In an anguished time, we sing of taking delight from keeping Shabbat. Interestingly, the reverse is also true: the rhythm of this musical setting of a joyful prayer is tinged with melancholy. Perhaps that alloy is what makes deep joy more powerful than happiness – the knowledge that the Jewish pe...

Yehonatan Geffen (1947–2023) was an esteemed Israeli man of letters. This past Rosh Hashanah, we offered the setting of his Makom L’d’agah by composer Matti Caspi (b. 1949). We did not know how significant it would be soon after to sing, “At the edge of the sky, and at the verge of the desert, th...

Featuring leading theater stars, the production Shabbat on Broadway was an inclusive experience that blended prayer and inspirational show tunes – the first time a Shabbat service has taken place on the Broadway stage. Produced by Amanda Lipitz and Henry Tisch, with creative and liturgical input ...

Let us pray for peace using these timeless words from the Amidah, sung in this familiar melody. Oseh shalom bimromav hu ya-aseh shalom aleinu, v’al kol Yisrael, v’imru amen – "May the one who creates peace on high bring peace to us and to all Israel. And we say: Amen."

Music: Nurit Hirsh, arr. b...

This week we marked 100 days since 240 women, children, elderly people, and other innocent civilians were brutally abducted from their homes and held in captivity by Hamas, sitting in dark terrorist tunnels under the ground, their condition unknown. Our hearts are with those who have suffered and...

Burt Bacharach (1928–2023) was a star in the firmament of Jewish songwriting that rose over New York through the 20th century, from the Brill Building to Broadway, to the Hit Parade and beyond. As we approach Bacharach’s yahrzeit, his beautiful, wistful setting of the lyrics of his frequent colla...

As we contemplate the turn of the secular year, we have aspirations for peace, and as this song rings out, “You will yet see how good it will be next year.” Wishing all a happy and safe 2024 and a Shabbat Shalom.

Lyrics: Ehud Manor / Music: Nurit Hirsch
Arranged by Oran Eldor
Music Director:...

In solidarity with Israel, and in celebration of Hanukkah, talented friends and faith joined us for a concert to bring our communities together. We hope this program brings you light and strength in these dark times.

Featuring: Rev Adriene Thorne (Riverside Church), Freddy Washington, Cantor Cha...

Debbie Friedman’s popular melody is lovingly offered here by Cantor Schwartz and his daughter, recorded during the 2023 High Holidays in a new arrangement commissioned by the PAS Music Center. Barukh atah Adonai ohev amo Yisrael – "Praised are you Adonai who loves the people Israel."

Music: Debb...

“We pray for healing of all people.
We pray for healing of the land.
And peace for every race and nation,
Everyone who needs a helping hand.”

Music by Cantor Leon Sher, Recorded live on the High Holidays, 2023
Arranged by Jason Weisinger
Music Director: David Enlow
Video: Tami Shaham
AV: Oscar A...

When Cantor Schwartz visited Ichilov Hospital on October 26, it wasn’t only to visit patients and staff, it was also personal – his sister, Dr. Renana Eitan, is head of Psychiatry at the hospital. The doctor, also a pianist, and our cantor sought to give everyone present a few moments of musical ...

When Cantor Schwartz visited Israel, he noticed people rallying around what has become the watchword of the moment – Yahad N’natz’ah – “Together we will make it through.” Am Yisrael Chai.

Piano: Raymond Goldstein
Video: Tami Shaham, Alexander Kotov

Since learning of the many kidnappings on October 7, amid images of families weeping for those taken captive, we join those families in their sorrow and hope for the hostages’ safe return. This week, Cantor Schwartz visited the Kotel, sometimes called the “Wall of Tears,” to try to bring comfort ...

At Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem, Cantor Schwartz paid a surprise visit to a brave IDF soldier who was wounded in a heroic battle on the first day of the war. IDF Chief Cantor Shai Avramson asked Cantor Schwartz to join the visit to the soldier, who enjoys listening to PAS Music online.

We wis...

With Israel heavy in our hearts, we are still finding solace of last week's Kabbalat Shabbat, which included interfaith solidarity and riveting words from Rabbi Cosgrove and Mayor Eric Adams. We hope this song, performed during that service, reminds you that you are not alone and to find comfort ...

Looking to the land of Israel, our hearts are broken. When we pray for Israel, let us turn to the words of our tradition, Sh’ma Yisrael, at the heart of this prayerful song.

Composer/Lyrics: Shmuel Elbaz/Yossi Gispan
Arranger: Oran Eldor
Music Director: David Enlow
AV: Oscar Acevedo, Terrell Sim...

As we approach Sukkot, a holiday that is so tightly connected to the Promised Land, we’d like to share our new album, Israel: 75 Years of Music.

Celebrating the rich fabric of the Israeli people and their music, this album features beloved songs and new compositions. Among the inter-generational...

Wishing you a meaningful Yom Kippur, and may your prayers be heard! To those who will not be coming to PAS, we hope you will join us from wherever you may be for Yom Kippur services on our world-class livestream. G’mar hatimah tovah!

Music by Max Helfman (1901–1963), arr. Oran Eldor for Park Ave...

The prayers of the High Holidays are among the great traditions that we pass from our parents and grandparents to our children. Last year, Cantor Schwartz found particular meaning in sharing the story of his grandfather, Cantor Yehuda Klein, including never-before-heard audio, and then inviting h...

Hineni is a central prayer of the High Holidays. Last year, we commissioned and premiered this new composition by Zina Goldrich, a most modern take on the traditional cantor’s prayer. We look forward to seeing you at High Holiday services.

Music: Zina Goldrich, commissioned by PAS Music Center ...

Here we stand at the gate of the year, the bridge between the long, sweet days of summer and the soul-searching of the High Holidays; between the dust of the street and the glory of the synagogue; between comforting tradition and stirring newness; between the shout of prayer and the peace of sile...

When Cantor Schwartz blessed his son, Daniel, on his Bar Mitzvah, the touching moment reverberated through the sanctuary. We hope this brings you happy thoughts and memories of your own loved ones.

Live from Park Avenue Synagogue, May 13, 2023
Lyrics by Ron Miller, music by Ken Hirsch & Marti ...

As we approach Tisha B’Av, we hope this duet by Cantor Schwartz and his son brings you strength and comfort. Wishing you a meaningful fast.

Live from Rosh Hashanah service at Park Avenue Synagogue, New York, 2022
Music: Beth Styles, commissioned by PAS Music Center
Music Director: David Enlow
AV...

We turn our eyes toward Israel, with love and concern for the Israeli people who face pain and challenges in these complicated times. Borrowing an image of the honeybee from this song, we “bless the sting and bless the honey, bless the bitter and the sweet.”

At our recent cross-community Tekes ...