Category Archives: Chants

Chants, Psalms

The Perfection of Beauty

Mitziyon mich’lal-yofi Elohime hofiya
Graphic: The Perfection of Beauty in Hebrew
From Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth. (Psalm 50:2)
[Click (or tap) to see the entire Psalm 50 in Hebrew and English (JPS 1985).]

I understand Zion in its mythical sense, as a place of holy connection to the One, and a place of loving community that is based on a sense of shared reverence. That place or state of consciousness is the perfection of beauty. And from there God’s Presence is revealed. Divine light shines forth from that place of beauty.

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 The Perfection of Beauty PDF. The Perfection of Beauty notation PDF.

Chants, Psalms

Higher Consciousness

Pi y’dabayr chochmot v’hagut libi t’vunot
Graphic: Higher Consciousness in Hebrew
My mouth speaks wisdoms,
And the meditation of my heart is full of insight. (Psalm 49:4)
[Click (or tap) to see the entire Psalm 49 in Hebrew and English (JPS 1985).]

This is an affirmation that as we step into higher consciousness, various aspects of wisdom overflow through us in speech, in song, in heartfelt expression. And our inner life becomes dynamic, with insights arising that help us to apply those wisdoms in our moment to moment everyday life.

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 Higher Consciousness PDF. For the musical notation, click Higher Consciousness notation PDF.

Chants, Psalms

Rising Up Now

Mishod aniyim mayenkat evyonim atah akum yomar Yah
Graphic: Rising Up Now in Hebrew
“Because of the groans of the plundered poor and needy,
I am rising up now,” says God. (Psalm 12:6)
[Click (or tap) to see the entire Psalm 12 in Hebrew and English (JPS 1985).]

When we witness injustice or empathize with those who are suffering, we are awakened to the truth of our interconnectedness. As we hear the cry of those who are suffering or oppressed, the Divine spark within us rises up. As we identify with those who are vulnerable, our determination to be a loving and healing presence, rises up to meet the challenges of this world.

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 Rising Up Now PDF. Rising Up Now notation

Chants, Psalms

The Divine Ascent

Alah Elohim bi’t’ruah, Yah B’kol shofar
Graphic: The Divine Ascent in Hebrew
God ascends with a blast;
God (appears) with the sound of the shofar. (Psalm 47:6)
[Click (or tap) to see the entire Psalm 47 in Hebrew and English (JPS 1985).]

The Shofar is an instrument of awakening. With the blast of the shofar, the Divine spark in us is set free, and rises into flame. Through our awakening, God is made manifest. Self-Realization becomes God-Realization.

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 The Divine Ascent PDF. For the musical notation, click The Divine Ascent notation PDF.

Chants, Psalms

My Heart Is Moved

Rachash libi davar tov
Graphic: My Heart Is Moved in Hebrew
My heart is moved by goodness. (Psalm 45:2)
[Click (or tap) to see the entire Psalm 45 in Hebrew and English (JPS 1985).]

When I let down my defenses and make myself vulnerable, then all good things, even small good things, move me. My heart can be moved by a kind word, by a beautiful color, by a fragrant breeze, by compassion for another’s suffering, by a grateful smile, by a bird’s sudden flight, by a profound thought, by a gentle touch. The trick is allowing myself to feel, letting my undefended heart be moved. I must consent to that feeling rather than resist it, or let it skim over me, or rush to think about it and analyze the feeling or compartmentalize it. When my heart is moved by goodness, I may even be inspired to see goodness in places that I had previously ignored. And, in receiving the goodness of my life, I am cultivating my own inherent goodness.

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 My Heart Is Moved PDF. For the musical notation, click My Heart Is Moved notation PDF.