Song Lyrics

This body of work represents many years in the making. Music has been my gift and my joy and I’m making this available to be used in non-profit settings. Given that this is the summary of many hours of work, if you download this, please consider supporting one of my current projects and/or bringing me to your community to teach and more making a donation to charity? Of course, if you do use this material, I'd love to hear from you about the experience. If this is used in a for-profit setting please contact me to discuss as all of this is liscensed material/ copywritten.

Blessings,
Rabbi Rayzel
rrayzel@shechinah.com

Click Here to Download a PDF of these Song Sheets

SHABBAT EVENING SONGS

To Page Top

1. WE LIGHT THE SHABBOS LIGHT

©March 2015 byRabbi G. Rayzel & Simcha Raphael

For Anna Ott who took a risk on me

We light the shabbos light

To light the inner light

Awaken the delight of our soul.

L’hadlik ner shelShabbat (2x)

Fan the flames- of desire

Fan the flames - of desire for holiness

Holy One

Shamor v’zachor

To Page Top

2. MOVING INTO SHABBOS TIME

We're moving into Shabbos time (2x)

Let it go, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh (2x)

We're moving into Shabbos

We're taking it slow

We're moving into Shabbos

Let it go, oh, oh, oh

To Page Top

3. YIVARECHECHA: PRIESTLY BLESSING

Yivarechecha (3x) Yivarechecha Adonai V’'yishmar-echa

Ya-air Adonai panav el-echa v'chuneka; Yesa Adonai panav el-echa, v'yasem l'’cha Shalom

Response:

Kayn y'he (3x) ratzon (repeat)

May God protect you every day, May God comfort you in every way

May God cause Her light to shine upon your soul

May God bless you with shalom

[Response]

To Page Top

4. ROCK TO THE ROCK: PSALM 95

L'chu Ni'raninah,We'll Rock to the Rock in joy

L'chu Ni'raninah Yah!We'll Rock to the Rock in joy

Chorus:

Enjoy (4x)

We'll rock to the Rock in joy.

Nah'ri'ah l'Tzur Yishaynu,Rock to the Rock in joy

Nah'ri'ah l'Tzur Yishaynu,Rock to the Rock in joy [Chorus]

Bridge:

Rock to the Rock to the Rock in joy (4x)

Hurry to sing those songs of thanks, Rock to the Rock in joy

Time to let the Spirit dance, Rock to the Rock in joy [Chorus]

Let’s shout out our songs of praise, Rock to the Rock in joy

Harmony our voices raise, Rock to the Rock in joy

Final Chorus:

Enjoy ( 4x) We'll rock to the Rock in joy. Enjoy. (4x)

We'll rock (salvation!), rock (salvation!), rock to the Rock in joy! Salvation!

To Page Top

5. Psalm 96: SHIRU

Chorus:

Shiru L’Yah, Shir Hadash, Shiru l’Shechinah Kol Ha’aretz(2x)

Hands are a’clappin’ fingers snap snappin’

Toes a’tappin’ to the fun

We’ll sing a new song, Sing it loud and strong

Come on and sing along to the One!

na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na, Shir Hadash (3x)

We’ll start the hummin’, playin’ ‘n strum strummin’

Let’s get to drummin’ to the sound;

Tell the nations, make a proclamation,

we’re talking salvation, let’s get down.

na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na, Shir Hadash (3x)

The Earth be glad, heaven rejoicing,

The fields are joyful, oceans roar

Declare the beauty, praise the majesty

of the glory, Praise the Lord.

na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na, Shir Hadash (3x)

To Page Top

6. FORESTS REJOICE! PSALM 96

Chorus:

Az Y’ranenu kol atzey ya’ar! ( 2x)

Birds are chirping through the day; Trees are swaying as if they pray

Chipmunk mutters an invocation; We’ll join in this celebration! [Chorus]

Crickets chant in rhythmic sound; Leaves are rustling on the ground

Moss sits silent in meditation; All a part of Divine creation! [Chorus]

Butterfly flits in ecstasy; Squirrel and deer chime in harmony

Spider spins with deep devotion; Wolves howling in wild commotion. [Chorus]

Fireflies praise with flickering lights; Bear dances with delight

Insects buzzing as the percussion; the forest sings in exultation. [Chorus]

To Page Top

7. SHAM-AH: PSALM 97

Sham-ah va'tismach Tzion (3x)

And the women came rejoicing,

Rejoicing, rejoicing!

And the women came rejoicing,

Rejoicing, rejoicing!

Va'ta-gayle-na B'not Yehudah!

To Page Top

8.PSALM 98: YIRAM HAYAM

Written in Ocean City, NJ

Listen to the waves as they rock 'n roll; gentle rhythm soothes our souls

Yiram ha-yam u-m'lo-oh

Shabbat rolls in along with the tide; our spirit soars along for the ride

Chorus:

Yiram ha-yam u-m'lo-oh, oh, oh oh,oh, oh, oh, oh, yiram…

Whale, shark, dolphin, fish that swim; sea creatures join our circle of friends

Yiram ha-yam u-m'lo-oh

Seagulls hover on wings and air; wind holds aloft our humble prayer

Yiram ha-yam u-m'lo-oh, oh, oh oh,oh, oh, oh, oh

Fog, rain, moonlight, sea and sun, all praise the Creative One

Yiram ha-yam u-m'lo-oh

As shells wash up upon the beach, Eternity within my reach

Yiram ha-yam u-m'lo-oh, oh, oh oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

Surf echoes with a deepening roar; our hearts find peace upon God’s shore

Yiram ha-yam u-m'lo-oh

Through time and space Your glory shines, as life sifts through the sands of time

Yiram ha-yam u-m'lo-oh, oh, oh oh,oh, oh, oh, oh

To Page Top

9. PSALM 98: MOUNTAINS ARE REJOICING

For Cindy and Jack for bringing us to the mountains

Chorus:

Yachad Harim y'ranaynu, Mountains are rejoicin'

Yachad Harim y'ranaynu, Mountains are rejoicing, it’s Shabbos

All week we carry a mountainous load

Huge overwhelming burdens to hold

Yachad Harim y'ranaynu.

Let's offer it up like smoke in the wind

Drop those troubles and let the joy in

Yachad Harim y'ranaynu, Mountains are rejoicin'

Yachad Harim y'ranaynu.

Be they steep heights or towering crests,

My range of emotions need some holy rest

Yachad Harim y'ranaynu.

Steady sturdy, mystical peak

Shabbat is the pinnacle of my week

Yachad Harim y'ranaynu, Mountains are rejoicin'

Yachad Harim y'ranaynu.

Bridge:

Tho' molten rocks erupt our core

Meltin' through our volcanic ore

Yachad Harim y'ranaynu.

New formations on a slippery slope

Rocky changes forge new growth

Yachad Harim y'ranaynu, Mountains are rejoicin'

Yachad Harim y'ranaynu.

Bridge 2:

Call my bluff, note my cliff

Time to catch Her (God's) continental drift. (2x)

Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice! (2x)

So, when down in the valley moaning "why?"

Canyons of doubt and no will to try,

Yachad Harim y'ranaynu.

Reach for the crowns that kiss the sky

Snow capped zenith of El Shaddai

Yachad Harim y'ranaynu, Mountains are rejoicin'

Yachad Harim y'ranaynu.

To Page Top

10. PSALM 92: TZADIK KATAMAR

Tzadik katamar yifrach

I am planted firm in righteousness

Grow and flourish in the house of God

D'sheyneem ve-ra’ananim yehiyu.

Tzuri! (My rock!)

To Page Top

11. PSALM FOR SHABBAT: SHECHINAH TZUN

Dedicated to Alaska

In the morning and the evening it is good to give thanks

to Your name, to Your truth -- Oh Most High

Moving me to sing for the joy of Your creation

Grateful that I’m alive.

Chorus:

L’hagid Ki yashar Shechinah Tzuri

V’lo avlata bo, bo, bo

L’hagid Ki yashar Shechinah Tzuri

V’lo, lo, lo, lo, lo

Lo avlata bo.

How great are Your deeds, and Your thoughts are very deep

I’m in awe of the works of Your hands;

Yet the fool will never know even if the wicked grow

The design of Your Earth is so grand.

The sun on the water, the whisper in the clouds

In the wings of a bird in flight

Mountains high and oceans deep -- a painted sunset

Your glory fills earth and sky.

The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree

Growing mighty like cedars in Lebanon

Planted in the house of my God, oh my God

My Rock, in whom there is no wrong.

My Rock of Ages, my Rock of mountain

Boulder in my river bed

My Rock’s a gemstone with the diamond’s sparkle

On my Rock, I lay my head.

Chorus:

Ki yashar Shechinah Tzuri Tzuri

V’lo avlata bo

Ki yashar Shechinah Tzuri Tzuri

V’lo, lo, lo, lo, lo

Lo avlata bo

To Page Top

12.The Spirit of the Desert

Kol Adonai, Kol Adonai, Kol Adonai Yachil Midbar (2x)

Yachil Shechinah midbar Kadesh

Yachil Shechinah midbar Kadesh.

The Voice of G!d, The Voice of G!d, The Voice of G!d

Shakes the desert (2x)

Tremble and shake, quiver and quake, jolt and vibrate the desert.

Kol Adonai Yachil Midbar,

Yachil Shechinah Midbar Kadesh (2)

The Spirit in the Wind (2x) of the desert is Holy

Ruach Hamidbar, Ruach Hamidbar, Ruach Hamidbar, Midbar Kadesh

Life in the desert is Holy

Even in the barren places

Stark and still yet teeming with life

Listen for the Voice of G!d

Kol Adonai, Kol Adonai, Kol Adonai Yachil Midbar

Dry and hot and dusty

Rock and sand and stone

It’s the voice of G!d that shakes things up

We are not alone.

Kol Adonai, Kol Adonai, Kol Adonai Yachil Midbar

The soul is parched for love

To quench the unmet needs

The Spirit of the desert sings Her song

We plant new seeds.

Kol Adonai, Kol Adonai, Kol Adonai Yachil Midbar

Look for the water in the desert

It’s a thirst we know so well

Seek sustenance for your soul

Find your Miriam’s Well.

Kol Adonai, Kol Adonai, Kol Adonai Yachil Midbar

Push and shove, thump and bump, nudge and nudge, bash and bang, whack and smack,

The voice of G!d is holy

batter and beat, clobber and cuff, bat and blow, pummel and pound,

The Voice of G!d is strong

tap and rap, strike and slam, hit and heave, wallop and whip

The Voice of G!d shocks and shift

Listen for Spirit’s song.

thud

knock,

jostle , Joggle

and punch , drum and

To Page Top

13. THE WHOLE WORLD IS FILLED WITH HER GLORY

©Geela Rayzel Raphael

Chorus: The whole world is filled with Her Glory,

The whole wild world is filled with Her Glory,

Mah gadlu ma’asecha YAH- ah ah ah…..The whole wide world!

From the dandelion to the buttercup; Towering trees when we look up

The raven -she takes flight; It’s freedom in sight.

Grasses and clover cover our path; Rain falls gently in a nourishing bath

An orchid grows among the stone; The earth’s our home!

Her heart beats with rhythm strong, Woodpecker - pecks her song

Gnats and bugs a’buzzing all around; We’re on holy ground!

Cactus stands proud and tall, coyote wilderness calls

Juniper, quail and cooper hawk, we rock, red rock.

Aloe and saguaro reach to pray; Bobcat prowls looking for prey

Sunset colors- luminescent day

We rise to pray

Bring the Blessing down

Bring it down share it all around

Bring it down from heaven to ground it

Bring the blessing down

Baruchu et Adonai Ha- Mivorach

Baruch Adonai ha- mivorach l’olam va’ed(2x)

To Page Top

14. EVENINGS: MA’ARIV ARAVIM

For Bobbi & Chaim

Sacred words even the evenings; Wisdom opens gates locked around our hearts

Asher bid-varo ma'ariv aravim; B'chochmah potay'ach sh'arim.

Chorus:

Evening, the evenings; evening the frayed edges of our lives

Ma’ariv aravim; amen (2x)

Understanding alters with the times; changing seasons, cycles divine

U-vitvunah m'shaneh e-tim; u-machlif et ha-z'manim [Chorus]

Paint diamonds on the canvas called sky; soothe our souls with a lilting lullaby

U-misader et ha-kochavim; B'mishm'rotayhem ba-rakiah kirtzono [Chorus]

Rolling, rolling, into the night; rolling, rolling away the light

Golayl or mip'nay choshech; golayl hoshech mipnay or [Chorus]

Spirit of the Night, we bless Your Name, Eternal Light, Eternal flame

Ayl chai v'kayam tamid yimloch ah-laynu; L'olam va-ed [Chorus]

To Page Top

15. CIRCLE OF LOVE

For Batsheva’s bedeken

We are a circle, circle, circle of love

Galgalay ahavah, galgalay ahava;

Ahava raba, ahavat olam

Through time and space, eternity, we are a circle of love.

To Page Top

16. MICHAMOCHA

Mi k’mocha ba-alim Adonai, Mi k’mocha nedar bakodesh

Norah t’hilla, norah t’hillah, oseh feleh, oseh feleh.

