Adonai Roi (God Is My Shepherd, Psalm 23)

1 Yah is my shepherd; I lack nothing. [Chorus]

2 Yah makes me lie down in green pastures;
Yah leads me to water in places of repose;

3 Yah renews my life;
Yah guides me in right paths as befits Yah‘s name.

4 Though I walk through a valley of deepest darkness, I fear no harm,
for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff—they comfort me.

5 You spread a table for me in full view of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil; my drink is abundant.

6 Only goodness and steadfast love shall pursue me all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of Havayah for many long years.

(Translation slightly adapted from Sefaria website.)

I have also written a two part round setting of the final verse of Psalm 23:6, known as V’shavti B’veit Adonai – And I Will Dwell in the House of the Lord.

This piece is one of many I have composed for the High Holy Days over the years. Explore the rest of the High Holy Days collection here.