liturgy
Artist’s Statement
Written for High Holidays 2020 – a prayer for a radically different world
Credits
Words and music: Jake Ehrlich (2020)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Suggested Uses
High Holidays
Artist’s Statement
This song is based on the concept of teshuva. I wrote this for high holiday services and now perform it annually.
Credits
Andrea Simms-Karp – composer and vocalist (2023)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Based on parts of the Yizkor liturgy — see lyrics sheet attached.
Suggested Uses
Yizkor service, or before/after Kaddish.
Artist’s Statement
I wrote this on my dad’s birthday, 7 years after his passing.
Find more of Chloe’s work here and here.
Credits
Chloe Zelkha (2024)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Suggested Uses
We sing this at Yizkor, but it could be used for any setting where a Psalm is appropriate
Artist’s Statement
Psalm 15 was read at my mother’s funeral and it described how she lived her life so well. I wrote the setting for the first two verses of the Hebrew in her honor in 2012. This is why the first two verses are written in the feminine form. In 2022 at her 10th yahrtzeit I wrote the music for the rest of the Hebrew and added the English piece. My dear friends sang it with me at Yizkor on Yom Kippur in 2022 and have sung it each year since.
To learn more about Beth’s synagogue community, please go to www.adatshalom.net
Credits
Composed by Beth Sperber Richie (2012, 2022)
Sung by Lauren Biel, Jennifer Gold, Jen Sherman, and Beth Sperber Richie
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Psalm 23 (Kol Haneshama: Shabbat v’Chagim 645)
Suggested Uses
I use this regularly at Yizkor services, and at times of sadness.
Artist’s Statement
I was asked to write a setting of this Psalm for a memorial service that was being held at one of the local Jewish senior centers after the events of Oct. 7, 2023.
Find more of Joanie’s work at joaniecalem.bandcamp.com
Credits
Words and Music – Joanie Calem (2023)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Adonai Ori
God is My Source of Light (Psalm 27)
Suggested Uses
A chant for the month of Elul.
Artist’s Statement
I wrote this chant to be sung during the month of Elul when it is customary to recite Psalm 27.
Find more of Reuben’s work at www.reubenhaller.com
Credits
Reuben Haller – vocals
Gayanne Guerin – vocals
David Borthwick – viola
Sarah Zaslaw – violin
Julia Borthwick – viola
Benjamin Borthwick – cello
Will Roberston – upright bass
Composed by Reuben Haller
Strings composed by David Borthwick
Recoded and mixed by Will Robertson (2022)
Version 1
Version 2
Click Here to Download Version 1 Audio File
Click Here to Download Version 2 Audio File
Text
Psalm 27
Suggested Uses
Because the song was already used during a Jewish Ethics program leading up to the High Holy Days, that could be one use of the song.
Artist’s Statement
In 2020, Rabbi Judith Halevy had challenged me to create a song for the Taos Jewish Center and MJC&S online Jewish Ethics class, in time for ethics classes leading up to the 2020/5781 High Holy Days. I took it to heart, and created this song – the music is original, and the lyrics are my adaptation of a version of the Psalm 27 that Rabbi Judith was planning to use in the class. I used sentences from a Psalm 27 translation as lyrics for the song. I created the musical composition and arrangement on guitar, crafted the lyrical arrangement and vocal melodies, and recorded the guitar and vocals in my home studio.
This year, I finished a brand new produced version, with orchestration, and Rabbi Marcelo Gindlin (MJC&S Malibu) as the vocalist.
Rabbi Marcelo has been the Cantor at MJC&S for more than 25 years, and he worked with Rabbi Halevy the entire time, and now is the Rabbi at MJC&S. He has a beautiful voice.
Credits
Version 1
Featured vocalist: Rabbi Marcelo Gindlin
Producer, performer, writer: Ian Cohen
Version 2
Producer, featured artist, and writer: Ian Cohen
Click Here to Download Audio File
Suggested Uses
Choirs of any religious type or denomination. Especially appropriate for High Holiday services and Sukkot.
Artist’s Statement
Written for my temple choir. Inspiration came when our Rabbi heard us rehearsing and came into the room and said we sounded like angels.
