All posts by Alia Meira

Chants, Psalms

Wounded Heart

Ki oni v’evyon anochi, v’libi chalal b’kirbi
Graphic: Wounded Heart in Hebrew
For I am poor and lowly, and my heart is wounded within me. (Psalm 109:22)
[Click (or tap) to see the entire Psalm 109 in Hebrew and English (JPS 1985).]

I stand before God, the Great Mystery, in humility, opening to the great love. My heart has been pierced by the arrows of this world — by suffering and hatred and lies and cruelty. Into the hollow of that heart wound, I invite God to enter and dwell.

To hear the chants, use the audio players. To download a chant, right-click a note and save (or download) the linked MP3 file.

To download the PDF file for this chant, click Wounded Heart PDF.

Chants, Psalms

A Grateful Refrain

Yodu LaYah chasdo v’niflotav livnay adam
Graphic: A Grateful Refrain in Hebrew
Thank God for this flowing love,
whose miracles shape our humanity.
(Psalm 107:8, Psalm 107:15, Psalm 107:21, Psalm 107:31)
[Click (or tap) to see the entire Psalm 107 in Hebrew and English (JPS 1985).]

This line appears 4 times in this Psalm as a joyous and grateful refrain. Each time we recuperate from illness, avoid danger or recover from misfortune, we pause to acknowledge the miracles in our lives. We let those miracles shape our humanity by celebrating this amazing moment, and connecting in compassionate support with others who are facing challenge.

To hear the chants, use the audio players. To download a chant, right-click a note and save (or download) the linked MP3 file.

To download the PDF file for this chant, click A Grateful Refrain PDF.

Chants, Psalms

You Are Compassion

Rachum v’Chanun HAVAYAH, Erech apayim v’rav-chesed.
Graphic: You Are Compassion in Hwbrew
You are compassion and endless grace,
You’re never angry, Love shines from Your Face. (Psalm 103:8)
[Click (or tap) to see the entire Psalm 103 in Hebrew and English (JPS 1985).]

In the book of Exodus, Moses asks to see Gods’ face, and in response God reveals the nature of Divinity with these same words. God is saying, “Know me through these qualities. Seek these qualities in the world and cultivate them within yourself.” So, in chanting these words, we are affirming those Divine attributes, being inspired by them, being reassured by them, and opening to receive the great gift of Divine compassion, grace and abundant love.

To hear the chants, use the audio players. To download a chant, right-click a note and save (or download) the linked MP3 file.

To download the PDF file for this chant, click You Are Compassion PDF.

Chants, Psalms

Seekers Rejoice

Yismach layv m’vak’shay Yah!
Graphic: Seekers Rejoice in Hebrew
Let all who seek God, rejoice! (Psalm 105:3)
[Click (or tap) to see the entire Psalm 105 in Hebrew and English (JPS 1985).]

In seeking God, there is a tendency to become very solemn and serious. If we are weighted down by our efforts, the journey to God will feel like a chore, an obligation or a burden… and it will exhaust us. This is a practice of remembering that we can walk this path with playfulness and joy. Every expression of that joy, which is our true nature, brings us closer to God-at-our-core and opens up a door to the great expanse.

To hear the chants, use the audio players. To download a chant, right-click a note and save (or download) the linked MP3 file.

To download the PDF file for this chant, click Seekers Rejoice PDF.

Chants, Psalms

Serve with Joy

Ivdu et HaShem b’simcha, bo’u l’fanav bir’nanah
Graphic: Serve with Joy in Hebrew
Serve the One with Joy;
Come into the Presence with joyous song. (Psalm 100:2)
[Click (or tap) to see the entire Psalm 100 in Hebrew and English (JPS 1985).]

Joy is the natural state of my soul. It is the grateful response to whatever opportunity life is giving me right now. The inner joy that doesn’t depend on circumstances, is my greatest gift to the world and to the Wholeness of Life. That joy can carry me through painful times and lift me up into the widest Divine perspective. It connects me to my soulful purpose. And it is my joyous song that can bring me into God’s loving Presence, where blessing is always flowing to me and through me.

To hear the chants, use the audio players. To download a chant, right-click a note and save (or download) the linked MP3 file.

To download the PDF file for this chant, click Serve with Joy PDF.