“Standing on the Shoulders”
Rabbi/Cantor Kyle Cotler ’15/’16

Singing this song at my Cantorial recital was a significant milestone on my journey. The title alone is inspiring to me as a fourth generation Cantor, but the title and lyrics are easily relate-able to any Jew and their personal or spiritual journey. The most poignant line in the song is sung in the last verse, “These are the things I pass along: the fruit, the book and the song.” I am still waiting to discover what the fruit is. But I know the book is the Torah and the education it has provided me. And the song is self-referential. My Dad wrote this song to me long before either of us knew I would follow in my ancestors’ footsteps. I hope as others sing or listen to this piece, they too will feel a deep connection to their faith and heritage.