High Holy Day Message from Cantor Elena Zarkh - September 14
Author
Date Added
8 Tishrei 5782 - September 14, 2021
Inspiration 2021 B’sefer Chayim
Every year before the High Holy Days I look for new material to add to our services. I especially search for the music that is new and exciting but which deeply honors what has come before.
This year I was so fortunate to come across a beautiful piece of music composed by Cantor Natalie Young. The text is B’Sefer Chayim, a lengthy insertion in the traditional High Holy Day prayers for peace that comes at the end of T’filah. In the evening services it is added to Shalom Rav and in the morning it is part of Sim Shalom. “B’Sefer Chayim b’rachah v’shalom, u’farnasa tovah, nizacheir v’nikateiv l’fanecha anachnu v’chol amcha beit Yisrael l’chayim tovim ul’shalom.” In the Book of Life, blessing, peace, and prosperity, may we be remembered and inscribed by You, we and all Your people Israel for a good life and for peace.
What I love about this piece is the mastery with which Natalie is able to fuse the sacred text with a beautiful, heartfelt, and accessible melody. The words of our plea to be heard, remembered, and live peacefully come alive and reflect the deep nature of the prayer. Each word is important and is given a meaningful musical expression. Once I heard it, I had to play it again and again and again! I hope this year to add this melody to our High Holy Day repertoire.
Enjoy Natalie Young’s soulful rendition of B’Sefer Chayim.
