El Melekh Yoshev Al Kise Rahamim (Sovereign God Who Sits on a Throne of Mercy)
Song of the Week • 4m 16s
This Shabbat, we bless the new month of Av, which gives us the opportunity to reflect on an old, pious custom: the keeping of Yom Kippur Katan (a “Minor” Yom Kippur, the day before the new month). When the new month begins on Shabbat, Yom Kippur Katan happens on Thursday.
The idea, promulgated around the 16th century CE, is to reflect and atone on a monthly scale, as opposed to the grander repentance of Yom Kippur. Liturgically, the S’lihot service is said, and this prayer, with its images of mercy and forgiveness, is drawn from S’lihot. This setting was sung live by Cantor Schwartz and his son, Daniel Schwartz, this past Yom Kippur.
To look at repentance as an obligation is to miss the opportunity to find areas in our lives which we want to make better. This summer, a time of rest and renewal, is there something in your life that you want to renew, to make better? Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom.
Music: Siroto Collection, arr. Stephen Glass
Music Director: David Enlow
AV: Oscar Acevedo, Erik Van Batavia, Russell Miller
Up Next in Song of the Week
-
“Guardian of Israel” – Shomer Yisrael
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’Tamm...
-
Rabbi Buchdahl and Cantor Schwartz Si...
Rabbi Nahman of Breslov once said, “Never get old!” We all change as we age, but why can’t that be a blessing? Aging not only adds to our life experience and wisdom, but it gives us opportunities to find the child in ourselves and continue to light the sparks of curiosity and joy from our youth. ...
-
Shema Yisrael – Hu Eloheinu (He Is Ou...
A prayer on the wings of angels: South Africa, Jerusalem, New York
In the Musaf service, towards the end of Saturday morning, the cantor, choir, and congregation sing melodies and texts in alternation, reenacting the sanctification of angels in the Kedusha. There is something special about these...
