Light is apparently mentioned only 36 times in the Torah (B’nei Yissascher on Kislev and Tevet 1:6). It is mentioned many more times in the Talmud, and especially the mystical text of the Zohar. We are taught that the soul of a each person is part of the light of God (Prov. 20:27). There are […]
Songs with the theme of ‘light’ Read More »
Music and audio © November 2022 Alexander Massey – All Rights Reserved Psalm 97:11 אוֹר, זָרֻעַ לַצַּדִּיק, וּלְיִשְׁרְי לֵב שִׂמְחָה “Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart.” I wrote a completely different setting of Or Zarua during the same 24 hour period; it’s a more contemplative version. It’s interesting
Or Zarua No.2 (lively setting) Read More »
Music and audio © November 2022 Alexander Massey – All Rights Reserved Psalm 97:11 אוֹר, זָרֻעַ לַצַּדִּיק, וּלְיִשְׁרְי לֵב שִׂמְחָה “Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart.” There’s no doubt that this is an inward, contemplative setting that could almost be a lullaby. I wrote a completely different setting
Or Zarua No.1 (contemplative setting) Read More »
Here are a few songs that can help people make sacred space together. The commentaries give some useful ideas about kavanah – focus and intentionality. Ashrei Yoshvei Veitecha – ‘Happy are those who dwell in your house’ Elohai N’shamah (Ber. 60b) – ‘My God, the soul You have given me is pure.’ (easy 3 part
Making sacred space together Read More »
Contemplative version, with guitar Version with piano, tango style Music, English translation and audio © 18 July 2022 Alexander Massey Dedicated to my dear uncle, Paul Massey (z’l), who died on 12 July 2022. BUY the sheet music – $4.95 (voice & piano/guitar) The poem that has become known as Dudeleh (also as A dudele)
Dudeleh (Ribono Shel Olam) Read More »
Music and recording © Alexander Massey, 20 June 2022 BUY the sheet music (voice & piano, including lead sheet) – $4.95 Just over two years ago, I wrote a penitential, yearning setting of this text, inspired by a conversation with Rabbi Anne Brener. Just recently, I have been studying the books and lectures of Rabbi
Adonai Adonai No.2 (13 attributes of compassion) Read More »
Arrangement & Audio © 2022 Alexander Massey The events unfolding in Ukraine since February 2022 have been horrifying. I am so sad to see the disregard for the lives and human rights of Ukrainian people, and the destruction of the country and its natural environment. It can be hard, sitting in another country, to find
Oseh Shalom – Ukrainian lullaby tune Read More »
Music and Audio © 2022 Alexander Massey – All Rights Reserved BUY the sheet music (voice & piano, including lead sheet) – $4.95 Psalm 27, verses 1 & 4 ;הוָה, אוֹרִי וְיִשְׁעִי–מִמִּי אִירָא .יְהוָה מָעוֹז-חַיַּי, מִמִּי אֶפְחָד :אַחַת, שָׁאַלְתִּי מֵאֵת-יְהוָה– אוֹתָהּ אֲבַקֵּשׁ ;שִׁבְתִּי בְּבֵית-יְהוָה, כָּל-יְמֵי חַיַּי .לַחֲזוֹת בְּנֹעַם-יְהוָה, וּלְבַקֵּר בְּהֵיכָלוֹ Translation God is my light
Adonai Ori / Achat Sha’alti – Psalm 27 Read More »
Traditional words and music, arranged for voice and piano by Alexander Massey © 2022 This day, give us strength. Amen. This day, give us blessing. Amen. This day, show us greatness. Amen. This day, be good to us. Amen. This day, hear our prayer. Amen. This day, give us an upright way of life. Amen.
Hayom, Hayom (arrangement) Read More »
Traditional words and music, arranged for voice and piano by Alexander Massey © 2022 Why is this night different from all the other nights … … that on all other nights we eat both chametz and matzah, on this night, we eat only matzah? … that on all other nights we eat many vegetables, on this night, maror?
Mah Nishtanah (arrangement) Read More »