Sh’ma

This declaration of faith is traditionally recited twice daily, and also before going to sleep at night. Parents sing it with their children at bedtime; my mother sang it with me, as I did with my children. This melody for the bedtime Sh’ma came to me as I rocked my first daughter, Chana, to sleep. When Smith College asked me to compose a piece for their chorus and Hillel, this melody became the basis for the composition.

Sh’ma Yisrael Adoshem Elokeinu, Adoshem Echad.
Hear (Listen) Israel, the Holy One is our God, the Holy One alone.

Score and recording available upon request.

— Meira Warshauer