Credits
Lyrics and music – Edgar Jay House
Copyright 2022 Edgar Jay House
Click Here to Download Audio File
Suggested Uses
This is a zipper song, where the congregation can add in the things that they would like to let go of, so it would be personalized for that particular time and group. It is for Rosh Hashanah but I use it at other times of the year as well to help us remember to let go and be.
Artist’s Statement
It was Rosh HaShanah of 2020 and we were all still trying to figure out community prayer/holidays and Covid. This song was born from that trifecta.
Find more of Joanie’s work at joaniecalem.bandcamp.com
Credits
Words and Music – Joanie Calem (2020)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Click Here for Music and Lyrics
Text
U’vechen yihi ratzon milfanecha Adonai
Eloheynu v’Elohe avotenu v’imatenu
Shetislach lanu alkol chatotenu
v’timchal lanu al kol avonotenu
u’tekaper lanu al kol p’shaenu
May it be your will, God of our ancestors, to forgive all our sins, to pardon our iniquities, and to grant us atonement for all our transgressions.
Kol Haneshamah: Machzor l’Yomim Norim (p. 962)
Suggested Uses
Yom Kippur Musaf
Artist’s Statement
I wanted to create a melody for part of the Yom Kippur Musaf service. I used the tune for a passage found before the Vidui.
Credits
Music by Charlie Bernhardt (2010)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Click Here for Music and Lyrics
Text
Va’ani Tefilati – May My Prayer Come to You, Psalm 6:14
Suggested Uses
During festival and high holiday services, or Shabbat or weekday morning services.
Artist’s Statement
We wanted to have a new melody for this text that is in the Torah service and used on the High Holidays.
Credits
Composers – Lisa Shapanka Arbisser and Naomi Less (2023)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Text
Unetaneh Tokef
Suggested Uses
For High Holy Days, during the Unetaneh Tokef
Artist’s Statement
It was my first year leading High Holy Days at Congregation Ner Shalom and I was feeling my way into where I wanted something creative. It was on a drive to Santa Cruz to visit my friend Rabbi Eli Cohen that this song came to me. He and I recorded it on the spot, and both our congregations continue to use it annually.
Find more of Irwin’s work at www.irwinkeller.com and www.nershalom.org
Credits
Rabbi Irwin Keller (2008)
Holidays/Hallel
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Text
Gam choshech lo yachshich mimecha, v’laylah kayom ya’ir, kachasheicha ka’orah.
The dark is not dark for You. The dark is not dark at all. For you night is light as day. The dark and the light are the same. for you the light and the dark are the same (Psalm 139:12)
Suggested Uses
Chanukah, 3 weeks between 17th Tammuz and Tisha B’av, during any time of sadness or hardship
Artist’s Statement
This was written for Chanukah to embrace the light within the darkness of winter. The verse also speaks to the 3 weeks between the 17th of Tammuz and Tisha B’av which is the lowest point of the Jewish calendar. The verse from Psalm 139:12 reminds us to continually look for light even in our darkest moments.
Credits
Music: Rabbi Gabrielle Pescador (2021)
Hebrew Text: Psalms 139:12
English Text: Rabbi Gabrielle Pescador
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Text
Mi chamocha ba’eilim Adonai, mi kamocha nedar bakodesh. Nora t’hilot oseh feleh. Malchut’cha ra’u vanecha boke’a yam lifnei Moshe u’Miriam. Zeh eli anu v’amru. Adonai yimloch l’olam va’ed (Kol Haneshamah: Shabbat v’Chagim 79)
Suggested Uses
Shabbat during the month of Kislev.
Artist’s Statement
I wanted to write a dreamy Mi Chamocha for the month of Kislev (when many of the parshiot feature dreams).
Credits
Music – Rabbi Gabrielle Pescador (2022)
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Suggested Uses
Religious school; Tot Shabbat; camp; family gatherings
Artist’s Statement
I wanted to expand the repertoire of Chanukah songs I taught to religious school children in the 1980s. This recording is from a cassette I made then entitled “The Brightest Candle.”