To Page Top

17. UFROS ALEYNU

Ufros aleynu sukkat shalom ( 2x)

Spread over us, in our hearts and in our homes

Bless Israel, in this world make shalom

Ufros aleynu sukkat shalom

To Page Top

18. GONNA PRAY FOR IT

When my car has died, when my hairdo’s fried

When the blues rule my day;

When life’s demands are getting out of hand

There’s only one thing I can say:

Chorus:

I’m gonna pray for it, I gotta pray through it

I’m gonna pray with all my heart;

And when the morning comes,

if I am still undone

I’m gonna pray with all my heart.

When I’m out of work, and if my heart is hurt

When the kids run my show;

If I hit the curve, losing my last nerve

There’s only one thing I know: [Chorus]

When my back is bent and my mojo’s spent

And the bills are piling high;

Lost that list again, abandoned by all friends

This is no time to ask “why?”

Chorus:

You better pray for it, Gotta pray through it……

Now when the earth runs dry, we see polluted sky

And we hear the drums of war;

Our future’s at stake -- better now than late,

Time to knock on heaven’s door.

Chorus:

We better pray for it…

Shechinah s'fatai tift'chee u-fee yagid tehilatayich

Open up my lips, before I call it quits

I’m gonna pray with all my heart.

To Page Top

19. TAHAYR LIBAYNU

Purify our open hearts with the fire of love, with the light of truth

Purify our open hearts that we may serve you.

Tahayr libaynu, l’avdecha, l’avdecha, Tahayr libaynu, l’avdecha b’emet.

To Page Top

20. HEALING SONG - ANA AYL NA

For my father

As the wind whispers a mincha song

And the trees rustle blowing along

Let us sing, sing a healing song;

Let it be strong.

Ana Ayl Na R'fanah La

Ana Ayl Na r'fa'anah Lo

Let's send our love to those who need it so,

Kayn Y'hi ratzon.

As the rain falls to wash away our tears

So will the sun rise rolling back the years.

We listen to the voice that says so very clear,

"Don't give in to fear."

As the night falls so blue black, so deep

Angels call us as we drift to sleep.

Climb this mountain that seems so very steep;

Laugh and do not weep.

To Page Top

21. KADDISH

Written at B’not Aish for my father

Yitgadal v’yitkadash sh’may raba (2x)

I integrate your legacy, treasure your memory

What I have learned from you, I’m left with your love.

[Chorus]: yitgadal...

I come to You in grief, walk in humility

Grateful you have been with me, I’m lifted by Your love.

[Chorus]: yitgadal...

We rise to praise Your name, all our waking days

Where you have guided me, I walk with your love.

[Chorus]: yitgadal...

Create a path for peace, to live in harmony

For us and all the world, Bless us with love.

[Chorus]: yitgadal...

To Page Top

22. ALEYNU – TO HEAL THE WORLD

For RRC graduation

V'hayay olam nata b’tochaynu ( 2x)

L’takayn olam ( 3x)

b' malchut shadai

To Page Top

23. HOLY MOTHER - SHECHINAH SOUL

Jerusalem, w/ Bakol at the Kotel

Holy Mother Shechinah Soul,Rachamema

Compassion fills Your Womb of Love, T'halleluyah!

Holy Mother Shechinah Soul, Mikor Hayim

Fountain of Life Flows from You, Uv'shavten mayim

Holy Mother Shechinah Soul,Shechinat- El

On wings of light we soar to You,Natchil L'hitpalel

Holy Mother Shechinah Soul,Eheyeh Asher Eheyeh

You were, You are, You'll always be, Gam anachnu Nihiyeh

Holy Mother Shechinah Soul, Melechet Shamayim

You rule skies and Earth with a gentle hand, Borchi et Yerushalayim

Holy Mother Shechinah Soul,Rachmana Ya

You heal the wounds of a heavy heart,Ayl Na Raphana La

Holy Mother Shechinah Soul,Be'er L'chai Roi

I drink deep of Your love,Ki At Emadi

SONGS FOR SHABBAT MORNING

To Page Top

24. ELOHAI NISHAMA

Chorus:

Elohai nishama sh’natata be, tehora tehora hi!

Elohai nishama sh’netata be, tehora hi!

In the morning darkness before I open my eyes

Before I return from my nighttime rides,

Through the portal of dreams -- my initiation

Enlightening journeys of my own creation.

Soul’s been dancing in the symbols of the mind

In the Akashic records containing all time,

Bringing teachings for me to decode

Savoring the moment before I hit the road... [Chorus]

Still a little sleepy, I snuggle down into the covers

Pausing where fantasy hovers

In the quiet moment before the dawn,

Lingering before moving on.

My spirit’s been purified in dreams of desire

Angelic artwork of sacramental fire

Ancestral visits, romantic situations

Dancing ecstatic in ritual celebration. [Chorus]

Especially if it’s rainy and dreary

And midnight adventures have left me weary,

I don’t want to stir or move my head

For I’ve traveled lifetimes in this dream-soaked bed.

But when I capture the message the higher self transmits

The oracle living beyond the abyss,

I summon courage, wiggle my toes...

The breath of gratitude ruffles my repose. [Chorus]

My dreams are rainbow treasures of the soul

Taking me places where I dare to grow,

A healing pilgrimage in sacred time

Universal messages prophetic and sublime;

In the future, the present, the past

Luminous visions that I try to grasp,

Luscious warp between the worlds;

I feel God’s presence before my life begins to swirl…

To Page Top

25. MODAH ANI

Modah ani l’fanaiyich ruach chai v’kayam ( 2x)

she-hechezart bi nishmati b’chemla rabba emunataiyich.

Wake me up in the morning with a smile upon my face

Wake me up in the morning ready to face this day;

Wake me up in the morning wrapped in Your embrace

Wake me up in the morning, guide me on my way.

To Page Top

26. NIKAVIM (ASHER YATZAR)

(From the Morning Blessings)

Chant:

Nikavim, nikavim, halulim, halulim

halulim, halulim, nikavim(open/closed vessels)

Praised be the One who flows through all life

Praised be the One keeping us alive

Let our open vessels open -- and our closed vessels close.

Let us stand before Your throne -- healed in flesh and bone

You fashioned us in wisdom, Healer of all flesh

Help restore our bodies so we feel our best

Heart beat...blood flows...miracle...open, close

To Page Top

27. THE HEALER OF THE BROKEN-HEARTED

©August 2000 byGeela Rayzel Raphael

Psalm 147

Ha-rofeh lishburay layv ( 2x)

U-michabaysh l’atzvotam (2x)

The healer of the broken hearted

the healer of the broken hearts

winds and binds and winds and binds -

my sorrows - and carries them away;

winds and binds and winds and binds -

my sorrows - and turns them to prayer.

To Page Top

28. SUN, MOON, AND STARS / PSALM 148

Haleluhu Shemesh v'Yaray-ach,

Haleluhu kol kochvay or (2x)

Sing HaleluyYah, HaleluHah (2x)

HaleluYah halelu, halelu col kochvay or.

The sun she dances up the morning

With a light that brightens up our day

Radiant, brilliant, holy shine

Inspiration that makes me want to pray.

Chorus:

Sing HaleluYah, HaleluHah, (2x)

HaleluYah halelu, halelu col kochvay or.

The moon she floats through the evening sky

With a glow that spins our spirits right

Luminescent, ghostly, gentle beams,

Peaceful rays to guide us through the night.

Chorus:

Sing HaleluYah, HaleluHah, (2x)

HaleluYah halelu, halelu col kochvay or.

The stars they twinkle in the twilight

Sparkle out from under the clouds

Sprinkling us with their friendly light;

We hear them singing loud.

To Page Top

29. YOTZER OR

©Geela Rayzel Raphael

Yotzer Or u'voray choshech, oseh shalom u'varay et ha-col (2x)

Forming light, creating darkness, making peace, creating all (2x)

Titbarach YAH elohaynu al shvach ma'aseh yadecha (2x)

You shall be praised, Yah elohaynu, by the works of Your hands (2x)

V'al m'oray or she-ahsitah y'fararucha selah (2x)

Shining lights illuminated, reflecting glory, selah (2x)

To Page Top

30. A CHANT TO THE ONE ON HIGH!

©Geela Rayzel Raphael

Life Force Healing,Rachamema

Nurturing Provider, Source of K'dusha, El Shaddai

Embracing, Avinu Malkaynu, Tzur Yisroel, Echad Elohaynu

Divine Inspiration, Ruach Shechinah, Ain Sof

Love, Adon G'vurah

Master of The Universe, Rachem Ha-chayim

Mysterious Nameless, Avinu B’shamayim

Source of Creativity, Elohai N'shama

Spirit of the Lord, El Elyon Yah!

Moon Goddess Lilting,Ma'ayin Habrecha

Source of All Blessing, Halleluyah!

To Page Top

31. KADOSH

2009. Words traditional, melody R. Rayzel & R. Margot Stein

Kadosh, kadosh (7x)

Yah tzvaot

M’lo kol ha-aretz k’vodo

The angels calling one to another

Baruch Shaym kavod malchuto l’olam va’ed

To Page Top

32. V’AHAVTA

I’ve got a longing in my soul for You, I’ve got an ache that’s growing wide

I got this feeling’s that’s burning through, will You join me for the ride?

I gotta know if You’ll be there for me, I gotta know if You care

I gotta know if You’ll love me too -- Please God, be there.

Chorus:

V'ahavta et adonai elohecha b'col l'vavcha,

U’V'col naphshecha, u'v’col m'odecha

I'm gonna love You with all my heart, love You with all of my might

I’ll love You with all of my soul, ‘cos this is what feels right.

When I wake up in the morning, I’m gonna call out Your name

Bless the day with Your love, as I walk in Your ways. [Chorus]

I’m gonna teach love to my children, gonna have it in my home

I’m gonna hold it in my open hands, then I’ll never be alone;

I can’t see You before my eyes, yet I know You are there

I sense Your beauty around me. God, You are everywhere. [Chorus]

To Page Top

33. BARECHU

2007

BarechuCalling You, Brucha He Calling me

Blessed be the One who brings us together.

Blessed be the One forever and ever

To Page Top

34. SHE IS A TREE OF LIFE

(Proverbs 3:18)

She is a Tree, is a Tree of Life, she is a Tree of Life

Eytz chayyim hee la-machazikim bah

(She is a tree of life, hold fast to her)

My roots go down, deep in the earth

Grasp my branches, shake my boughs

Cling fast to my teachings

Fill your life with love

All her paths lead to peace, all her paths are shalom

Milk and honey, water, wine, river flows from Paradise

To Page Top

35. ASHREI (PSALM 145)
© September 1993 by Geela Rayzel Robinson Raphael

Ashrei yoshvei vay-te-ehcha, Ashrei yoshvei vay-teh-cha

Ashrei ha-am sh'ca-cha lo, Od ye- halelucha selah.

Chorus:

Va'anach-nu nivarech Yah, may'ata v'ad olam.

Halelu-ya Ha-lel-lu ya, Hale-lu, halelu-Yah.

Happy are they

who take a moment each day

to dwell in your Temple;

A pause to attune

-- harmonize a tune --

certainly quite simple. [Chorus]

Three times a day

I'll bless Your Name

greatness beyond all knowing;

The glory of Your power

stays with me every hour

the light inside me growing. [Chorus]

Open up Your hand

that we may understand

spread Your mercy over all;

Reveal the secrets of the Scroll

as we dust off our souls

lift us when we fall. [Chorus]

We'll find a quiet place

create sacred space

where the air is sweet;

For in the hustle on the run

is the stillness of the One

where heaven and earth meet. [Chorus]

To Page Top

36. NISHMAT KOL CHAI

1/15/03

As the bird stands proud and free, drying feathers in the sun

duckling follows mother close behind;

The heron prances ‘round

in a jig to have some fun

wind breezes through to clear my mind.

Chorus:

Nishmat kol cha tivarech et shimcha halelu halelu halelu yah

Nishmat kol chai tivarech et Yah, Halelu, halelu halelu yah

Turtles on a rock moving slow with wisdom deep

Hawk soars above and rides the sky;

Alligator struts along the bank and then she sleeps

My spirit sings a song to take me high. [Chorus]

In the bullrush of the marsh, life doesn’t seem so harsh

We take a break to watch the seagull preen

With every squeak and quack, I resonate with that

I’m a creature of the One Who Can’t Be Seen. [Chorus]

The colors of the wild are never, ever mild

Glistening with a rainbow of hues;

Anhinga make a splash, the egret seems to laugh

At my attempt to attune to my muse. [Chorus]

With pink legs and pink beak, the stork begins to streak

Across the grassy land on the knoll;

The snake and the frog, the lizard in the bog

Sing the bass line to shake me from my hole. [Chorus]

And the psalmists’ voice I hear

rings out very clear

I’m a guest on the land where I stroll;

Sacred time, sacred space, the Earth’s a sacred place

The stillness and the flutter fill my soul.

Biblical Women Songsheet

To Page Top

37. MIRIAM TOOK HER TIMBRAL OUT - BY THE SHORES

Written inToronto

Exodus 25:22

By the shores, by the shores, of the Red, Red Sea,

By the shores of the Red, Red Sea

The light of day lit up the night;

The children, they were free.

