Notes from Cantor Avima

     Passover may have "passed over", but I wanted an opportunity to share another musical feature of the holiday. During Pesach it is customary to recite the beautiful love poetry of Shir Hashirim- The Song of Songs attributed to King Solomon. The poetry is romantic and sensual, but as a religious text it is seen as an allegory of the relationship between God and the people of Israel. 

     You are probably familiar with some of the well known passages: "I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine", "Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is better than wine", and one of my father's favorites: "Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it.". 

      There are many Israeli songs that have been composed using these beautiful words. Here are a few of the better known songs: 

Dodi Li - Theodore Bikel

Kol Dodi

El Ginat Egoz - Achinoam Nini