Notes from Cantor Avima

Today, Monday, September 2  from Zamir Choral Foundation. Usually these emails sent to commemorate special observances or holidays will feature a beautiful choral rendition of a Hebrew or Israeli song. But, today's email, featured the pictures of the six slain hostages and this message: THERE ARE NO WORDS. THERE IS NO MUSIC. FOR TODAY THERE IS ONLY GRIEF AND MOURNING. 

Indeed, I am sure we all feel this way this week as we try to absorb the shock of the ruthless killing of Ori Danino, Carmel Gat, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Saruri and Eden Yerushalmi. 

 At times like this, I turn to Ishai Ribo. Born in France. His parents, Sephardic Jews were originally  from Morocco and Algeria. They made aliyah when Ishai was 8 years old. He studied in religious schools and is an orthodox Jew to this day. If you attended the the March for Israel last November, you likely heard him perform with Omer Adam with whom he often performs. 

His music is very spiritual in nature, his voice is soothing, his melodies are comforting. Although he writes for religious audiences, his music touches the hearts of the religious and secular. He writes the following about the diversity of his listeners: 

"My music has reached the broadest audience possible, from the most chasidic people who I would never have expected to listen to it, to complete atheists who write to me and say, "I don't believe in anything, but your songs awaken something in my soul".  

Here he sings the song HaLev Sheli/My Heart  with Omer Adam. The words "And only you can turn my mourning into dancing" are a reference to Psalm 30, a Psalm we recite for healing of the heart. 

His song LaShuv Habaytah/Returning Home tells us it is never too late to "return"; the gates of heaven are never locked. 

Even if we've done something wrong,

He forgives and Pardons, He forgives and Pardons,

He stretches out His hand to assist, and in His mercy gives

The strength to fix, and return to Him

 Ishai Ribo and Omer Adam sang at the March for Israel. They start with a heart rending rendition of "V'hi Sheh'amda", from the Passover seder - "This promise of God has kept us surviving even though our enemies have tried to destroy us througout  history. The Holy, Blessed One has always saved us from their hand of destruction." They continue with HaLev Sheli and end with Omer Adam's beautiful Modeh Ani/I am Grateful. Omer Adam and Yishai Ribo at March for Israel