Credits
Lyrics and music – Madeleine Langman
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Text
Psalm 118
Credits
Arrangement (for track): Elan Wong
Vocals: Cantor Shanna Zell, Cantor Josh Rosenberg
Vocals and Guitar: Rabbi Ryan Leszner
Arrangement (for sheet music): Cantor Judy Gershon
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Text
Dayenu in the Haggadah
Suggested Uses
At protests, on Pesach
Artist’s Statement
I was thinking of the state of the world, and the meaning of the “dayenu” litany in the Pesach Haggadah.
Credits
Rabbi Ruhi Sophia Motzkin Rubenstein – composer, lead vocals (2022)
Rabbi Jacob Siegel – background vocals and notation
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Text
וְהוֹצֵאתִי וְהִצַּלְתִּי וְגָאַלְתִּי וְלָקַחְתִּי
V’hotzeiti, v’hitzalti, v’ga’alti, v’lakachti
I will bring you out, deliver you, redeem you, take you as my own…and you shall know that I am your God
Suggested Uses
Passover seder, Shabbat services during Parshat Vaera
Artist’s Statement
I originally composed this chant for Passover. The four expressions of Divine promise for liberation from Exodus 6:6-7— I will bring you out, deliver you, redeem you, take you as my own— are inspiration for the Passover Seder’s four cups of wine. This chant is also appropriate for Parshat Vaera, when the Divine hears the cry of the Israelite slaves and responds with these promises.
Find more of Malkah Binah’s work at www.thrivingspirit.org
Credits
Composed by Rabbi Malkah Binah Klein (2019)
Vocals by Rabbi Malkah Binah Klein and Daniella Forstater
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Text
משנכנס אדר מרבין בשמחה
Mishenichnas Adar marbin b’simcha
When Adar comes, simcha increases (Babylonian Talmud, Ta’anit 29a)
Suggested Uses
From Rosh Chodesh Adar– Shabbat services, Purim services
Artist’s Statement
The spirit of this chant is embracing and celebrating the joyful transition that the month of Adar brings. Adar is the transition of winter to spring, the month when we celebrate Purim. The ancient rabbis teach that simcha (joy/ being fully awake and alive) increases with the coming of Adar. May our capacity to experience joy ever grow!
Find more of Malkah Binah’s work at www.thrivingspirit.org
Credits
Composed by Malkah Binah Klein (2019)
Guitar accompaniment by Jack Kessler z”l, with whom I studied voice and the art of davening.
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Text
נַחֲמ֥וּ נַחֲמ֖וּ עַמִּ֑י יֹאמַ֖ר אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם׃
Nachamu nachamu ami yomar eloheichem
Comfort, oh comfort My people, Says your God (Isaiah 40:1)
Suggested Uses
Shabbat Nachamu
Credits
Composer: Emily Cohen (2023)
Drums (on recording): Adami Gordon
Find more from Rabbi Emily on her website, IG: @emcohenm, or bsky: @thatrabbicohen
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Text
אִית תְּחוּמִין בִּמְעַיָא
Eet techumin bim’aya
Are there marked off places in my insides? (Bereshit Rabba 55:7)
Suggested Uses
Potentially Tu B’Av
Artist’s Statement
There’s a moment in the midrash on Genesis where Abraham challenges God’s assumption about the nature of parental love. When asked about “the son that you love,” Abraham responds with a profound question in Aramaic: “אִית תְּחוּמִין בִּמְעַיָא” (Eet techumin bim’aya) – “Are there marked off places in my insides?” (Bereshit Rabba 55:7).
I wrote this song in the open-hearted months after my son’s birth, when every joy and sorrow in the world felt personal, wondering what it would mean if there truly weren’t marked off places in our insides.
Find more of Chloe’s work here and here.
Credits
Chloe Zelkha (2023)
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Suggested Uses
With children or families during Tu b’Shevat seders or celebrations
Artist’s Statement
I wanted to write a new song for Tu b’Shevat to teach the children in the religious school where I was the songleader/music teacher in the 80s. This was recorded for a cassette I made called “The Brightest Candle.”
Credits
Lyrics – Madeleine Langman and Peter Langman (by permission)
Music – Madeleine Langman
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Suggested Uses
Tu B’shvat Seder- with a verse between the worlds
Artist’s Statement
This was written to set the mood and wind through the Four Worlds of the Tu Bshvat Seder.
