Shoah & Holocaust Music

All of these pieces have been composed for and/or sung at services or events commemorating the Shoah / Holocaust.

  • Adonai Roi (Ps 23) – Setting of the original Hebrew for voice and guitar (‘The Lord is my shepherd’)
  • B’makom she’ein anashim (Pirkei Avot 2:5) – “In a place where there is no humanity, strive to be human. Be human, strive to be human, in a place where there is no humanity …” (Hebrew; voice & piano)
  • Come Down, God (Ps 86) – Pleading for God to hear (English; voice & piano)
  • Essa Einai / I lift my eyes (Ps 121) – composed for Oxford Unitarians service at Harris Manchester College, Yom Hashoah 5774/2014
    (Hebrew or English; solo voice)
  • Im Ein Ani Li (Pirkei Avot 1:14) – “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?” (Hebrew; voice & guitar or piano)
  • Kol B’ramah, Kol D’mei – Three Jewish texts are drawn together to offer a space to reflect on the preciousness of human life, and our personal and collective responsibility to protect it. (Hebrew; voice & piano)
  • Lo Yisa Goi (Isa. 2:4) – “Nation shall not raise sword against nation, And they shall not learn war any more.” (Combines Hebrew and English; round for 3 voices in 3 time signatures.)
  • Nigun Nachamu Nachamu – A nigun for comfort at a time of deep loss and distress (voice & piano; option second voice harmony part)
  • Nigun Yom HaShoah – Composed for Council of Christians and Jews (Oxford) for Yom HaShoah 5871 / 2021 (solo voice)
  • Sh’ma Adonai Koli Ekra (Ps 27:7) – “Hear, O Lord, when I call with my voice, and be gracious to me, and answer me.” Contemplative (Hebrew; 2 part round; guitar optional)
  • Y’varech’cha Adonai  / May You Be Blessed (Num. 6:24-26) – The Priestly Blessing – versions for SATB & piano, and solo voice & piano – Hebrew blessing, English middle section