Category Archives: Psalms

Divine Rejoicing: Y’hi ch’vod

04/16/2009 Alia Meira

Y’hi ch’vod Shechina l’olam, yismach yah b’ma’asav

May the presence ever shine; may God rejoice in His Creation. (Psalm 104:31)
[Click (or tap) to see the entire Psalm 104 in Hebrew and English (JPS 1985).]

With this practice, I affirm the God’s Presence that is continually and eternally shining out from the center of every molecule. That radiance is the Divine Rejoicing in itself.

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

To download the PDF file for this chant, click Divine Rejoicing PDF.

Chants, Psalms

Nature’s Celebration: N’harot yimcha-oo

04/16/2009 Alia Meira

N’harot yimcha-oo chaf, yachad harim y’ranaynu

Rivers will clap hands, mountains will sing for joy together. (Psalm 98:8)
[Click (or tap) to see the entire Psalm 98 in Hebrew and English (JPS 1985).]

When we can attune ourselves to the celebration of Creation that is happening right now, then we can find our place in that celebration and be inspired to add our unique voices to the chorus of praise.

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

To download the PDF file for this chant, click Nature’s Celebration PDF.

Chants, Psalms

Longing: Kayn nafshi ta’arog

02/20/2009 Alia Meira

Kayn nafshi ta’arog aylecha Elohim

Just as the deer longs for water by the riverbank,
So does my soul long for You, oh God. (Psalm 42:2)
[Click (or tap) to see the entire Psalm 42 in Hebrew and English (JPS 1985).]

The deer, which we are recalling with this practice, is standing at the riverbank. Her longing is for that water that is right there, right in front of her. Our longing for God, for truth, for the doorway into the sublime mystery is just like this. We long to know intimately the Reality that is right before us; we long to feel the earth that beneath our feet, to taste the food that is in our mouths, to touch the life that is embracing us. We long for the Power of Presence to awaken us to the gift that is given in this very moment.

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

For the musical notation, see The Magic of Hebrew Chant, page 284.

Chants, Psalms

Let My Glory Sing: Y’zamercha chavod

02/20/2009 Alia Meira

Y’zamercha chavod v’lo yidom

Let my glory sing to You and not be silenced. (Psalm 30:13)
[Click (or tap) to see the entire Psalm 30 in Hebrew and English (JPS 1985).]

This is a practice of devotion, of finding the glory inside and pouring it out to God. Before you begin, examine what it is that silences that glory… Is it self-doubt, living in your head, being distracted, unforgiving or drained of passion? Has your glory been silenced by grief, cynicism or the fear of how you might sound or appear to others? Once you have made this discernment, look beneath the obstacle and find within you that glory that wants to be acknowledged and celebrated. As you chant, let the spark of God in you be fanned into glorious flame.

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

To download the PDF file for this chant, click Let My Glory Sing (Y’zamercha) PDF. For the musical notation, see The Magic of Hebrew Chant, page 286.

Chants, Psalms

Planting Seeds of Joy and Light: Or zarua

01/02/2009 Alia Meira

Or zarua laTzadik, u’l’yishray lev simcha

Plant the seeds of Joy and Light; Tend them carefully day and night,
In this soil so dark and deep, I plant the dreams that Love will reap. (Psalm 97:11)
[Click (or tap) to see the entire Psalm 97 in Hebrew and English (JPS 1985).]

I wrote this practice in honor of the winter solstice leading up to the passage of Chanukah. In preparation for this chant, recall the shining peak moments in your life that revealed to you a great joy or profound wisdom, moments of ecstasy or prophesy, delight or enchantment. Imagine those moments as seeds. Create an intention to plant those seeds and tend them with your loving attention as you grow a life of joy and light.

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

To download the PDF file for this chant, click Planting Seeds of Joy and Light PDF. For the musical notation, see The Magic of Hebrew Chant, page 278.