Vahavieinu L’shalom
For the final paragraph and chatimah of Ahavah Rabbah:
“Gather us in peace from the four corners of the earth and lead us upright to our land. For You, O God, work wonders. You chose us. Truly, You drew us near to Your Great Name, that we might acknowledge You, declaring You One in Love. Blessed are You, Eternal One, who chooses Your people Israel in love.”
Modeh Ani
A gentle, simple Modeh Ani, greeting the morning and opening prayer with a feeling of peace and gratitude.
“I offer thanks before You, ever-living Sovereign, for You have returned to me my soul with compassion; how great is Your faithfulness!”
V’yashvu — Ki Mitzion
Combining the words of Micah 4:2 — “For out from Zion shall come the Torah, the word of God from Jerusalem” — with the words of Micah 4:4 — “Every person shall sit under their own vine and fig tree and none shall make them afraid” — this song bookends the Torah service with joy and a hope for a brighter future, utilizing the familiar tune and niggun for V’zot Hatorah.
L’chu V’neil’cha
Beit Yaakov l’chu v’neil’cha b’or Adonai — Isaiah 2:5 — has become one of my favorite verses of Tanakh. “O house of Jacob, come and let us walk in the light of the Eternal One.”
This piece was written for Temple B’nai Jeshurun in Short Hills, NJ.