“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 ...

The three weeks leading up to the 9th of Av are a time of grief and sorrow. The ritual of Nichum Aveilim focuses on the power of community in moments of darkness. It is a reminder of the strength we possess when we lean on each other during challenging times. May you find solace, healing, and hop...

This Fourth of July, we are aware of the distinctly American musical language which we include in our prayer and musical life. We are fortunate to have numerous commissions from noted American musician Zina Goldrich, such as this setting of Ochila La-El from the most recent High Holidays. In this...

As we close our musical season, we reflect on the occasions filled with joyful and deep sounds that made it a memorable year. A few weeks ago we heard some of this special music during the bar mitzvah of Cantor Schwartz’s son, Daniel. We hope you enjoy these musical highlights from our cantors an...

We bet you probably have not heard the Eitz Chayim prayer with trumpets, and yet, in last week’s parashah, Moses is commanded to fashion two silver trumpets for assembling the Israelites, whether for war, assembly, or worship, and holidays. We decided to add the trumpets to this favorite Shabbat ...

The halls of Park Avenue Synagogue are still ringing from Wednesday night’s concert, the grand finale of our Israel at 75 season. From Exodus and Hora to Moroccan rhythm and a Tel Aviv dance party, we celebrated the rich fabric of the Israeli people, music, and culture. We hope you enjoy this pro...

It’s been a terrific year of celebrating Israel at 75. PAS was particularly honored in this anniversary year to host the annual collaborative Tekes Me’avar, a transitional ceremony between Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzma’ut.

If Israel, its music, and culture are important to you, we hope to see y...

As we begin the holiday of Shavuot this evening, we recall the original receiving of the Torah. At festive moments such as Rosh Hashanah, the congregation receives the Torah differently, making personal gestures of respect as it is carried around the sanctuary in procession (hakafah) with great r...

This week, we celebrate the reunification of Jerusalem, one of the miracles of our time, which allows all peoples to visit a city that is holy to many. The longing for Jerusalem that suffuses the Mimkomcha prayer has inspired art and music for generations, and we hope it inspires you to dream of ...

Can you think of a piece of music that brings you joy whenever you hear it or sing along to in services? The text of this psalm focuses on the joy of making music, with voices and all kinds of instruments – a delight you can see in the faces of the ensemble. This Shabbat is a time of celebration ...