Find more from Reb Rayzel at www.shechinah.com
Credits
Rabbi Geela Rayzel Raphael (2009)
Miscellaneous
This category includes music that didn’t fit neatly into our above categories. Here you will find music for children’s programming, moments when comfort is needed, lifecycle events, niggunim, and more.
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Text
Ba-ruch a-tah ha-shem e-lo-kei-nu me-lech ha-o-lam
Who brings forth bread from the earth, Ha-mo-tzi le-chem min ha-a-retz
Who cre-a-ted the fruit of the vine, Bo-reh p-ri ha-ga-fen
Who cre-a-ted the fruit of the trees, Bo-reh p-ri ha-eytz
Who cre-a-ted the fruit of the ground, Bo-reh p-ri ha-a-da-mah
Who cre-a-ted all kinds of foods, Bo-reh mi-nay mih-zo-not
By Whose word all things came to be, She-ha-kol ni-hi-ye bid-vo-ro
Suggested Uses
For children’s schools/learning and performance purposes
Artist’s Statement
Our ten year old son attends Talmud Torah at the JCC in St. Louis Park, MN on Tuesdays and Thursdays. His teacher, Mary Baumgartner, asked me if I would help the class with a melody for the six “Blessings of Enjoyment” for an upcoming assembly/show for parents and friends.
Find out more about Spencer here.
Credits
Spencer David Chandler (2025)
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Text
the Haftarah for Parashat Noach: loosely based on Isaiah 54:1-13
Suggested Uses
Music time in religious school or camp
Artist’s Statement
This was inspired by the haftarah for Parashat Noach, and the question of what is possible after destruction.
Credits
Rabbi Ruhi Sophia Motzkin Rubenstein – composer and vocals (2024)
Rabbi Jacob Siegel – piano
Notation by Jesse Cloninger and Rabbi Jacob Siegel
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Suggested Uses
During services, prayer vigils, memorials.
Artist’s Statement
On October 7th, the unthinkable happened. Like many, I was speechless for days and days. Once I was able to begin processing this devastating tragedy, the words of my new song flowed out of me like water from a mighty stream. This song is called Ein Milim (Bring Them Home) which means “no words” and comes from a place of both deep grief and desperate longing for days filled with hope and answered prayers. Bring them home today.
Find more of Jennifer’s work at www.thetribe365.com
Credits
Music & Lyrics – Jennifer Duretz Peled (2023)
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Suggested Uses
During Shabbat services
Artist’s Statement
This song was written while volunteering at our local food bank.
Credits
Sheridan Gold: Composer, Vocalist (2023)
Rabbi Irwin Keller: Vocal harmonies
Suzanne Shanbaum: Recording engineer, Guitar, Vocal harmonies
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Click Here for Music and Lyrics
Text
Talmud Bavli, Brachot Noah B’
Suggested Uses
For anything related to disability awareness and inclusion, or anything about judgement.
Artist’s Statement
One of the many hats that I wear is that of an inclusion advocate. I have offered song and story programs for JDAIM for many years. During Covid I was active in an online arts organization called NewCAJEArts, and we did a special program on inclusion for JDAIM. While I had long toyed with this portion of the Talmud, that event was the impetus to finally write the song.
Find more of Joanie’s work at joaniecalem.bandcamp.com
Credits
Words and Music – Joanie Calem (2021)
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Text
וְעָ֥שׂוּ לִ֖י מִקְדָּ֑שׁ וְשָׁכַנְתִּ֖י בְּתוֹכָֽם׃
[Let them make Me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them (Exodus 25:8)]
We will not fear. We will be here, with all our heart.
Suggested Uses
The simple 2 part chant can be done during services or protests. The full harmonies maybe would take a little more practice or could be improvisatory (as the original track was)
Artist’s Statement
Written in honor of Parashat Terumah and love in the face of hate.
Credits
Rabbi Emily Cohen (2023)
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Text
Numbers 6:23-27, but loosely adapted
Suggested Uses
We’ve used it in various ceremonies, b-mitzvah, formal occasions, healing service
Artist’s Statement
The initial idea came from a Tu b’Shevat seder, and developed into the 3-fold blessing–it is a response to the beauty and impact of blessing.