Chorus:

And Miriam took her timbrel out

and all the women danced. (2X)

Va- te-kach Miriam ha-nivea et ha tof b'ya-da,

va'taytzeh-na col ha-nashim ah-cha- re-ha.

They danced, they danced; oh, how they danced

They danced the night away;

Clapped their hands and stamped their feet,

With voices loud they praised.

They danced with joy, they danced with grace

They danced on nimble feet;

Kicked up their heels, threw back their heads,

Hypnotic with the beat. [Chorus]

They danced so hard, they danced so fast;

They danced with movement strong;

Laughed and cried, brought out alive;

They danced until the dawn.

Some carrying child, some baking bread,

Weeping as they prayed;

But when they heard the music start --

They put their pain away. [Chorus]

Enticed to sing, drawn to move,

Mesmerized by such emotion,

The men saw us reach out our hands,

Stretching across the ocean.

As they watched, and they clapped, they began to sway,

Drawn to ride the wave;

And all our brothers began to dance --

They dance with us today!

They danced, we dance, Shechinah dance

They danced the night away;

And all the people began to sing --

We're singing 'til this day!!

Final Chorus:

And Miriam took her timbrel out

and all the people danced. (2X)

Va- te-kach Miriam ha-nivea et ha tof b'ya-da,

va'taytzeh-na col ha-nashim ah-cha- re-ha.

To Page Top

38. SHIFRA AND PUAH*

1986, Lyrics by Rayzel Raphael, music by Gary Wise

Exodus 1:15ff

It started out in Egypt, such a long, long time ago

When women had the power to tell ole Pharaoh "NO!"

Was the power of the right to birth, our heroes had the art

Of saving the Hebrew children, defying Pharaoh's heart.

Chorus:

Shifra and Puah, sitting stride the birthing stool

Shifra and Puah, bravely flouting Pharaoh's rule

Singing and cooing the cause of disobedience

Guaranteeing civil independence!

Summoned once before the court, before the mighty king

Pharaoh said, "I want them dead, I had a frightening dream.

Kill all their male babies and bury fast their bones

For the Hebrews need a leader, to take them to their home." [Chorus]

The midwives returned to Pharaoh's court to say

"Pharaoh, we've tried, but these women have their ways

Of birthing their children fast and in the fields,

For with Shechinah's** helping hand, to you they'll never yield. [Chorus]

*One of the interpretations of these names is singing (Shifra) and cooing (Puah).

**The feminine Divine Presence

To Page Top

39.BAT YIFTACH*

January 1989

Judges 11:1 - 40

In the days of war when the judges judged

There was no king and every man did as he pleased.

A child was born, a harlot's son was he

Driven from his home, cast out from his family.

Yiftach, the Giladi, was a valiant warrior

Yiftach, the Giladi, was soon to be so sorry.

Chorus:

We weep our bitter tears for our sisters who have no names,

Restore their histories, or our fate will be the same.

He was begged to lead against the Ammonites

But instead of peace his armies began to fight.

Then he vowed his vow to his G-d on high,

"To sacrifice -- the first to leave my house will die."

The daughter of Yiftach was a graceful dancer.

Yiftach, the Giladi, will soon be called to answer. [Chorus]

She ran and greeted him with the sound of timbrels;

She was the only one, she hadn't any siblings.

He tore his clothes and wept, but blamed the innocent one

For the oath he swore that couldn't be undone.

Bat Yiftach replied, "Do what you must do!"

Then Yiftach replied, "If I only knew!" [Chorus]

"Grant me one request, let me be free

for two months to mourn my virginity."

She went away to weep with her women friends;

They were her comfort until the bitter end.

The daughter of Yiftach, she never knew a man,

Bat Yiftach, mourned throughout the land. [Chorus]

No, we'll never know if the fires did burn

Or did he lock her up? What lessons did we learn?

That the daughters of Israel

Leave home every year to mourn, lament and wail.

Bat Yiftach, loved to sing and dance.

Bat Yiftach, never had a chance! [Chorus]

*Bat Yiftach means: “the daughter of Yiftach”- she is unnamed in the Biblical text.

To Page Top

40. BATYA - DAUGHTER OF GOD

April 1996/Nisan 5756

Exodus 2:5ff

Long ago in Pharaoh’s time a princess felt alone

Longing and praying for a child to call her own

One day by the riverside -- while washing her hair --

Looking down she saw…a basket floating there.

Chorus:

She drew him from the water, water, water

She drew him from the Nile

Today she sits in Paradise underneath God's smile

Mother and sister watched as the princess held him near

Breathing sighs of relief, fighting back their tears

Batya now knew her task, she must stand up to the hate

Confront her own father, and she must not hesitate. [Chorus]

As the princess looked across the banks at the women standing by

Knowing of their sacrifice, the child she held might die

Woman to woman they gazed, eyes locked in embrace

Not a word was spoken, yet a covenant was made.

The silent bond of sisterhood is stronger than the chains

For arms linked through the ages, soothe the knots of pain

To nurse each others children, and listen with a willing ear

Creates a legacy of love, defiant in the face of fear. [Chorus]

When it came her time to leave the Earth

Batya did not die

Because of her goodness, she entered Paradise alive

They say she teaches Torah to the women in the heavenly scene

And as a stranger is welcomed, she bestows the blessing. [Chorus]

To Page Top

41. RITZPAH*

Jerusalem 1989

Ritzpah was the concubine of old King Saul 2 Sam 3:7

The legend of her beauty, she stunned one and all;

They say that she was the power behind the throne

Yet many words are missing, her deeds won't be known.

Chorus:

She was on the ground, but she was not down

Her sons were bound, but she was not down

Such pain profound, but she was not down

Ritzpah! Eyes burning hot like coals.

After King Saul died, his son desired her 2 Sam 21:1

Yet she turned for comfort to General Abner;

Yes, many men they wanted to possess her soul

But Ritzpah was fiery, dangerous to hold. [Chorus]

Then came a famine in the reign of David

So he went before the Lord to inquire and to plead;

’Twas the sins of Saul on the Gibonites

So the sons of Ritzpah -- doomed to death on that night. [Chorus]

They were hung on the hill, before the harvest began 2 Sam 21:8

Left to rot and dangle in the wind;

Ritzpah spread her sackcloth upon the rock

Guarding those bodies, till the water dropped. [Chorus]

She shielded them from the buzzards that flew by day

Awake through the night to scare wild beasts away;

David heard of her kindness and gathered the bones

Claiming Ritzpah for concubine, her final home. [Chorus]

Ritzpah means “floor” in modern Hebrew -- hence the pun,”she was not down” -- and it also means “burning coals” in the Biblical text.

To Page Top

42. TAMAR*

Gen 38

She was the wife of Judah's first born, the second one as well

She was promised the third, but she never heard a word

That's why Tamar rebelled, yeah! That's why Tamar rebelled.

Chorus:

Tamar connived, Tamar survived, Tamar she did defy!

She took aim, felt no shame, at having Judah's child.

She stood by the road as Judah went by,

widow’s clothes no more.

Covered by a veil, so he couldn't tell

Judah thought she was a whore, yeah! Judah thought she was a whore! [Chorus]

But she was a smart lass and she covered her (ass) takin' him to pledge

Then she disappeared and she had no fear

This woman had the edge, yeah! This woman had the edge.

Then, she had a baby kickin' inside her belly, a baby kickin' inside

She was almost burned, she almost died

They thought Tamar had lied, yeah! They thought Tamar had lied! [Chorus]

Then they dragged her out to stand for trial, accused of harlotry

But she had the last laugh, for his ring and staff

Were there for all to see, yeah! Were there for all to see! [Chorus]

*Tamar means “date tree.”

To Page Top

43. RIVKA*

July 1993

Gen 24:27

Rivka -- bride-to-be of Yitzchak, watered a thousand camels at the well

When asked to leave she said, "I'm going."

Rivka, you leave us the mystery of the veil.

Chorus:

And Rivka said three times; "Listen to my voice, Sh'ma b’Koli

Listen, listen, listen, Listen to my voice, Sh'ma b’Koli"**

Rivka -- sought an oracle for bearing children

G-d answered with a sign of twins inside her Well.

Rivka -- mastermind of subversion, dressed the youngest as the oldest

So Yitzhak couldn't tell.

]

Rivka -- knew the legacy of her bloodline

She claimed her rights as a mother in Israel.

Rivka -- seized the power of the moment;

All she touches falls under her spell. [Chorus]

*Rebecca **Listen to my voice

To Page Top

44. JUDITH

It happened in the eighteenth year of his reign, Nebuchadnezzar of Assyrians

He sent his general, Holefernes, to bring the Jews down to their knees.

Charging with their chariots from Nineveh, soldiers with their horses on the long way

They raped, pillaged, destroyed the towns, riding to burn Jerusalem down.

Chorus:

Hey, ho, Where you going, Judith? Hey, ho where you going to?

You're dressed to kill to meet the enemy,

And he'll be dead if he's messing with you!

The Jews, they prayed and fasted through the night

With ashes on their heads and the enemy in sight;

Surrounded by army, the water jugs were dry

Crying to their G-d, "We're not prepared to die!" [Chorus]

A woman arose with a plan to save the day,

Beseeching her people, "Join me now and pray!"

"For tomorrow I go to turn the evil tide. We can not lose with our G-d on our side.!"

So she dressed with jewels and a turban on her hair,

Perfumed, anointed, she took her food for fare.

The gates were opened, she marched to set them free

This woman changed the course of our Jewish destiny. [Chorus]

She knelt before him, charmed him with her smile

Saying, "Listen to me, General, I'll make it worth your while.

I'll tell you when they're helpless, the Jews, your enemy."

He fell for her beauty and her subtle trickery.

Three days she prayed to the One up above,

Crying, "Heaven, help me! Guard me with your love."

When he tried to seduce her...she cut off his head.

A triumph for Israel, Holefernes was dead. [Chorus]

To Page Top

45. SHE SAID, “NO”

February 17, 1988

Margot Azen, Rayzel Raphael, Bayla Ruchama, Juliet Spitzer

Rosh Chodesh Adar

Without her gown, he summoned her down

Said it was his right, as a man with a crown

He was obsessed; she should be undressed.

Vashti refused to be a woman oppressed.

Chorus:

She said "no" to the king, she said "no" to the king,

She said "no-no-no-no-no-no-no," she said "no" to the king!

The king then cried, "Find me a bride

She must be beautiful, and have no pride."

When Esther came he said, "You I will tame

And if you don't like it, well, Vashti's to blame!"

Esther took heart; it was her time to start,

Thinking of others and doing her part

She was to find how to get out of the bind:

She needed her body and also her mind. [Chorus]

So Esther behaved, but the court was depraved

And Haman the Evil One ranted and raved;

She took a stand, yes, she made a demand,

That the Jews should be saved

Throughout the land. [Chorus]

To Page Top

**46. TZLOPHANIT* AND THE ANGEL**

Judges 13

Chorus:

I said, "The wife of Manoah heard an angel!"

I said, "Tzlophanit harkened to the call."

She was walking in the field, minding her own business

When an angel did appear, calling her to witness

Saying to her in a voice loud and clear,

"A son will be born this year." [Chorus]

She ran into the house, looking for Manoah

He said, "What's this all about?" She said; "I've got something to show ya."

He said, "I don't believe what I hear; there is no angel, dear.

"Yes, oh, yes, there is, for this is what he told me:"

"Don't drink any wine, or eat foods unclean

Don't put a razor to his head, it'll bring about his death." [Chorus]

They ran back to the field, Manoah oh, so shocked

For sitting there quite calmly, an angel on a rock.

Manoah said, "My, oh, my, I think we're gonna die." [Chorus]

They asked the angel's name, with an offering to eat

But he rose into the flames, ascending through the heat;

Manoah was quite alarmed, Tzlophanit knew he wouldn't harm.

She was strong and brave, not at all afraid

She knew that they'd been blessed, by the heavenly guest.

While Manoah was a little dense, Tzlophanit had common sense. [Chorus]

*Tzlophanit means “in the shadows.” It is not found in the Biblical text, only the Rabbinic legends.

To Page Top

47. DAUGHTERS DANCING

1993

For Tikveh Fremer Kensky z”l

Summoned from the hillsides, answering the shofar's blare

Calling, calling, calling; It was the time to be there.

Carrying belongings, gathering their fare, Kinorot commenced a'lilting,

Strains of music in the air.

Chorus:

Gi-li Bat Tzion, Ha'ri-i Bat Yerushalayim* Zech 9:9

The daughters came dancing to the Holy City.

Grasping their bundles, piled upon their heads

Along the paths they wandered, sunset gold and red

Wildflowers waving, stepping stone over stone

Arms linked to one another, Her Spirit called them home. [Chorus]

Baskets for the harvests, grapes upon the vine

Rings and earrings jingled, garlands intertwined;

Women set for dancing, flowing with the wine

Stamping out a rhythm, keeping sacred time. [Chorus]

A cloud lit up the daytime -- pillar of fire by night

Guiding the dancing maidens, streaming towards the light

Moon began a'singing, beaming as the sun

Proclaim the first reign of the Daughter! Her festival had begun! [Chorus]

Drawing water from the wells of wisdom running deep

Scaling Har Bat Tzion, no more time to weep

For the Temple is paved with love with the daughters’ radiance

The time of joy is upon us, time for us to dance. [Chorus]

*Rejoice, daughters of Zion and be glad, Daughters of Jerusalem

To Page Top

48. TIFTACHI RACHMI

1989

Ps 118

When we were young we were often told, having children was the goal

"Find yourself a man and a family will be planned,"

Fantasies that won't release their hold.

