Basic Information

Instrumentation: Choral (SSAATTBB)
Duration: 1:45
Year composed: 2013

Description

Psalm 121:6 is sometimes inscribed onto a hamsa, known as hamesh or “Hand of Miriam” in Hebrew. The hamesh is an amulet that is traditionally believed to protect those wearing it (or hanging it from a rear-view mirror) from misfortune. In this piece, I imagine a mother reciting these words to her child and the resulting dream of that child. The initial theme is inspired by prayers I heard in shul as a child.

Lyrics

Yomam ha’shemesh lo’yakkekkam veyareach balayelah.

(The sun shall not smite thee by day, neither the moon by night.)

Score & Recording

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