We are about to say goodbye to a special Shabbat, Shabbat Shuvah, which occurs between the Ten Days of Repentance. It is fully dedicated to the notion of Return and Repentance when we are still given a chance to renew our commitment to our values and ideals. Before the gates are closed on Yom Kippur, we need to engage in this sacred work. As the sun sets, we prepare to commemorate the twentieth year of an event that changed the world and changed our lives forever. We hope that many of you will join us on Zoom to remember those who perished on that “9/11” day, and we will do so through readings, music, and personal testimonies.
As we say goodbye to this Shabbat and get ready for the evening program, I would like to share with you an exquisite song titled “A Mourner’s Song” composed by one of my favorite Jewish composers Michael Ochs. Although it begins with the opening verse from the Kaddish, the words of the chorus are based on a verse from Psalm 23“ ki atah imadi, for You are with me”. In his notes about his song, Michael wrote” May these words bring comfort to those who mourn and a sense of connection to those we have lost”.
Here are the words to the song:
Like the waves upon the sea are sep’rate and connected,
You are gone but still by my side.
As the seasons must change, to dust we must return again.
But love, love, love never dies.
For you are here with me.
Ki Atah Imadi, for You are here with me.
I hope the sound of this exquisite song brilliantly performed by Cantor Shira Ginsburg will help us transition from the beauty and peacefulness of Shabbat to this evening’s commemoration and remembrance of all those who perished on that day.