Be we married or divorced -- single, widowed, gay, of course --

Longings that ache the soul.

Chorus:

Oh, Holy One Above! Fill my womb with Your love,

Complete my dreams of laughing children

Tiftachi Rachmi!, Moshivi Akeret, Habayit, Em Habanim S'maycha, Halleluya !*

Sarah waited for her children ninety years [Gen 17:18]

Stoically choking back her tears.

Or did she choose to lead? Hoping every month to bleed,

The light within her tent glowing strong.

Each cycle that we wait we wrestle with our fate,

Wondering if something's going wrong. [Chorus]

Mother Rachel cried her painful words, Yaakov's heart was disturbed.

"Oh, give me a child or I will surely die -- I need to see my flesh and bones!"

"Am I in G-d's place? It’s your anger you must face!"

Trust your destiny and you’ll not be alone. [Chorus]

Hannah, the wife of Elkana, was taunted by her rival, P'nina.

Yet with prayer she was soothed, silently she moved

To fill a void so deep and wide;

For our own tribulation may yet be jubilation,

Finding courage, hope, and faith way down inside. [Chorus]

We ask these questions of ourselves, seeking answers that may help

For we don't always understand why things don't work as planned.

Like others, we must search for stronger roles:

More than mother, more than wife, putting richness in our life

Laughing, loving, helping others be our goals. [Chorus]

*Return the childless one home, a happy mother of children.

To Page Top

49. DEVORAH

June 1988

Dwelling underneath the palm, Devorah sat so wise and calm

Judging the children of Israel.

They came from far and wide to sit by her side

On the road from Ramah to Bethel.

Chorus:

Where she said, "I am the mother of Israel,

Hear Ye Children of Israel, Awake! Awake! Awake!"

Ruled by Yavin, a mighty and sinister king,

For the Jews did evil in the land;

They prayed to Ba'alim, it angered Elohim,

Until Devorah issued her command. [Chorus]

The captain of the guard oppressed the Jews so hard

They cried out for their salvation.

Devorah called Barak, said, "We must attack --

See, I've had a revelation.

For today I prophecy Sisera must die,

By the hands of the woman, Yael.

She'll feed him milk to eat, he'll fall into a sleep;

His plans for domination will fail.” [Chorus]

So today we praise, the glory of G-d be raised,

We dance and sing to the One

Who guides us with Her might, who brings us to the light,

Strong and bright like the sun. [Chorus]

*Devorah = Deborah, which means “bee.” She is also called the women of flames.

To Page Top

50. RUTH

Sit right down to hear the sounds of the story of Ruth:

Woman of faith – no way to be safe, when searching for the truth.

Sons and husbands were dead, pain in their stead, Naomi was leading the way.

From Moab they fled -- there were mouths to be fed, and Ruth began to pray:

Chorus:

Where you'll go...I will go, where you'll be...I will be

Your people are my people, and I will never leave, I'll never leave!

Home they returned, a hunger burned; Ruth went to glean the grain.

She worked hard in the field, G-d was her shield; she never revealed her name.

Naomi was pleased, the moment seized, furthering the game;

For Boaz the man never knew the plan; he was a wealthy cousin of fame. [Chorus]

Ruth lay in the wheat, uncovered his feet; the good woman knew her task.

Do what you can to please the man -- is it too much to ask?

But as the sun did rise, there was love in his eyes; with her his fate was cast.

Raise the name of the dead; they were soon wed. From her we trace our past.

[Chorus]

To Page Top

51. WHO WERE THE WOMEN?*

1993

Who were the women and where were their voices?

What were they doing and what were their choices?

Who were the women and what were they saying?

When were they singing and why are we praying?

Dina! Dina! Dina went out to the land, to the land, Gen 34:1

Dina! Dina! She went out to meet the women of the land, of the land.

She was raped by the hand of Shechem, Shechem

She was never heard from again, again. She was never heard from again.

Hulda! Hulda! A prophetess of Josiah, Hulda! Hulda! Proclaimed the law for Judah.

To her we owe Deuteronomy; the story of our people, our history

She was never heard from again, again. Not a word from her again.

Rahav! Rahav! A harlot of old Jericho, Rahav! Rahav!

Hid Joshua's spies so the king wouldn't know.

She gave them room and she gave them board, binding the sign of a scarlet cord

She was never heard from again, again. Not a word from her again.

Daughters! Daughters! Daughters of Tzelophehad,

Daughters! Daughters! Wanted the land for their own blood

Married among the tribal brothers, women of inheritance unlike the others

They were never heard from again, again. Not a word from them again.

Yael! Yael! Put her hand to the tent spike, Yael! Yael!

Struck Sisera with all her might.

She saved the Jews with bravery, sporting the head of the enemy.

She was never heard from again, again. Not a word from her again.

Women, women, we’ve found our voices -- let’s join hands

Sisters, sisters, we know our choices -- let’s take this stand.

Our Biblical mothers were strong and bold

Let's learn their stories, they must be told. They will be heard again.

To Page Top

52. PROPHETESS

Miriam, music she heard, packed those timbrels with 'nary a word

Rivka's veil flying in the wind, sought an oracle to learn about her twins

Sara saw in the desert at night -- wise woman, whose eyes had the Sight.

Chorus:

Oh, Voice of Prophecy! Speaking now through you and me

Call it intuition, call it sixth sense, The Holy Voice speaks in present tense.

Devorah, known across the land, knew the battle would be won by a woman's hand

Hulda, prophetess at the gate, sayin' "Here's the law; we shall not wait."

Hanna knew of the kingdom to come; she wrote a song to the Holy One. [Chorus]

Avigail stopped David -- right in his tracks, pleaded with him not to attack

Rachel, named so her family‘d increase, knew her blessings wouldn't cease

Esther came before the mighty throne, knowing clearly she wasn't alone. [Chorus]

Women of the Bible, mother of the child, daughters of the earth, sisters running wild

Students in the dorm, wisdom of the sages, Bubbies in the kitchen

Voices through the ages, soothing in the night, defiant in the hour

Visions in dreams, harvesting power.

To Page Top

53. SOPHIA’S SONG

I will pour out my spirit to you, I will make known to you my word

Lend your ear to wisdom and your heart to understanding

Finding the knowledge of God.

Chorus:

k'nay Hochmah, K'nay Binah, Rashit hochmah, k'nay hochmah

u'v'chol kinyancha k'nay vinah.

Before the mountains were settled, before the hills and the fields

In the time of the heaven and the circle on the deep, I played at the side of the One.

[Chorus]

The beginning of wisdom is this: "Get wisdom!" Find your way to understanding

For the commandment is a lamp and the Torah is a light, the light and the life of your

mother

Keep my commandments and live -- my Torah as the apple of your eye

Say to wisdom, "You are my sister,” and call "Understanding" kinswoman. [Chorus]

To Page Top

54. RACHEL

Chorus:

She taught in the ways of women, her visions heaven sent

The wisdom of our ancestors as she taught in the red, red tent.

When she was young she used to gather with the women at the well

To talk and laugh and share such secrets as women often tell.

She sauntered with her sister as they laughed along the way

Until a man rode between them, kissing her one day. [Chorus]

Now Rachel was a beauty, eyes of liquid fire

So Jacob agreed to labor -- seven years for hire.

Yet on her wedding day, Leah took her place

For Rachel taught her the secret signs, so Leah could save face. [Chorus]

Rachel’s heart grew a hole that love couldn’t close

A longing for children only the barren knows.

So she bargained for the mandrakes -- a night of passion for a potion

Then Bilha, Zilpa, Leah’s prayers moved heaven with their devotion.

Rachel, so wise and wily, knew the power of the teraphim

And sitting on them in her tent she said, “Ani b’derech nashim.”

Rachel still cries in Bethlehem for her children on the way

And we still wind the red thread round our hands and hearts as we pray. [Chorus]

To Page Top

55. DANGEROUS DAMES

@ Sept 1999 by Geela Rayzel Raphael

Chorus:

Dangerous dames, deadly, deadly fame

Dangerous dames, dare not forget their names

Deliah, oh Deliah (Judges 16:4 -18)

Lured Sampson to her lair

In the dark of night she cut off his hair

Atalyah, Atalyah (2 Kings 11:1-20)

Killed her grandchildren to be the Queen

For six long years ruled Israel like a fiend

Bridge:

When you’re hot, you’re hot and when you’re not, you’re not

Only women who can’t be tamed will drive you insane

Yael, Judith (Judges 4:17-5:24)

Sank that knife so deep (Book of Judith)

First feeding those generals then killing them in their sleep

Jezebel, Jezebel (1 Kings 16:-19, 21:5-25)

Wearing make up in her tower (2 Kings 9:7, 10, 22, 30,36,37)

Woman at the gates of hell worshiped lust and power

To Page Top

56. BATSHEVA, THE BABE

2 Samuel 11

Chorus:

Batsheva was a babe, if you know what I mean

Batsheva was a babe, a mother and a queen

One day she was bathing up on the roof

Her husband was away, she could really cut loose.

David took a look through his ole spyglass

Liked what he saw, a voluptuous lass. [Chorus]

He said to himself, “Who could she be?”

Then he told his messengers, “Bring her to me!”

When she got there she stared him right in the eye

Thought to herself, “This is my kind of guy.” [Chorus]

With a toss of her head sent the messengers away

and said to the king. ”I’m gonna have it my way.”

She said, “If we do it, we do it right

I’ll be your queen, you won’t forget this night.” [Chorus]

Now the story is told of the children she had

One who died too young, she was oh, so sad.

The other a king, of magic and mystery

Bathsheva, with your wisdom, you made history.

To Page Top

57. WILD WOMAN

Chorus:

I’m a wild woman, daughter of Lilith

I’m a wild woman, sister to the moon

I’m a wild woman; when Shechinah comes calling

I need to go running, I need to be free.

When I look in the mirror, I see only beauty

Eyes flashing passionate fire

My body’s a sculpture of infinite wisdom

My visions are dreams of artistic desire. [Chorus]

I’m at home in the earth, talking to flowers

Mud slides on my face and my toes

In sync with the seasons, cycles of living

Death is my teacher, watching me grow.

Bridge:

Blood and mystery, naked in the wood

Chant in harmony, I feel good

I need to break rules, so don’t stand in my way

My anger gives birth to justice denied

Talkin’ back to the snakes who trap my sisters

My voice holds my power to sing and to cry. [Chorus]

Concert songs

To Page Top

58. THE RED TENT

Chorus:

In the Red Tent (2x)

I’m sitting with my sisters in the Red Tent

It’s the tent of compassion

Harmony and song,

Dancing and singing

We all get along.

It’s the tent of schmoozing

Rhythm and rhyme,

Ancestor magic

Time out of time. [Chorus]

It’s the tent of connection

Mothers, daughters and friends

Holding up each other

With support and wisdom.

A shoulder to lean on

A hug when we cry,

Finding our light

In each other’s eyes. [Chorus]

It’s the tent of desire

And our vision of love

Where pain is suspended

On the wings of a dove.

We fly with the music,

Set our souls free:

Sisters with the power

of what we can be. [Chorus]

From the deepest night

to the dawn of the day,

Keepers of the flame

Circle to pray.

A carpet of longing

Hope in our lap,

Hearth of hospitality

We open the flaps.

To Page Top

59. WOMAN OF VALOR

Driving down the road, cell phone in her hand

After doing loads and loads of laundry

The kids to be fed, no time to make the bed

It’s the working mom’s perpetual quandary.

Polishing her nails on the console of the car

While feasting on dashboard dining

Booking that massage, running to relax

She’s got a great sense of timing.

Chorus:

She is a woman, she is a woman of valor (2x)

Sitting at the screen, answering the mail

While the phone rings off the wall

No time for a bite, it’s the middle of the night

Waiting for tech support to call.

From morning to night she opens her hands

Writing checks or wiping those tears

Her desk is a mess, she needs a good rest

She’ll get it in a couple of years. [Chorus]

Bridge:

There’s the doctor, the dentist, cooking and shopping,

carpool, homework and bills

The lunches the mail, PTO, chiro!

No time to mop up the spills.

The lessons, the calendar, garbage, recycle

Errands, the hamster and sitter

The furnace, the gardener, teethbrushing, and carwash

Eshet chayil,she is no quitter!

[SO dramatic] …

Let’s honor her -- for she’s our sister, our mother, our daughter,

Our neighbor or even our friend;

She’s us in the mirror, affirm her now! It’s all worth it in the end. [Chorus]

To Page Top

60. BUBBA

Leaving the old country

Stole away in the middle of the night

Escaped across the border

Nothing to feel but fright;

She left behind the pogroms

She left behind the pain

Saying goodbye to her family,

Never to see them alive again!

Chorus:

My grandmother, she's still dancing

My grandmother, she still sings

Bubba loves to laugh

She still has her dreams

She still has her dreams.

