Shema Koleinu- Can you Hear Me?

Greetings!

Last week we began the Hebrew month of Elul, the month leading up to Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. It is traditionally a time of reflection. We reflect upon all of our actions from the previous year, and start the process of T’shuvah: repentance – so we can “return” to our most pure and authentic selves.

Shema Koleinu is a prayer of supplication, asking God to hear our collective voice, to grant us compassion and mercy in the new year. When I was writing this piece, I tried to capture the feeling of yearning to be heard, understood, and forgiven in the music. My co-writer Shira Fox and I added a contemporary English interpretation, with the goal of making it modern and accessible for today’s generation. I am so thrilled that this piece was chosen for the Transcontinental Music Publications High Holy Days Anthology, and hope that it will resonate with Cantors, song leaders, and congregants in the years to come. If you are looking for some great inspiration for the new year – look no further! I am honored to have my music featured among some Jewish music luminaries such as: Elana Arian, Noah Aronson, Cantor Lisa Levine, Cantor Jeff Klepper, Chava Mirel, Cantor David Berger, Becky Mann, Rabbi Josh Warshawsky, Craig Taubman, Michael Ochs, Josh Nelson, Laurie Akers, Cantor Rachelle Nelson, Bob Remstein, Eliana Light, Alden Solovy, Cantor Nate Lam, Cantor Emma Lutz, Cantor Lizzie Weiss, and Cantor Billy Tiep. Thanks to Joe Eglash and the Transcontinental Team, Cantor Lam, and Michael Lloyd for putting together this gorgeous collection.

Shabbat Shalom, and may you have a reflective and meaningful Elul!

With blessings,
Josh