CONTENTS
Cuando El Rey Nimrod ...
("When King Nimrod ...") A Ladino (Spanish/Hebrew) myth about King Nimrod, who saw a star foretelling the birth of Abraham. It is traditionally sung in Sephardic communities at a brit milah, (ritual circumcision of infant Jewish males on the eighth day of life, which brings them into the covenant established by Abraham with God).
Ladino Folk Song
Al Tifg'i Vi Le-ozveich
("Entreat Me Not To Leave Thee") After her husband's death, Ruth became the first convert to Judaism by pledging to Naomi, her mother-in-law: " ... whither thou goest, I will go ... your people shall be my people, your God shall be my God ... " I sing a duet to portray how this choice intertwined the destinies of these two women.
Book Of Ruth, I: 16-17; Music by Lawrence Avery © Transcontinental Music Publications
Sh'ma Koleynu
("Hear Our Voice") "Hear our voice, O Lord. Have compassion upon us and receive our prayer with mercy. Do not turn away from us when we are old and have lost our strength; do not abandon us."
High Holy Day Liturgy; Music by Max Helfman © Transcontinental Music Publications
Tumbalalayke
("Play the Balalayke") This riddle is a very popular Yiddish song sung by Jews throughout the world. The words have taken many variations to reflect different cultures and historical concerns. This is one of the more romantic versions.
Yiddish Folk Song
Al HaNisim
("The Miracles") This piece recounts the historical events of Chanukah: a miraculous victory against an overwhelming enemy. It also thanks God for "delivering the strong into the hands of theweak, the many into the hands of the few, the wicked into the hands of the just, and the arrogant into the hands of those devoted to your law.".
Chanukah Liturgy; Music: Traditional
Dodi Li
("I Am My Beloved's") A mystical song expressing the love between God and Israel as well as between woman and man. It is often sung at weddings.
From Song of Songs; Music by Nira Chen
Avinu Malkeynu Z'chor Rachamecha
("Our Father our King, Remember Your Compassion") In this prayer we beg God to show mercy and protect us from all manner of evil.
High Holy Day Liturgy; Music by Moshe Ganchoff
Rounds
"By The Waters of Babylon; Kol Han'shamah ("Every soul will praise God, Halleluyah"); Hava Nashirah (Let us sing a song of Halleluyah).
Psalm 137:1, folk song; Music by Joseph Haydn
Ani Ma'amin
("I Believe") The thirteenth of Maimonides' 13 Articles of Faith: "I believe with perfect faith in the coming of the Messiah; and though he tarry, I believe. This was the song that many Jews sang as they travelled to the concentration camps in boxcars--their belief in the coming Messiah still undiminished.
Moses Maimonides; Music: Folk Song
Sim Shalom
("Grant Peace") "Grant peace, goodness and blessing to the world; graciousness, kindness and mercy to us ..." We acknowledge with this prayer the divine light that brings peace to the world -- among all blessings, none is greater.
Daily Liturgy; Music: Moshe Ganchoff