Riding to the New World

In the dark hull of a ship

Hearing the rats scratching

It was a smelly, nasty trip;

Landing on the shores

The streets were paved with gold,

But where was all the money

From the stories she was told?

From the stories she was told? [Chorus]

In three days she had a job

Sitting at that sewing machine,

Backbreaking tedious labor

Just to earn the green;

Fixed up with a learned man

He was a much older date,

She didn't have much choice

Was this to be her fate?

Was this to be her fate? [Chorus]

This man he was my Zedye, him I never knew

But from Bub I learned tradition, what it means to be a Jew;

Her life it wasn't easy

But her hopes they'll never end,

Like the course of Jewish history

Stories of our strong women

Stories of our strong women! [Chorus]

To Page Top

61. DONA GRACIA

©November 1987 by Geela Rayzel Raphael

For Reb Leah

From Spain to Portugal, London to Venice

The Inquisition in all the Pope's land

Interrogation and torture of our people

Marrano became people to be damned.

To the house of Mendes born a woman

Hiding her faith from the fearful eyes of night

Zealously guarding traditions of her family

Risking her life for the Shabbos candlelight.

Chorus: Dona, Dona Gracia, Dona Gracia Nasi

Dona, Dona Gracia, written out of history.

Your story revealed to us in ways we can't explain

Your story inspires us

As we reclaim your name.

In the Dark Ages this woman shone brightly

Saving the Jews with her power and her wealth

Secretly moving from village to village

Marranos were smuggled quietly in stealth.

Her empire spread throughout Medieval Europe

With money lending and trading with the East

Professing publicly as a New Christian

She did not believe in it, in the least! [Chorus]

During time in Antwerp her daughter was courted

By counts and nobles and princes of the day

But Marrano blood was thicker than the pressure

So they escaped to Venice by a secret way.

Denounced in Italy as a Judaizer

By her sister Reya, whose money she controlled

In jail she stayed with only rats for company

Finally freed for ten thousand ducats gold. [Chorus]

With chariots and servants parading into Turkey

Dona Gracia finally arrived

Under protection of the sultan

Her house and family managed to survive.

Her courage, her vision, her selfless acts of kindness

Leave behind a legend we will emulate

Redemption of Jews from beneath oppression

Demanding all our freedom, choosing our own fate.

To Page Top

62. SHECHINAH ORACLE

After a visit to Collumcille and the Goddess Conference & Shechinah Oracle

When opening up to the mystery

In the fog, the night and the rain

When the ancient stones are speaking

We find the path again.

When Shechinah is calling

To step out of your comfort zone

The way is revealed into the light

Leaping to the unknown.

Open the infinite gate

Of myth and mastery

Seeking a voyage of wisdom

Facing destiny.

In the vision of a fire that is burning

In the land and the forest and the tree

The oracle knows death and rebirth

Reminds us to be free.

In our holy bodies and Our Mother

In the water and on the land

From the depths of our souls comes a symbol:

Surrender to what you have planned.

We trust the power of the sacred signs

We learn lessons along the way

Finding the voices beyond the words;

Listen to what they say.

To Page Top

63. MY LIGHT AND MY SALVATION

Chorus :

Shechinah’s my light and my salvation (2x)

Shechinah’s my light and my salvation

Shechinah’s my light

In the dark and in the doubt

When my courage runs out

That’s when I need to get down and pray

I need that lamp to light my way.

When I'm alone and so afraid,

In a tight and narrow place

I’m on my path with its twists and turns

Oh, my goodness, so much to learn.

Shechinah she calls me to serve in joy

Pick up my spirits off the floor

With an open heart and compassionate mind

I open up to embrace the Divine.

With a song of the earth and art of my soul

Connecting to earth and feeling whole

I turn the corner, I'm on the mend

Like a dragonfly in the wind.

To Page Top

64. HOLY SHECHINAH

For Women of the Wall, inspired by a dream of Sara Leah

With a little help from my friends Chaya Beckerman and Felicia Mednik

Voices of women rise through the mist

Cutting through clouds like a knife

Crying out "Freedom" and praying for peace

Breathing Your vision to life. [Chorus]

Chorus:

Holy, holy Shechinah

Many years you've been on the roam

Holy, holy Shechinah

Yerushalayim is calling you home.

The rape of Your women, Your children, the Earth

Must cease if we are to survive;

The sun may turn dark and the moon to blood

There'll be nary a soul left alive!

Yet we'll turn evil to good, and sadness to joy

We'll find light in the faces of our friends;

Not by sword, nor by might

But by spirit we'll make amends. (Chorus)

We'll stand at Your Kotel with strength in our eyes

Claiming the Wall as our space

Trusting Your wisdom to safeguard our souls

Turning our anger to grace. (Chorus)

Mystic sunset of pink, purple, blue

Hangs over her hills like a veil

Summoning dreams so, memory deep

Our lives blazing the trail. (Chorus)

Moon shadow circle suspended in air

Signals for our souls to sing;

The Daughters of Zion will dance in her streets

The bells of Mashiach will ring! (Chorus)

To Page Top

65. SHECHINAH COMING

Inspired by Lynn Gotlleib

Among the many nations, we are a people of peace

But as the ancient women, we have a longing for release

Unbinding chains of habit

Painting textured fabric

Brucha Yah Shechinah,Arrive!

Chanting sacred stories, her tapestries unfold,

Mysterious, majestic Shechinah our soul

Dwelling deep within us

Stirring myth within us

Praise be Her spirit, Arrive!

Chorus:

Ha-le-lu-ha! It’s coming time, we've seen the signs

Coming times we’ve seen the signs,

Shechinah glory will surely shine!

Drawn home to mother, come the exiles dispersed

Reviving holy Hebrew means our culture’s rebirth

Her cloud hovers above

Yerushalayim, Her love

Waiting for Her children's return.

Resting in the Temple, she finds a place to alight

Our eagle of protection, Her fire lights the night.

Underneath Her wings

Freilach voices sing

Yearning for Her Sukkat Shalom. [Chorus]

Raising up our power, the Female Divine

Clarifying vision, the world redefines.

The spark of Her spirit

Calls to those who hear it:

Blessed be Her ruach, Arrive!

Her presence in creation burns bright as the sun,

The moon is Her symbol, darkness undone.

Rosy rainbow flashes

She's rising from the ashes

Brucha Yah Shechinah, Arrive! [Chorus]

To Page Top

66. SHECHINAH, MY SISTER IN THE WIND

I feel supported by the universe

From the Source of where all life begins

Floating through time and space that blankets me,

Gently carried by the wind.

Shechinah! Heal my mind and body

Shechinah, I call to you my friend:

Use your powers of radiance

Help my hurting heart to mend.

Your presence in my life so subtle

Sometimes I forget to let you in..

The shelter of Your love protects me

Shechinah, my sister in the wind.

Shechinah, my sister in the wind

I trust Your love to make me whole.

Your Ruach rustles in the wind

Your wings cradling my soul.

Shechinah, my sister in the wind

Shechinah, You whisper in the wind

Shechinah, You spiral in the wind

Shechinah, my sister in the wind.

To Page Top

67. SHECHINAH’S WEB

Rosh Hodesh Sivan 5748/1988

Waiting for the light to come

And the clouds to shift

The heavens need to open

My spirit needs to lift.

Through times of hope and times of trial

Times of joy and times of change

I hear Shechinah calling me

She's calling out my name.

Chorus:

Singin' ah, ah, ah Shechinah (3x)

With all Her mystery, I can't begin to understand

But when I speak to Her

She's always close at hand.

When I search for You, Shechinah

I don't know where to start

But then to my surprise

I find You in my heart. (Chorus)

Gazing through the window of Eternity

Waiting for a sign to come,

It’s time to turn the key.

Invisible blanket of Your warmth

Oh yes, you take me home;

My soul finds it comfort

I know I'm not alone. [Chorus]

Women weaving their web of love

Under Shechinah's moon

Candlelight and starry night

Is when I hear Your tune.

Though nothing's bright as Shechinah's song

When I hear Her voice

I open and ask to receive

And know I have a choice. [Chorus]

At times when I feel lonely

At times when I'm afraid

I find my place within the world

Remembering from whom I'm made.

Glimmer of light, spark of dew

Overcoming fear

I know that You are with me

I know that You are here. [Chorus]

To Page Top

68. MAY SHECHINAH SHINE HER LIGHT

Sheva Brachot for Nehama and Jacob

May Shechinah Shine her Light (3x)

Shine Her Light, Shine Her light on You

For all your generosity

Loving unconditionally

For acceptance and diversity

Shine Her light, shine Her light on you

As partners and friends

For love that does not end

For souls who lights are blending

Shine Her light, Shine Her light on you.

For gladness and rejoicing

Delight and harmony

For peace and happiness

May you now be blessed.

Gilah rinah ditzah v’chedvah,

ahavah v’achavah v’shalom v’reut

kol sason v’kol simcha, kol chatan v’kol kalah

To Page Top

69. ENTER SHECHINAH’S PRESENCE

Written with Simcha 1985

Enter Shechinah's Presence

I feel Shechinah's Love

We taste Shechinah's Essence

Merging with the One Above.

Chorus:

L'shem Yichud Kudsha Brikh Hu

Yod-Hay-Vov-Hay, Yod-Hay-Vov-Hay

Emah Shechinah, Lover

We welcome You this day

Rejoicing in Your Spirit

Inspire our hearts to Pray. [Chorus]

Beloved Shabbos Malka

Radiant Delight

Illuminate our Being

Guide Us with Your Light. [Chorus]

Holy Matronit Lilith

Dark Lady of the Moon

Create Mashiach's Vision,

A world of Peace soon. [Chorus]

HAVDALAH SONGS

To Page Top

70. LEAVING SHABBOS BLUES

The collective conscious 2004/ Shabbat Unplugged

Chorus:

Leaving, leaving, leaving,

We've got the leaving, leaving, leaving Shabbos blues (2x)

We're leaving a place where we've been restful

Going to the week which may be stressful;

For there was no e-mail, no fax, no telephone

We’ve been hangin’ in the shabbos zone. [Chorus]

We welcomed our extra soul

Ate three square meals and G only knows....

Lit the candles, drank sacred wine

Ate the challah, had a helluva time. [Chorus]

All week we rush around, never stop,

driving ourselves by the external clock;

but when shabbos come we kick back:

lay it down, take a holy nap. [Chorus]

Shechinah was the bride, she came right to the door

Invited her in -- won't say no more....

All week long we're on the go

but on Shabbos time we do it nice and slow. [Chorus]

Shabbos is my baby, held her in my arms

She showed her wisdom, she turned on her charm;

Now she's gotta go, won't see her for a while

When Friday rolls around, she gonna make us smile.

Angels sang their songs, the place was clean for a time

Sat around with friends, took time off from the climb;

Studied a little Torah, jammed some ancient tunes

Oh please, shabbos, won't ya come back soon.

To Page Top

71. KAYN TI’HI’YEH LANU: A HAVDALAH SONG

Hinay el yeshuati, evtach v'lo evhad, ki azi v'zimrat Yah va'yihi li shua

Uvshavtim mayim b'sasson, mi'ma'any hayeshua

La Yah Hayishuah; Al amcha birchotecha, selah

G-d who is our salvation,

Pour Your blessing on this nation.

Chorus:

For the Jews had light and joy, gladness and honor

So may it be with us, kayn tihiyeh lanu.

Adonai Tz'vaot eemanu; Misgav lanu

Captain of the Heavenly Hosts,

You’re with us when we need You most. [Chorus]

Adonai Tz'vaot, Ashrei adam botayach bach

G-d the one who guards the truth

Praised be the one who trusts in You. [Chorus]

Hamelech ya'anaynu; B'yom Karaynu

The Holy One will answer all

On the day that we call. [Chorus]

Layihudim hayitah, Orah v'simcha, V'sasone vi'kar; Kayn tihiyeh lanu.

To Page Top

72. HAVDALAH LIVE!

It's Saturday night, Havdalah live!

Sat night, won't ya gimme five!

Saturday night -- this ain’t no jive!

Saturday Night –- it’s Havdalah Live!

Chorus:

Boogie woogie, woogie, woogie woogie wu --

Scoobi, doo-bie, doo-bie, doo-bie, scoobie-di-do (Repeat)

Hamavdil beyn kodesh l'chol;

Gonna sing a song to save your soul

Gonna have some rhythm -- gonna have some roll

Hamavdil beyn kodesh l'chol.

Saturday night -- say farewell to the Queen

Saturday night -- she leaves the scene

M'lava malka,you know what I mean

Saturday night, say farewell to the Queen.

Beyn or l'chosheck-- thats light and dark

See the candle -- feel the spark

Between the six days and yom shivi'i

With Havdalah Live, we start the week.

Sniff the spices, bless the wine

Welcome Elijah, that dude's fine

Had a good rest this Shabbos day

Saturday night -- now its time to play.

LIFE CYCLE SONGS

To Page Top

73. BEDEKEN SONG

Based on Gen 24:60 & 22:18

For Talya/Shawn on the occasion of their wedding

Achotaynu at

achotaynu at

Hi’yee lalphay r’vavah

v’yeerash zaraych et sha’ar sonav

v’yeerash zaraych et sha’ar sonav.

