Shachar Avakeshcha

Music & audio © 2024 Alexander Massey – All Rights Reserved

This piyut (poem) by Solomon Ibn Gabirol (11th century) can be a great way to sing ourselves awake.

  1. At dawn I seek you, my rock and my refuge; I lay before You my morning and evening prayers.
  2. Before Your greatness, I stand and tremble, For You can see all the thoughts of my heart.
  3. What is this that the heart and tongue can bring about, And what is the strength of the spirit within me?
  4. Behold, how pleasant to You is the singing of a person, Therefore I will affirm You while yet Your spirit lives within me.

(Translation from Mishkan T’fillah, p.633)