Jewish people have a meaningful tradition to come together and remember their loved once. It happens 4 times a year at the end of the major holidays, on Yom Kippur, Shemini Atzeret, Passover and Shavuot. We recite Yizkor, the memorial prayers to help us remember our loved ones.
Originally, Yizkor was recited only on Yom Kippur and its main purpose was to honor the memory of our loved ones by giving the tzedakah. Doing a good deed on the Day of Atonement would help us to enhance our chances on personal atonement. Later the recitation of Yizkor was added to Shalom Regalim, the three Pilgrimage Holidays because the text of the Torah portions read on each Holiday included the mention of importance of donations and support of the Jewish causes.
This year, once again we will gather on Wednesday afternoon to hear the appropriate readings and psalms, some are read, and some are sung to help us get into the mood of this solemn service.
We will hear the sermon and I will chant El Malei Rachamim and together as a community of mourners we will recite the words of Kaddish.
This year, to enhance this awe-inspiring service, I would like to sing a new selection titled “A Mourner’s Song.” composed by Michael Ochs. Although the opening words of this song are based on the first lines of Kaddish, it ends there and the next idea comes from Psalm 23, “Ki Atah Imadi, meaning for You are with me”. Michael wrote this song while his father was suffering from the effects of a stroke and the outcome was not certain. Michael writes that he took some liberties in the translation of the lyrics. They are not at all a direct translation of the Hebrew of the Kaddish, rather these are words that came to him during his dad’s illness. When I heard this song for the first time, it made such a deep emotional impression on me that I decided to share it with you during upcoming High Holy Days. I know that this song, its enchanted melody, and meaningful lyrics which are deeply personal for Michael, will help all of us to find comfort and needed connection with our loved ones!
Wishing everyone an easy fast and a meaningful personal reflections. Cantor Elena Zarkh
Enjoy the magnificent recording of this song brilliantly sung by Cantor Shira Ginsburg!