Achotaynu at

Ach atah

Hi’yee lalphay r’vavah

Heveh lalphay r’vavah

v’yeerash zaraych et sha’ar sonav

v’yeerash zaracha et sha’ar oyvav.

You are our sister ( 2x)

Be blessed with fertility ( 2x)

Guarded from your enemies.

Achotaynu at

You are our sister

Hi’yee lalphay r’vavah

Be blessed with fertility

V’yeerash zaraych et sha’ar sonav

Protection from your enemy.

Achotaynu at, you are our sister

Ach atah, and our brother

Hi’yee lalphay r’vavah

Heveh lalphay r’vavah

Be Blessed with fertility and guarded from your enemies.

To Page Top

74. SIMCHAT HOCHMAH

For Pat Wische, Reb Leah Novick, Sandy Cohen,

On the occasions of their Simchat Hochmah

Simchat simchat hochmah

hochmat isha, hayom.

Simchat simchat hochmah

Praise the wisdom of the crone!

Selah!Celebrating,

celebrating our age

Mentor, Teacher, Beauty

Honor the power of the sage!

To Page Top

75. CONVERSION SONG

Written for Sara Ross’s conversion, March 2008

Bruchah haba'ah nefesh chadasha

Bruchah haba'ah nefesh yehidah

Welcome to our people,

Welcome your new soul.

Welcome to the journey,

The journey makes you whole.

To Page Top

76. YOVEL

For Juliet Spitzer’s 50^th,

Yovel hi, shanat h'hamishim, shana tihiyeh lachen( 2x)

Find freedom in your heart

Rest and incubate a new start.

Descend to the place of wisdom

Find the guidance that you need;

Let the silence inform your journey

Planting a new seed.

Proclaim liberty throughout the land

Proclaim liberty in your life.

To Page Top

77. GET ME A GET

Get me a get I'm moving on

Get me get it's been too long

Get me a get I'm feeling strong

Get me a get -- it's freedom’s song.

Let's mark the end of the life we led

Let's not look back but move ahead

Treasure our kids we brought into this world

Embrace the new as it unfurls.

It's time for closure on what we had,

Time to set aside feeling sad

Hold the good times, throw out the bad

Time to move from grief to glad.

Untangle our souls, untangle our lives

Move beyond bitterness and strife

One day I hope we can again be friends

But this chapter has come to an end.

What's past is past, what's done is done

We shared a life when we were young

Our paths merged to create family

We're left with many good memories.

We need to bury many dreams

Find a new journey to fit our needs

Go for the light and time will mend.

Out of the ashes, we'll be born again

Last chorus:

Get us a get we're moving on

Get us a get, life is long

Get us a get we're gonna be strong

Get us a get-- it's freedom’s song.

To Page Top

78. DAUGHTER OF MITZVAH

Simcha & Geela Rayzel Raphael

November 1985 for Linda Bronfman’s Bat Mitvah

Women of vision and women of faith

Woman of knowledge and more

You’re climbing the mountain of wisdom

You’ve accepted this chore.

Woman, woman mirrored soul in your eyes

Challenge, calm, through your strength we’ll rise

You’re a Shabbos candle burning

You channel the spark

Divine energy, flowing female

That wakes up the dark.

Chorus:

You’re taking a step and you’re taking a risk

Like your sisters before

You’ re a Daughter of Mitzvah

As you open this door.

Woman of action, woman of joy

Your voice sings out in song;

You’re learning our language of ancient Hebrew

Our truth is strong.

Woman, woman, soul magic shines through you

Clearly, brightly today you renew.

You’re taking a taste of the tree of knowing

ItsTorah on fire

You’re learning the secrets of scholars before you

New cycles inspire. [Chorus]

Woman of stature and woman of grace

For generations we’ve dreamed

To enter the Queendom of sacred teachings

Our birthright redeemed.

Woman, woman, a pioneer you’ll be

Helping now rewrite herstory

Shechinah glory unfolding before us

As women now flower

You’re affirming holy tradition

Reclaiming our power. [Chorus]

To Page Top

79. ON MY KNEES

For Hallel Margolit Nesya Angel Robin Raphael on the occasion of her adoption

Through the tears and the longing

Through the grief and the pain

We have held our hearts open

Waiting for this day.

It was a miracle to find you

Like a puzzle’s missing piece

Hope was our companion

Now our joy can be released.

Chorus:

On my knees I will hold you

On my knees I will care

On my knees I will love you

I’ll always be right here.

As our Father Yaacov lay his hands upon their heads

Calling forth the blessing, this is what he said:

“Let God who has been my shepherd

all my many days

And the angel who redeemed me

bless you many ways.” [Chorus]

Mother Michal was a beauty,

wore t’fillin every day

Yet her heart yearned for children

so deeply did she pray.

When her sister passed on over

leaving five little ones alone

Just as Michal took them in

we welcomed you home. [Chorus]

May you do good deeds among us, study Torah all the while

May we all live to know the moment when you walk down that aisle.

Be all that you can be -- your curiosity never cease

May you seek the cause of justice and work for the planet’s peace. [Chorus]

As our mothers and fathers and all who have gathered here

Open their arms to embrace you and wipe away your tears

As we walk with you on your journey through life’s twists and turns

May we be the kind of family where love is what you learn.

Final chorus:

In our arms we will hold you

In our hearts we will care

With our souls we will love you

We will always be right here.

To Page Top

80. WELCOME TO THE WORLD

For Eli Robinson’s birth by Tanta Naif

We’ve been waiting these months for you; we're glad you're here

By the gift of your birthing, a miracle is clear.

You'll wind the road that lies before you with your ups and downs

Blazing trails of growth and learning, there's wisdom to be found.

Chorus:

Welcome to the world, little stranger

Welcome to the world

Waken to the life before you

Welcome to the whirl.

Your mothers, fathers, aunts and uncles, grandparents, cousins, too

Have all been waiting, anticipating, that first glimpse of you

On your shoulders rests a legacy, handed down through time

Welcome to our Jewish family, little spark of Divine. [Chorus]

Forge your way among our people, with the mantle of your name

Carving out your destiny, there's life out there to tame.

Wear the mark upon your body, carry it deep within your soul

Connecting you throughout our history, this sign makes you whole. [Chorus]

Be a blessing, be a mensch, be a feminist in your heart

Be a partner of social justice, always do your part.

Be a prophet, be a friend, be sweet and good and kind

Be blessed with health and laughter, knowing you are Divine. [Chorus]

To Page Top

81. DERECH NASHIM

Thank You G-d for sculpting this woman

Praise to You for making me bleed

Blessed be You for I'm in Your image --

Gracious G-d who fills all my needs.

Chorus:

Ani b'derech nashim

Ani b'derech hayim

Ani b'derech

Ani b'derech nashim.

Is my monthly friend the curse of my life

With aches and pains that swell with the years?

Or wondrous system that mirrors Divine:

From hidden death, new life appears. [Chorus]

Feelings inside me rage out of control

Sending me signs I don't always receive

Opening up to the depth of my power

Dreams of the psyche revealed to believe. [Chorus]

Time of my power that cycles each month

Blood of my womb will flow like the sea.

Fruit of my body signals creation --

Shechinah inside me, my spirit is free. [Chorus]

To Page Top

82. Y’VARECHECHA

For Gabriel Spitzer-Wachs baby naming

Y'varechecha, Y'varechecha,Y'varechecha,

Y'varechecha Adonai V'yishma-recha

Ya'air Adonai Panav Elecha, V'Chu-neka

Yesa Adonai Panav Elecha, V'Yasem L'cha Shalom.

Chorus:

Kayn Y'he, Kayn Y'he, Kayn Y'he Ratzon (4x)

A little girl was born this month. May she be blessed

With love, joy and humor, and happiness

May G-d's brilliant light shine upon her face

And the many paths she walks, abound with grace. [Chorus]

As she wanders along her way

May her heart learn to sing, opening to pray

For as the wings of light wrap around her soul

May all her dreams and visions be kissed with gold. [Chorus]

Let this little spirit find her way of peace

And all the good things in her life increase

May the moon, sun and stars dancing in the heavenly sky

Be her guiding angels as she learns to fly. [Chorus]

To Page Top

83. PARENT’S BAT MITZVAH

As we walk on the journey called life

Never knowing what will be

We send out prayers to the universe

Asking for what we think we need.

And when children appear and join us on the way

G!d answers in ways we'll never know

Surrender we must and open eyes and heart

That’s the way our spirit grows.

Baruch ata Yah sh’pitarani may onsho sh'la zeh;

Brucha at Yah, sh’pitarani may onsho sh'la zeh;

Nivarech et Yah, sh’pitarani may onsho sh'la zeh;

Blessed be the One, releasing me from this sweet liability.

Raising a child of the heart

Teaching what you think you know

You give and give with all you've got

It’s the only way to go.

And you never know if returns are coming in

Sometimes all you can do is pray

That you give them what they need to make it through life

And stand before you on their Bat Mitzvah day.

Now stands before us a woman

Who was so small not that long ago

You brought forth lessons for us to learn

Places we needed to grow.

So we fed and we held, we kissed those wounded knees

Nourished a soul and a mind

On a day like to day when we see who you are

We know you’re leaving that childhood behind.

Now go forth from today,

Standing up straight and tall

Ready to meet what life offers you

Help out and listen for your call.

Now don't forget to eat breakfast,

Brush your teeth and mind your manners too

As I send you off into the unknown

Know I really love you.

END OF LIFE SONGS

To Page Top

84. MAY THE ANGELS CARRY YOU

At this time of transition, going to the Light

At this time of transition, going home is right

Let go of the struggle, let go of your fear

All will be forgiven, your slate to be cleared.

Chorus:

May the angels carry you

Your work is done, it is time to rest

The fruit of your hands and your soul be blessed

Joining your ancestors, finding a new way

Crossing the threshold, wrapped in G-d’s embrace.

May the angels carry you (2x)

Surrounded by love, angels take your hand

Guiding you on, it’s part of the plan

Shechinah welcomes you opening her wings

Hearing the chorus. Join the angels singing.

Mi’yimini Micheala, Mi’smoli Gavriealla Mi’lifnai Uriella m’achorai

Raphaella

To Page Top

85. BARUCH DAYAN EMET

March 2015 on Aryeh Stein Azen’s Journey out of this world

Baruch dayan emet

Baruch dayan ha-emet. (2x)

Adonai natan, va’adonai lakach

Yehi shaym Adonai mivorach. (2x)

With compassion and justice,

A view of the past lifetimes

End the suffering - free the soul

With a holy sense of time. Refrain:

Weighing many factors

On the earth and above

Considering all the pain and loss

Yet acting out of love. Refrain:

Time to go or time to leave

This chapter is done

With a kiss of Shechinah’s bliss

The soul travels on….. Refrain:

To Page Top

86. HAMAKOM YINACHEM ETCHEM

Shloshim for my father

Chorus:

HaMakom yinachem et chem

HaMakom yinachen et chen

HaMakom yinachem et chechem, b’toch sha’ar avlei tzion v’yerushalayim.

The times when we are troubled

By losses we must face;

As the soul leaves

And we grieve

Sorrow sets its own pace. Chorus:

We’ll miss smiles, their touch, and smell

The hands we once held;

The body’s gone

And their love lives on

They are spirit behind a veil. Chorus:

May you be comforted on your journey

May you feel what you need to feel

May seeds be planted of hope and consolation

May you find the time to heal. Chorus:

To Page Top

87. B DE NESHUMAH ZUL HUBIN AN ALIYAH

For Bubbie Rose z’l and Zelda on the occasion of their Yartzeitz

Chorus:

De neshumah zul hubin an aliyah. (2x)

May your soul rise higher and higher

Through the stages of illumination;

May your soul rise to the highest rung

Ascending the realms of Gan Eiden. [Chorus]:

Your memory is a blessing

To all of us you left behind;

May you be wrapped in a garment of light

As your soul continues to climb. [Chorus]:

May your journey be gentle

Through the seven realms up above;

We’ll do good deeds in your name

As we remember you with love.

With the golden crowns of Torah

Tz’ror Ha hayim

Praise with ministering angels

You are nourished by eternal springs. [Chorus]

To Page Top

88. KADDISH

Yitgadal v’yitkadash sh’may raba (2x)

I integrate your legacy, treasure your memory

What I have learned from you, I’m left with your love.

[Chorus]: yitgadal...

I come to You in grief, walk in humility

Grateful you have been with me, I’m lifted by Your love.

[Chorus]: yitgadal...

We rise to praise Your name, all our waking days

Where you have guided me, I walk with your love.

[Chorus]: yitgadal...

Create a path for peace, to live in harmony

For us and all the world, Bless us with love.

[Chorus]: yitgadal...

HOLIDAY SONGS

To Page Top

89. FOUR WORLDS

On a dark and starry night

Moon she rises with delight

We're here to celebrate the Festival of Trees

Bless the fruit and nourish the seeds.

Earth she calls me bringing me forth

Ancestor wisdom, we honor the north

In the world of Assiyah we take our first bite

Honoring our bodies and our “doing” tonight.

Water calls me as I face west

Emotional freedom expressing my best

In the world of Yetzirah with help from above

My heart opens wide with love.

