Here is a list of the music that I have written to Jewish texts that be used for Jewish baby blessings, for boys or girls:
- B’ruchah Haba’ah (Blessed Is She) – A blessing for the baby girl; a simple tune, the guests can pick up the refrain easily by ear and join in.
- Nir’eh Or (In your light, we see light) – a traditional text at a baby blessing, which can be used for a boy or a girl
Here are some additional pieces that could fit well on the day:
- B’rich Rachamana (Blessing after the meal) – a short chant that guests can pick up very quickly; it also can be sung as a 3 part round
- Oneg Nigun – a gently joyful piece in 5/8 (oneg literally means ‘pleasure’ or ‘delight’)
- Shalom Aleichem, Aleichem Shalom – welcoming each other in peace, as well as welcoming the baby
- Simcha Song – a riotous piece that celebrates whatever the occasion is, acknowledges God as the source of all goodness, gently notes that some present at a simcha may be feeling some private sadness, and joyfully invites everyone to eat! Can be sung unison, or as a three part round.
- V’Asu Li Mikdash (We’ll Make You a holy home) – “We we’ll make You a holy home, and You will dwell with us” – a text for the completion of the Sanctuary, this can also be sung in the spirit of people creating a collective sacred space; the text can also allude to making a holy home for the baby
- Y’varech’cha Adonai (Priestly blessing) – This can be sung solo/unison, with guitar, or full piano accompaniment; there is also an arrangement for full choir (SATB) and piano. The full Hebrew blessing is sung, and the middle section is a translation into English.