In the Jewish calendar, we observe two occasions of remembrance in the coming days: one on a global scale – recalling the Holocaust – and the other more personal – the Yizkor service. During these times, we pray that the memory of those who have departed is for a blessing. These blessings are best expressed in music.

Eminent composer Simon Sargon noted that there had not been a larger-scale Jewish musical work dealing with remembrance, and so, to honor the memory of his friend Cantor Ephraim Biran, he composed “Azkara: A Jewish Requiem.” The work includes texts from beloved psalms and liturgy to bring expression and comfort to the Jewish people. Cantor Schwartz and the PAS Music Center offered the world premiere of this work at our Kristallnacht program this past fall, and the resulting recording and video are now available. We hope this music is moving and helpful — whenever, and whomever, you remember.

Music: Simon Sargon
Music Director: David Enlow
Park Avenue Synagogue Choir Pianist: Michael Hey
AV: Russell Miller, Erik Van Batavia
Audio Editor: David Bowles
Video Editor: Tami Shaham