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.

Chants, Psalms

Coming Before You

Tavo l’fanecha t’filati, hatay oz’n’cha l’rinati
Graphic: Coming Before You in Hebrew
Let my prayer come before You;
incline Your ear to my song. (Psalm 88:3)
[Click (or tap) to see the entire Psalm 88 in Hebrew and English (JPS 1985).]

When I reveal myself fully through my prayer, through my song, through what I say and what I create, it can feel so scary sometimes. I feel naked and vulnerable. I am risking everything. Yet if I am really singing to God, standing before the Great Mystery, I am connecting myself to the Whole and I become a channel for the Divine flow. This is the fulfilment of my deepest yearning.

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 Coming Before You PDF.

Chants, Psalms

Sourced

V’Sharim k’chol’lim kol-maiyanai bach
Graphic: Sourced in Hebrew
Singers and dancers alike [will say]: “Everything flows from You.” (Psalm 87:7)
[Click (or tap) to see the entire Psalm 87 in Hebrew and English (JPS 1985).]

This is a practice of acknowledging, celebrating and being in complete awe of the miracle of Creativity. How wondrous that the flow of music, dance, innovation, invention, color, beauty and idea just keeps flowing. The artist of the holy awakens, through this sense of wonder, to the obvious and generous source in God.

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 Sourced PDF.