This translation of the first paragraph of the Sh’ma intersperses close reading of the original Hebrew with meditative interpolations to expand on multiple meanings and ambiguities in the Hebrew, as well as in the translation itself. The reader is invited to use this as a starting point for personal meditation on the deep power and …
These are my own gleanings from a wonderful book by Abraham Joshua Heschel, Man’s Quest for God: Studies in Prayer and Symbolism (1954, copyright Susannah Heschel 1996). I hope they encourage you to buy the book. Normally, I paraphrase and summarise much more; however, Heschel has such a powerful command of language, that most of …
There are many websites, resources, and articles, by noted medical experts, rabbis and authorities on Jewish tradition and halachah (law) that set out the arguments both against brit milah (the circumcision ritual for Jewish boys), and for alternative welcoming, naming and covenant ceremonies (such as brit shalom) that do not involve cutting or drawing of blood. You will find a number of useful resources …
Music and recording © Alexander Massey 11 March 2015 BUY the sheet music (3 vces & pno/guit) – $4.50 (3 copies @ $1.50) (I have written another substantial article on Elohai N’shamah, including 2 new meditations, which can be found here.) Chant, text, translation, source readings and reflections ….
Music, English lyrics and Recording © Alexander Massey, Aug 2014. Hebrew words (Trad.) Dedicated to my Rabbi, Reb Zalman Shachter-Shalomi (ztz”l), completed during shloshim. These three Hebrew lines from the evening blessing express our yearning for God’s protection – day and night – and throughout our lives. I think they can also be a prayer for the …
Watch/listen to Sim Shalom on YouTube BUY the sheet music (HIGH voice & pno/guit) – $4.95 BUY the sheet music (LOW voice & pno/guit) – $4.95 Translation: Bestow (‘put’) peace, goodness and blessing, grace, and loving-kindness and mercy, on us and on all Israel Your people. Bless us, our Creator, together as one with the …
Mi Adir – Composition and audio © Alexander Massey, 13 Nov 2013 BUY the sheet music (1 or 2 vces & pno) – $4.95 BUY the sheet music (solo voice & string quartet) – $14.95 (full score + string parts) Mi Adir is a text that is traditionally used at a Jewish wedding as the couple processes …
Y’varech’cha Adonai (May You Be Blessed) – Composition and audio © Alexander Massey, 3 July 2013 BUY the sheet music (solo & pno) – $4.95 BUY the sheet music (SATB & pno) – $11.25 (5 copies @ $2.25) The simple meaning I have always loved the sounds of this blessing (sometimes called the ‘Priestly Blessing’), whether …
(Also, take a look at my page ‘Music and thoughts on healing‘) Music, English words and audio © Alexander Massey, 12 May 2013 BUY the sheet music (lead sheet) – $3.95 BUY the sheet music (SATB) – $9 (4 copies @ $2.25) BUY the sheet music (SSAA) – $9 (4 copies @ $2.25) BUY the …
Composition and audio © Alexander Massey 22 April 2013 BUY the sheet music (solo lead sheet, G or Bbmaj) – $3.95 BUY the sheet music (low duet & pno) – $6.75 (3 copies @ $2.25) BUY the sheet music (high duet & pno) – $6.75 (3 copies @ $2.25) Shalom Aleichem is a traditional Shabbat …