Air she calls me eastward –awake!

To ideas and enlightenment we dedicate

The world of Briyah where dreams take form

Dreams take flight, creativity is born.

Fire she calls me stirring my soul

Ignite the passion, light up the whole

In the south we desire transformation

The world of Atzilut beyond imagination.

Shechinah calls me to sing

With moon in the sky, I open my wings

Soaring through the worlds my soul is free

Respect the earth and treasure the tree!

Calling me to rise

Singing me her song

Sing me loud and sing me strong

My soul is soaring, soaring she goes

where she goes nobody knows

release my soul

Shechinah is calling me to be

All I can be all I need to be free

To Page Top

90. APPLES AND HONEY

Carrots, beans and fennel - may our merits increase.

Eating leeks, dates and beets - may our opponents leave

As we eat the pomegranate - may our good deeds leave a trail

Then we eat a fish, so we’re the head and not the tail.

Chorus: Apples and honey for a sweet new year!

Apples and honey, may our intentions be clear.

On Rosh Hashanah we pray for our life

Remove from us the struggles and of course, the strife

On Yom Hazikaron let us be written for good

Let us be our best selves like we know we should.

The Ten days of Repentance we turn our life around

We make amends to others, we heed the shofar sound

We ask to be forgiven and to clear our slate

Cast away our sins, it’s never too late.

Bridge: Then on Yom Kippur its time to pray

No eating, no drinking, be careful what you say

Our lives are written, yet sealed that day

Become a holy vessel, get yourself out of the way.

But today is Rosh Hashanah, Yom Harat Olam

The earth was created for us to have some fun

Wake up to your path, at the turning of the wheel

Taste the sweetness of your life as we help the world to heal.

Yihi Ratzon milfanecha shtichadesh aleynu shana tova

Yihi Ratzon milfanecha shtichadesh aleynu shana tova umetucha!

To Page Top

91.Four cups

Chorus:L’chaim l’chaimto life to life

To love and dreams and laughter

Our voices roar with the sounds of the sea

And we’ll come dancing after. La, la

You open your arms, Batya, Batya

Surround us with love and affection

Draw out our pain, comfort our hearts

Deepen our sense of connection.

You birth us to life, Shifra, Puah

Midwives of transformation

From the depths of our core, to our crowning light

You lead through initiation.

We drink from your well Miriam, Miriam

From the cup of divination

The waters of life, the song of the soul

We toast in celebration.

Yocheved, Yocheved, courageous and brave

Mother of hope and of faith

Letting go into the unknown

Shield us and keep us safe.

To Page Top

92.Zot Kos Miriam

By MIRAJ: Juliet I Spitzer, Rabbi Margot Stein, Rabbi Geela Rayzel Raphael

Chorus:

Zot Kos Miriam

Kos Mayim Chayim

Zot Kos Miriam

Kos Mayim Chayim

Zecher yetziyat MItzrayim (2x)

This is the water of Miriam’s well

That flows up from the earth

Waters of Life

Waters the soul

Water of our rebirth

To Page Top

93. ROSH HODESH MOON

It’s a moon song, bubbling up and over me

Darkness sets my spirit free.

Rosh Hodesh, enchanted time to hallow the month:

Lunar spirals cycle 'round the Earth

Renew our souls, reopen up our hearts, re-light our internal sparks.

Mysterious by day, Your wisdom guides our way,

Flowing with the rhythm of the tides.

Brucha Ya Rachamema, Mikor Or Hadash, Michadeshet et Ha-Hodashim, Amen, Selah!

It’s a moon song, casting our shadows on the ground

We're humbled by Your ancient glow.

Rosh Hodesh, yearning for your radiant shine, we gather, honoring Divine.

Your moonbeams catch our eyes; releasing heartfelt sighs,

The clouds are blown across our minds.

I can read your face, in the depths of space;

Your presence reveals a sacred sign.

Brucha Ya Rachamemah, Mikor Or Hadash, Michadeshet et Ha-z'manin,

AMEN! SELAH!

It’s a moon song, calling through the centuries

Holy tribute to the Queen. Rosh Hodesh, Mistress of reflected light;

Luminescence fills the night.

Awaken with desire, rekindle inner fire;

Laugh, as we shoot across the sky.

Circle with the Flame, Dance Your hidden Name,

Sing praises with our voices rising high.

Brucha Ya Rachamema, Mikor Or Hadash, Michdeshet et Ha-Yerachim, Amen, Selah!

To Page Top

94.USHPIZIN/USHPIZOT

@ 1993 by Geela-Rayzel Raphael

Welcome to our sukkah, come and be our guest

Eat, drink, and study, sit - enjoy your rest.

Chorus: Ti-vu Ti-vu Ushpizin ee-lah-een

Ti-vu Ti-vu Ushpizin Ka-di-shin. (masc)

Ti-vu Ti-vu Ushpizot ee-lah-ot

Ti-vu Ti-vu Ushpizot Ka-di-shot. (feminine)

Welcome FatherAvraham, G-d put you to the test

Bring your faith andhesed, join us as we bless.

Welcome, MotherSara, Let your laughter ring

Bring your wisdom and your light, join us as we sing.

Welcome FatherYitzhak, in the afternoon you prayed

Bring a meditation, join us here today.

Welcome, MotherRivka, we've heard your voice so clear

Come and bring your oracles, come and join our cheer.

Welcome, FatherYaakov, you wrestled through the night

Come and bring your vision, help us get this right.

Welcome MotherRachel, you weep on our behalf

Come and bring us mandrakes, come and join our laugh.

Welcome MotherLeah, many children born to you,

Come and bring fertility, help us to renew

Welcome Brother,Yosef, a colored coat you wore

Come and bring us happy dreams, sit with us some more.

Welcome SisterTamar, a widows clothes you wore

But come and bring your cleverness, we'll greet you at the door.

Welcome holyMoses, you met G-d face to face

Come and bring your leadership, we've saved you a place.

Welcome SisterMiriam, you danced across the sea

Bring your tof and timbrel, dance to set us free.

Welcome BrotherAaron, our glorious High Priest

Come and bring us holiness, come and join our feast.

Welcome braveDevorah, you battled brave and strong

Come and bring your torches, join us in our song.

WelcomeQueen Batsheva, found your beloved true

Mother of King Shlomo, his wisdom came through you.

WelcomeMelech David, you danced a mighty dance;

Its time for theMashiach, its time we had the chance.

WelcomeGrandmother Ruth,you chose to be a Jew,

Come and bring your loyalty, bring Naomi too.

WelcomeMelech David, you wrote us many psalms

Come and bring your etrog, myrtle, willow and palms.

LITURGY

To Page Top

95.All We Can Feel is Love

For B’not Aish from the labyrinth at Mary and Joseph

I’m in the center of the Universe

And all I can feel is Love (2x)

All I can feel is love

We’re in the center of the Universe

And all we can feel is Love (2x)

All we can feel is love

In the whisper of the wind

is the heart of the rose

And the heart of the rose is peace (2x)

And all we can feel is love

C’Hashoshana ben hachokim,

Kayn rye-a-ti ben habanot.

To Page Top

96. BREATHE IN THE BREATH OF LIFE

Dedicated to the stones of Sedona and Shechinah Sister Reb Sara Leah Ayla Grafstein

Breathe In the Breath of Life

Breathe in the Breath of Life

Nishmat Kol Chai Tivaraych, et Sh’maych Shechinah

To Page Top

97. RAISE YOUR HANDS/AL NITILAH YADAYIM

Oh, Raise your hands (Oh, Raise your hands)

Oh, Raise your hands, (Oh, Raise your hands)

Raise your hands in holiness;

Oh, Raise your hands (Oh, Raise your hands)

Raise your hands and we’ll be blessed.

Oh, Raise your hands (Oh, Raise your hands)

Raise your hand in holiness

Oh, Raise your hands (Oh, Raise your hands)

Al n’tilat yadayim

(Repeat verses)

Oh, We’ll be blessed (Oh, We’ll be blessed)

Oh, Raise your hands

Oh, Raise your hands and we’ll be blessed

Oh, Raise your hands (Oh, Raise your hands)

Al n’tilat yadayim.

Amen

To Page Top

98.You are with me always

For Mom, Natalie L. Robinson

You’re engraved upon my hand (Isaiah 49:16)^{^[1]}

You reside within my heart

Memories are in my mind,

You’re with me always.

Chorus:Comings and goings, living in the unknowing

Beginnings and endings, I’m glad we’ve had this time.

I love you, Thank you,

Forgive you, Forgive me.

I’m grateful for what you’ve given me,

I’m with you always. ^{^[2]} Chorus

I’m thankful for this time with you,

Grateful for what I know is true

The love between us will remain,

You are with me always. Chorus

Nivaraych et darkaynu, Shechinah tishmaraynu

Malachim goalim et chayanu.

(Let us bless our way, Shechinah guard us, Angels guard our lives.)

Shechinahtishmiraych m’col rah,[3](Genesis 48:16)

tishmor etnaphshech

Shechinah tishmor tzyatayzhuvo'echmay ata v’ad olam.[4](Psalm 121:8)

Brucha atb'voech,u’vrucha at b’tztaych[5](Deuteronomy 28:6)

Ki malachav yitzvehlach,tishmorechb’coldarkech.[6](Psalm 91)

Traditional masc.

Adonai yishmor m’col rah,^{^[3]}(Genesis 48:16)

yishmor et naphshecha

Adonai yishmor tzyatayzh uvo’ech may ata v’ad olam.^{^[4]}(Psalm 121:8)

Baruch ata b’voraych, u’varuch ata b’tztaych^{^[5]}(Deuteronomy 28:6)

Ki malachav yitzveh l’cha, lishmorcha b’col darchecha.^{^[6]}(Psalm 91)

To Page Top

99. SERENITY PRAYER

Adapted by Geela Rayzel Raphael and Shawn Zevit, December 2008

Oh God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change

Oh God, grant me the courage to change the things I can

And the wisdom to know the difference (3x)

And in our lives Peace.

Eli, tayn bi et ha- shalva l'kabel

et asher aneyni yechola l'shanot

Eli, v'tayn bi et ha -ometz l'shanot ma ani oo-chal

v'et ha-chochma ( 2x)

v’et ha chochman l'havdil b'nayhem ( 2x)

b'hayaynu shalom.

Whether I take twelve steps or two

I know I walk hand in hand with you;

In the midst of the chaos and the winds of change

In the eye of the storm, you keep me sane.

You are my journey and you are the destination

You are the source of my salvation.

You are the source of my salvation. Give me the courage.

Grant me the serenity and the wisdom ( 3x), for peace.

To Page Top

100. WHEN THE OLD MAKES WAY FOR THE NEW

@ May 1998 by B’not Aish

Geela Rayzel Raphael w/Shoshana Zonderman and Rose Pueregos

V’yashan mipnay hadash (2x)

totzi-oo

v’natati mishkani ( 3x)

b’tochaychen.

When the old makes way for the new ( 3x)

I will dwell among you.

To Page Top

101. HAMAKOM SHALOM

Nivarech et Ha-makom, HaMakom shalom

Hamakom shalom

Peace and quiet, calm and stillness, silent, soothing….. space.

Teach and learn and grow and tell and dwell in this place.

(Let us bless the One of the place,of peaceful space)*

To Page Top

102. PRIESTESS BLESSING

Tivarechna b’ahava

Tivarechna b’shalom

Tivareychna maasaeh yadaiyich

Tivarchna m’hashamayim v’tahom

We honor the work of your hands

Bless you with love and with peace

Praise the vision you bring to your task

Blessings from the heavens and the deep.

Join with our voices and our hearts

To Page Top

103. ANI L’DODI

Aug 28, 2014

For Simcha on our 28 th anniversary ELUL

Ani L dodi v dodi Li ( 2x)

I am my beloved and my beloved is for me

Ani l dodi li

I am my beloved my beloved is mine

My beloved- is so fine

Friend and lover til the end of time

My beloved, my beloved is mine

The journey of love is not the easy path

Relationship is really a craft

Plenty of tears and some belly laughs

Ani L’dodi li

Listening skills and communication

Emotional validation

Lots of luck and intuition

Ani L’dodi li

He likes it cold she likes its hot

He likes it hard, she likes it not

They don’t tell you when you tie the knot

Ani L’dodi li

Kids come along and raise the stakes

What you don’t have left they are here to take

Leave plenty of room for many mistakes.

Ani L’dodi li

To Page Top

104. ANA AYL NA R’FANAH LA (HEALING SONG)

Feb 2014

Ana Ayl na r’fanah lah

Ana Ayl na r’fanah lo

Heal our bodies, Heal our souls

Ana Ayl Na r’fanah lah.

Send Your angels of healing

Sooth the pain that we are feeling

We open our hearts to our family and friends

Bless us with love that mends.

To Page Top

105. ANGELS

Nov 1994, Geela Rayzel Raphael

Some say they're born in the morning: Rising from a river of fire

Singing “Halelu” before the Throne, Strumming on lute and lyre.

An angel stands in Eden, blockin' the way to the gate

With a flaming sword turning ‘round and ‘round 'cos Adam and Eve tempted fate

Chorus:

Angels are guarding me, Angels are guiding me

Angels protectin' me, wherever I roam.

