Notes from Cantor Avima

    Often, when I teach either children or adults the Amidah, their attention suddenly turns to the small print they may have never noticed before. Just before the words is the caption "On Shabbat Shuvah:" There is no explanation of what Shabbat Shuvah is. Shabbat Shuvah, or the "Shabbat of return"  is the Sabbath between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. In fact, there are 4 additions/changes to the language of the Amidah are not only made on that Shabbat, but they are made daily beginning on Rosh Hashanah through Yom Kippur. 

     The first addition is added to the first b'rachah of the Amidah: Zochreinu L'CHAYIM, Melekh chafetz ba'CHAYIM, v'chotvaynu b'sefer haCHAYIM, l'ma'ancha, Elohim CHAYIM. You may notice that the word "chayim", meaning "life" is repeated 4 times. The translation is: "Remember us that we may live, O Sovereign who delights in life. Inscribe us in the Book of Life, for Your sake, Living God." 

     I have always sung these words to an old "traditional" melody - no idea of its origins. I have offered this melody in the recording I made available on our website. High Holiday Melodies.  It is actually the first melody that is featured. I like to use this melody because it is so widely known. But, there are some other very nice melodies. Here is another very well know melody written by Samuel Goldfarb. - the same Samuel Goldfarb who gave us "I Have A Little Dreidel". Zochreinu L'Chayim - Samuel Goldfarb

     Here is another sweet, upbeat  melody sung by Boroch Cohen and his Children's choir:  Zochreinu L'Chayim - Boroch Cohen and The Youth Choir. If you are looking for something a bit more meditative - here is one by Nava Tehilah, the progressive congregation in Israel. Zochreinu L'Chayim - Nava Tehilah

     I will end with this very beautiful melody which features a  video. I am very seriously considering adding this one to my repertoire!  Zochreinu L'chayim  Let me know what you think.