Album Notes

Music has always “stirred my soul.” Singing in choirs, along with the radio, with my friends, or in the shower has always caused an indescribable feeling and great comfort. But it is the music of the synagogue that takes me past the feeling of well-being to a feeling of joy. It is the combination of the natural high singing provides and the awesomeness of praying to God that brings me to joy. And sometimes it is the pure joy of singing that brings me to God. The psalmist knew this feeling when he wrote, “It is good to sing psalms to our God (Psalm 147).” And the hassidic masters knew this feeling with their basic teaching of bringing God into all aspects of one's life, particularly through intense prayer and joyous singing.

Over the years I’ve been collecting music that touches me. Music that makes me smile, opens my heart, produces tears, and so much more. Music, however, is a very personal thing and touches us all in different and special ways. I hope that Shirei Nafshi can touch your soul in some way and that the music on this disc can find a place in your heart.