Shema Kolaynu
In “Shema Kolaynu,“ Reb Dovidle artfully blends the richness of Chassidic-type melodies with the strains of modern American musical idiom. He weaves 3000 year old ancient, but very much living, Hebrew prayers into modern, original Jewish melodies. He uses folk and rock instrumentation with lush vocal harmonies and still maintains that Chassidic feeling. All tracks were produced, arranged and performed by Reb Dovidle (David A. Davies) in Houston, Texas from 2008 through 2012.
- Shema Kolaynu Prologue, “Hear Our Voices” – We ask Hashem to accept our prayers with mercy. Traditional melody, from the Avinu Malkaynu prayer said on High Holidays, The Ten days of Repentance and public fast days.
- Modeh Ahnee – “I Thank You” – I thank you Hashem for returning my soul. From the daily Morning Prayer said upon arising.
- *Ashray, “Praiseworthy” – We bless Hashem from now and forever, Halleluyah! Excerpted from Psalm 145 of King David.
- L'Shanah Habah – The Year to Come in Jerusalem! – This year and next year and every year may we be in Jerusalem. Traditional lyric, sung on many Jewish Holidays.
- Beraysheet - From the beginning did Hashem create the heaven and the earth. Geneses 1:1.
- *Barchy Nafshy, “My Soul Blesses the L-rd” – I will sing to Hashem as long as I am alive. Excerpted from Psalm 104 of King David and Prayer When Donning the Tallit.
- Shema Yisroel V'Ahavta, “Hear O Israel… And you shall love your G-d with all your heart.” – A love song to Hashem. Deuteronomy 6:4-9.
- *Koach!, Strength – Hashem shares His strength with us and empowers us with whatever we need to accomplish our tasks during our lives on this earth. Lyrics by Reb Dovidle (David A. Davies) with parts extrapolated from traditional prayers.
- *Baruch SheAmar, “Blessed Is He Who Spoke…and the world came into being.” Blessed is He who has mercy on the earth and His creatures. - Excerpted from the morning Shacharit prayer, composed about 2,400 years ago by the Men of the Great Assembly from a script that fell from heaven.
- *Attah Hoo, You Are The One. You were here before the world was created and you’ll be here in the world to come. - Excerpted from the morning Shacharit prayer.
- Shema Kolaynu Reprise,“Hear Our Voices” – From the daily Amidah prayer.