“Guardian of Israel” – Shomer Yisrael
Song of the Week • 3m 36s
Do you know this prayer? “Guardian of Israel, guard the people of Israel, let no harm come to the people of Israel, who proclaim Sh’ma Yisrael.” Can you think of a moment when you have said the Sh’ma and felt protection or warmth?
This Sunday, as we observe the 17th of Tammuz (Shivah Asar B’Tammuz), we remember significant tragedies of long ago, from the worshipping of the Golden Calf through the breach of Jerusalem by Roman forces, which led to the destruction of the Temple on the 9th of Av in the year 3828–30/70 CE.
In the midst of all these desecrations, this prayer, in a ravishingly beautiful setting by Samuel Alman (1877–1947), asks for protection for the people of Israel who seek holiness by reciting the Sh’ma. Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom and the protection of the Guardian of Israel.
Recorded live on Kol Nidrei 2021
Music: Samuel Alman, arr. Jason Weisinger
Music Director: David Enlow
Video Editor: Tami Shaham
AV: Oscar Acevedo, Erik Van Batavia, Russell Miller
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