Credits
Text is a variation of the 3-fold blessing (Numbers 6:23-27).
English translation – Steven Silvern
Music and arrangement – Robby Kurrus and Steven Silvern (2020)
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Text
Ba-rukh atoh Adonay Elo-heinu Melekh Ha-olam Shehechi-yanu Vikimanu Vihi-gi-yanu Lazman Hazeh
Blessed are you Hashem our G-d, Creator of the universe You have kept us alive, and sustained us And brought us to now
Suggested Uses
Any time when the Shehechiyanu prayer might be said, especially at ceremonies where one or more instruments might be available for accompaniment
Artist’s Statement
I wrote this for my sister (then a cantor) and her daughter (my niece, who played flute) on the occasion of her bat mitzvah. I have always loved the first night of Hanukah for its inclusion of the third blessing, and the extended melody, and feel a bit sad that it only gets sung once. I wanted to create an extended melody for it that could occupy a bit more time, so as to really let the powerful words of the prayer sink in, for example at a ceremony like a wedding or bar/bat mitzvah.
Find out more about Spencer here.
Credits
Spencer David Chandler (2011)
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Text
Malachi 3:23-24
Suggested Uses
Any times with parents and children
Artist’s Statement
Written for a baby naming.
Credits
Jeffrey Eisenstat (1994)
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Text
V’hi noam Adonai eloheinu aleinu, uma’aseh yadeinu kon’nah aleinu. Uma’aseh yadeinu kon’neihu.
May the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; Let the work of our hands prosper, O prosper the work of our hands! (Psalm 90:17)
Suggested Uses
Clergy or board installations or anniversaries, clergy retirement, other occasions honoring Jewish leaders, on the beginning or completion of a major project.
Artist’s Statement
This song was written to honor the work of clergy and other Jewish leaders. May the work of our hands be established.
Credits
Caitlin McLaughlin and Ben Pagliaro (2024)
Click Here to Download Audio File 1
Click Here to Download Audio File 2
Suggested Uses
It works for all settings as a round
Artist’s Statement
Written for the Moses story of the burning bush. Heinu, I am here.
Credits
Diane Wacks (2014)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Suggested Uses
During group meditation/hitbodedut; As a teaching tool when discussing spiritual struggles, perhaps during shiurim about emunah (faith) or bitachon (trust); During Seudah Shlishit of Shabbat, that contemplative time between day and night
Artist’s Statement
A niggun written during a moment of questioning everything, where the doubts themselves became the melody – following the path down to find the way up (yerida l’tzorech aliyah).
Find more of Chloe’s work here and here.
Credits
Chloe Zelkha (2023)
Click Here to Download Audio File
Suggested Uses
Thanksgiving, holiday gatherings, interfaith services—any time a congregation wishes to focus on the many things that connect us rather than the things that divide us.
Artist’s Statement
I wrote this poem and musical setting in response to a comment made by someone at a Shabbat morning service at Kol HaLev in Baltimore, about how we are all connected in so many ways.
Credits
Lyrics and music – Cantor George Henschel (2024)
Additional Resources from the Movement
High Holiday Nusakh Recordings
Looking to prepare for the High Holidays? Rabbi Alan LaPayover (’02) made recordings using the Reconstructionist liturgy that are available to the whole community.
Original Music for the High Holidays
Compiled for the High Holidays in 2020, this list of liturgical music is the gift that keeps on giving!
A Night of Questions Haggadah Music Supplement
“A Night of Questions” Passover recording by Shabbat Unplugged was made in 2000. Shabbat Unplugged is: Rayzel Raphael, Margot Stein, Juliet Spitzer, Shawn Zevit, Myriam Klotz, and Micah Becker-Klein. Formed in 1995, they have been making acoustic, energizing, and spiritual American Jewish music ever since. Enjoy!
Curated Playlists to Enhance Your Day
Rabbi Sandra Lawson (Director of Racial Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Reconstructing Judaism) compiled two wonderful Spotify playlists full of music written by folks in the movement. They’re worth a gander!
Additional Resources from the Community
Apps from Rabbi Shefa Gold
Rabbi Shefa has created apps that explore the liturgy from Shir Hashirim (Song of Songs) and moments of praise and gratitude.
