Sacred. Secular.
We enjoy it all.
AJRCA encourages the development of new Jewish music, both sacred and secular. Our talented students and alumni have put the Academy at the forefront of the Jewish musical scene. We invite you to explore the playlist below, featuring original compositions from our community.
Click on any of the songs below to stream the audio.
“Akhzivland”Cantor Jonathan Friedmann ’10
Akhzivland is a whimsical musical tribute to the micronation of the same name, situated between Nahariya and the Lebanese border on Israel’s west coast. It travels from an energetic bulgar (a klezmer dance) to an accelerating major-minor middle section, and back to a fast-paced bulgar.
“Hashkiveinu”Cantor Rebekah Mirsky ’10
I was asked to write something for AJRCA in 2009. I wanted to combine traditional chazzanut and modern blues and folk, attempting to channel Bob Dylan. The result is this interpretation of Hashkiveinu, which asks God to allow us peace and also a desire for life.
“Sha’alu Shalom”Cantor Marsha Attie ’14
In writing music my emotions are a big source of inspiration for me, and Sha’alu Shalom was born from my deep love and concern for all those who live in Israel. I have always loved to harmonize and was excited to work with some A Cappella musicians on this arrangement.
“Sim Shalom”Cantor Seth Ettinger ’14
Sim Shalom is the concluding petitionary benediction of the Amidah asking G-d to bestow peace, goodness, and blessing upon us and all who are a part of the nation of Israel. The High Holiday insertion asks that when the time comes for G-d to decide, we will be written in the book of life.
“Zamru Ladonai, Sing Unto God!”Hazzan Lizzie Weiss ’15
Written by Josh Goldberg and me on the occasion of my installation as Cantor of Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills, this piece of kabbalat Shabbat liturgy expresses how I pray deepest, and that is in song! Let the oceans roar with thunder, let the rivers clap their hands! Let the mountains sing your praises throughout the land!
“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.