Hagar was lost in the desert when an angel cried, "What do you think?

You and Ishmael will not die; here's the water to drink."

Abraham had Isaac on the altar ready to take his life

An angel called out, "You passed that test -- come on, put down that knife.”

Sara heard three angels a 'comin' to the tent in the heat of the day

They spoke about the news of Isaac's birth; she had a good laugh that day.

Those angels went to Sodom and G'morrah to have a lengthy word with Lot:

"Get your family right out of here -- this place is gonna get mighty hot.”

Now, Jacob had a vision of angels riding that ladder up and down

And on the banks of the Yabok River he wrestled an angel to the ground.

And ole Moses took a walk in the desert, heard an angel calling his name

A fire was burning in the midst of the bush and it wasn't consumed by flame.

Angels visit our table as Shabbat rolls around each week,

Sittin' on our shoulders, both left and right -- watching us as we speak.

The wife of Manoah saw an angel, Balaam's donkey and Gideon too:

If we walk in the way of God -- there 'll be an angel guarding me and you

There’ll be an angel guiding me and you.

Final English chorus:

Angels are guarding me, Angels are guiding you

Angels protectin' us, wherever we roam.

Shalom alechem, malachay hasharet, mi melech malchay ham’lachim hakadosh baruch hu, ha Shechinah brucha hi!

Shalom alechem, Shalom alechem, shalom alechem

Wherever we roam, wherever, wherever, wherever we roam.

To Page Top

106. ANGELS WALK WITH YOU

An angel walks before you,

Uriel who shines the light

Illuminating your darkest shadows,

Guarding you both day and night.

Chorus:

Angels are walking with you

Guide your footsteps everyday;

Keep you company on the journey

And protect you along the way.

An angel walks beside you,

Gavriel who lends you might

Picks you up when you have fallen

Gives you strength for the fight.

An angel walks beside you,

Michael holds your hand;

Shines a mirror of your goodness

Helps you trust G-d’s holy plan.

An angel walks behind you

Raphael heals body and soul

Soothes the heart when it’s hurting

Easing pain of your heavy load.

To Page Top

107. NISHAMAT KOL CHAI/MARSH

1/15/03

As the bird stands proud and free, drying feathers in the sun

duckling follows mother close behind;

The heron prances ‘round

in a jig to have some fun

wind breezes through to clear my mind.

Chorus:

Nishmat kol cha tivarech et shimcha halelu halelu halelu yah

Nishmat kol chai tivarech et Yah, Halelu, halelu halelu yah

Turtles on a rock moving slow with wisdom deep

Hawk soars above and rides the sky;

Alligator struts along the bank and then she sleeps

My spirit sings a song to take me high. chorus:

In the bullrush of the marsh, life doesn’t seem so harsh

We take a break to watch the seagull preen

with every squeak and quack, I resonate with that

I’m a creature of the One Who Can’t Be Seen. chorus:

The colors of the wild are never, ever mild

glistening with a rainbow of hues;

Anhinga make a splash, the egret seems to laugh

at my attempt to attune to my muse. chorus:

With pink legs and pink beaks

the stork begins to streak

across the grassy land on the knoll;

The snake and the frog, the lizard in the bog

Sing the bass line to shake me from my hole. chorus:

And the psalmists voice I hear

rings out very clear

I’m a guest on the land where I stroll

Sacred time, sacred space, the earth’s a sacred place

the stillness and the flutter fill my soul.

KABBALAH: THE MUSICAL

To Page Top

108. TALKING TO G!D

Chorus:

We gotta shut off the email, turn off the phone

Tune out the ole I-Pod

Take time out -- and talk to G!d

Did Adam need a fax in the Garden

To send message to Eve?

And did Eve check her “handheld”

Before she ate of the tree? [Chorus]

Did Moses twit his Twitter

‘Bout his time with ole Pharoah?

Did Miriam sing for YouTube

To let my people go? [Chorus]

When Joshua rode to Jericho

The trumpets rang a clarion call;

He didn’t update a Facebook page

'Cause nothing was left of the walls. [Chorus]

Tag MySpace and poke my Plaxo … I am so LinkedIn

Yet if my soul needs tending

I gotta look within. [Chorus]

To Page Top

109. BATTLE OF THE BULGE

On the occasion of my birthday, when everyone was on a diet

I’ve got matza ball breasts and a blintz behind

Latkes in my gatkes and madel brot mind

Wearing a bagel belly and lox on sox

When they carry me off -- it’ll be a take-out box!

Chorus:

I’m a Jewish woman and I like to indulge

I’m waving my white flag at the Battle of the Bulge.

They says fat cells ease menopause.

Gonna do my part -- eat for the cause

Next time your friends say they want to be thin

Hand them chocolate saying,

“Take your estrogen!” [Chorus]

It says in the Torah “b Tzelem elohim,”

We’re in God’s image -- so listen to me

When God looks in a mirror -- opens her eyes --

She fills creation, and that’s a plus-size!

Bridge:

Did Devorah worry as she sang her battle cry ?

Am I too heavy that my horse might die?

Did Miriam sing as she crossed the Red Sea?

My bathing suit’s too tight, I’m not yet free!

Did Golda complain as she ruled among the men

I can’t run this country; I’m not that thin!

No, no, no. No. no

We reject messages internalized

And see ourselves with the just the right thighs.

We won’t starve ourselves to satisfy lies

So shake your beauty – women, arise!

To Page Top

110. RED MOON MAGIC

For a flaming, zinging Jule

Chorus:

Shabiri, biri, irri ri

Shall we dance? Shall we dance? Shall we dance the night away?

A crescent smile hangs over our heads

Celebrating our monthly holy day, binding us by a red thread.

Once upon a time, a long, long time ago

We drew our power from the red, red moon

And in the darkness angels guided us

Guarding us from danger and doom

We called upon the Name, rearranged the letters,

Mystical enchantment of fertility

Womb power birthing- our stories emerging

Weaving a thread through our own tapestry. [Chorus]

Witch of Endor conjures up Samuel,

Stirring him from beyond the grave

Abaye's mother uses her formulas,

Incantations to protect and save

Winding, meandering, serpentine through centuries

From mother to daughter -- Keepers of the Flame

Banished, ignored, but never forgetting --

A cauldron of blessing for her Divine Name. [Chorus]

The element of air moving us easterly

Southern fire transforming our course

Western water shaping our destiny

Earth power healing -- arrives from the North.

Wound around the ark from synagogue to birthing stool

As the ribbons on braids in Eve's hair,

Red stone necklaces to ward off the evil eye

On the Baby's crib to know that She's there. [Chorus]

To Page Top

111. GOD SEES IT IS GOOD

For the birth of Raffi Klotz/Stein

It was evening, it was morning, the dawn of our creation

It was dark and later light, God hovered on the deep

In the rhythm of contraction. The labor of expansion

We walk the razor’s edge and must not fall asleep.

We are called to be a witness at the times that are a’changing

We’re inspired to be the healers with hands of tenderness

We will rise to be the tallest tree a’standing in the wood

Summoned to be new voice

And God sees it is good.

In the time of our rejoicing, in the cycle of the season

The middle of the ending, the promise of the year

There is new life among us, we are holding our arms open

For deep breath, beginnings, and strong hope to appear.

We are called to create families of new configuration

We need to help each other, like the seal on heaven’s door

We are knocking down old paradigms that have forever stood

We’re accepting one another and

God sees it is good.

In the time of our shaking and the story of our struggle

In a world that is no longer just like it was before;

The darkness holds our fears yet the night time shields our dreams

We light candles to our visions for we don’t know what’s in store.

We are called to be the singers at the time of this birthing

We’re compelled do sing out boldly, to hear Shechinah’s roars

We are drawn to wild dancing where before we simply stood

We hold defiant celebrations

And God sees it is good.

To Page Top

112. HELP ME FIND MY WAY

Chorus: Help me find my way (3x) in the dark.

When I’m lost in the dark night of the soul

Seeking the shards to make me whole

Come on now, take me by the hand

Lead me to my own internal promised land. [Chorus]

When life rains down upon my messy desk

Already in need of a great deal of rest

So much before me, such a lot to do,

Help me find a way for my spirit to renew. [Chorus]

What to do with longing that sears my heart

What to do with pain like a piercing dart?

Help me turn it over and let it go

Offering it up so I can grow. [Chorus]

I feel a song a-coming upon my lips

Help me get it out now before I trip

Pick me up and stand me upon my feet

Help me find the joy that makes life so sweet. [Chorus]

To Page Top

113. MY LEGS ARE PRAYING

Dedicated to Mordechai and Lynn, Arthur and Phyllis who walk the teachings of King and Heshel

Chorus:

(I said) My legs are prayin’ (3x)

When I walk toward the light.

Whatcha gonna do in the morning?

Whatcha gonna do in the night?

Gottta get busy to help the world

Doin’ what is right. [Chorus]

Whatcha do with your time?

Whatcha do with your hands?

How are you gonna spread the love

All over this land? [Chorus]

Whatcha gonna do for the children?

Whatcha do for the Earth?

How to serve the greater good

To show what you’re worth?

How do we remember Heshel

And how do we honor King?

By doing good deeds with all our heart

To let that freedom ring.

^{^[1]}Isaiah 49:16- suggested by Judith Goleman

^{^[2]}Rabbi Shoshana Mitrani Knapp suggested Dr. Boyck’s words

^{^[3]}Genesis 48:16 suggested by Rabbi T’mimah Ickovits

God will guard you from all hurt; and will guard your soul.

^{^[4]}Psalm 121:8 -suggested by Sarah Myerson

God will guard your going and coming from now and to eternity

^{^[5]}Deuteronomy 28:6suggested by Sarah Myerson

Be blessed on your coming and going

^{^[6]}Psalm 91suggested by Rabbi Gail Diamond and Rabbi T’mimah Ickovits

For God’s angels are directed to guard you on all your paths

For more information, email me at

or call 215-237-2955

Song Lyrics

TABLE OF CONTENTS

KABBALAT SHABBAT EVENING/MA’ARIV

SHABBAT MORNING SONGS

WOMEN OF THE BIBLE

HAVDALAH SONGS

LIFE CYCLE SONGS

END OF LIFE SONGS

HOLIDAY SONGS

LITURGY

KABBALAH: THE MUSICAL

SHABBAT EVENING SONGS

1. WE LIGHT THE SHABBOS LIGHT

2. MOVING INTO SHABBOS TIME

3. YIVARECHECHA: PRIESTLY BLESSING

4. ROCK TO THE ROCK: PSALM 95

5. Psalm 96: SHIRU

6. FORESTS REJOICE! PSALM 96

7. SHAM-AH: PSALM 97

8.PSALM 98: YIRAM HAYAM

9. PSALM 98: MOUNTAINS ARE REJOICING

10. PSALM 92: TZADIK KATAMAR

11. PSALM FOR SHABBAT: SHECHINAH TZUN

12.The Spirit of the Desert

13. THE WHOLE WORLD IS FILLED WITH HER GLORY

14. EVENINGS: MA’ARIV ARAVIM

15. CIRCLE OF LOVE

16. MICHAMOCHA

17. UFROS ALEYNU

18. GONNA PRAY FOR IT

19. TAHAYR LIBAYNU

20. HEALING SONG - ANA AYL NA

21. KADDISH

22. ALEYNU – TO HEAL THE WORLD

23. HOLY MOTHER - SHECHINAH SOUL

SONGS FOR SHABBAT MORNING

24. ELOHAI NISHAMA

25. MODAH ANI

26. NIKAVIM (ASHER YATZAR)

27. THE HEALER OF THE BROKEN-HEARTED

28. SUN, MOON, AND STARS / PSALM 148

29. YOTZER OR

30. A CHANT TO THE ONE ON HIGH!

31. KADOSH

32. V’AHAVTA

33. BARECHU

34. SHE IS A TREE OF LIFE

36. NISHMAT KOL CHAI

Biblical Women Songsheet

37. MIRIAM TOOK HER TIMBRAL OUT - BY THE SHORES

38. SHIFRA AND PUAH*

39.BAT YIFTACH*

40. BATYA - DAUGHTER OF GOD

41. RITZPAH*

42. TAMAR*

43. RIVKA*

44. JUDITH

45. SHE SAID, “NO”

46. TZLOPHANIT* AND THE ANGEL

47. DAUGHTERS DANCING

48. TIFTACHI RACHMI

49. DEVORAH

50. RUTH

51. WHO WERE THE WOMEN?*

52. PROPHETESS

53. SOPHIA’S SONG

54. RACHEL

55. DANGEROUS DAMES

56. BATSHEVA, THE BABE

57. WILD WOMAN

58. THE RED TENT

59. WOMAN OF VALOR

60. BUBBA

61. DONA GRACIA

62. SHECHINAH ORACLE

63. MY LIGHT AND MY SALVATION

64. HOLY SHECHINAH

65. SHECHINAH COMING

66. SHECHINAH, MY SISTER IN THE WIND

67. SHECHINAH’S WEB

**46. TZLOPHANIT* AND THE ANGEL**

^{^[1]}Isaiah 49:16- suggested by Judith Goleman

^{^[5]}Deuteronomy 28:6suggested by Sarah Myerson