“The people gave the music life,
and the music in turn pulsated in the
people, passing from parent to child,
and from land to land.
The joys and triumphs,
the tenderness and warmth,
the agony and sorrows,
the prayer and protest… made them one,
were poured into music;
and where they are still felt,
that process continues today.
When we live for a moment with that music,
we are touching the pulse itself,
and our own is quickened in turn.”
Judith Kaplan Eisenstein “Heritage of Music”, UAHC Press, New York, 1972.
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• Videos
Rabbi Shawn sings "Shalom Aleychem" for 700 in New Mexico
YouTube video - September 4, 2007
Shawn live singing "In the Valley"
YouTube video - March 28, 2007
Shawn live in concert singing "Yah Eloheichem Emet"
YouTube video - November 2006
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• Reviews
New Jewish Liturgical Music concert was a treat
The Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle - June 2008
Rabbi Shawn Zevit: An Instrument Instrumentalist
The Philadelphia Jewish Voice - April 2007
Looking Forward, Going Back
Jewish Independent - March 30, 2007
Rabbi releases Shabbat-inspired CD
Canadian Jewish News - March 16, 2007
New CD Mixes Jewish Nostalgia with Modern Sounds
The Jewish Tribune - March 8, 2007
Harmonies Brought Harmony to Family
Jewish Telegraph - February 2, 2007
photo above by Leon Cohen
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• Heart & Soul
www.cdbaby.com/zevit1
An inspirational journey of spirit, exploring themes of longing, praise and celebration. Using traditional themes with contemporary interpretations
• Sanctuary
www.cdbaby.com/zevit2
A soulful and passionate mix of folk, rock and rhythm and blues, Zevit's CD charts the seas of the spirit- the path of love, loss and longing on life's journey. Includes musicians who have played with Van Morrison and other greats.
• Generations: Journey Across The Ages
www.cdbaby.com/zevit3
Inspiring folk-jazz-Jewish world music journey through melodies of the Old World and powerful spiritual melodies, rhythms and lyrics of contemporary music.
• A Night of Questions
Songs to accompany the new Reconstructionist Haggadah
Sung by Shabbat Unplugged
http://www.jrf.org/pub/cat-passoversongs.html
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Open Unto Me
Music: Shawn Israel Zevit, c- 1994
Words: Howard Thurmann, adapted by S.Zevit
Dedicated to Reb Zalman Schachter Shalomi
On “Heart and Soul”- www.cdbaby.com/zevit1
Open Unto me- light for my darkness
Open Unto me- courage for my fear
Open unto me- hope for my despair
Open unto me- peace for my turmoil
Open unto me- joy for my sorrow
Open unto me- strength for my weakness
Open unto me- wisdom for my confusion
Open unto me- forgiveness for my sins]
Open unto me- tenderness for my toughness
Open unto me- love for my hates
Open unto me- Your Self for my self
Yah, dear GOD- open unto me
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Interpretation of Ps. 27, Rabbi Shawn Zevit, “Heart and Soul” (www.cdbaby.com/zevit1)
When pressures and perspectives of a cynical world
Threaten to bring me down
I ride the wave of undying faith
And it’s lies that finally drown
For one thing I ask
For one thing I long
To build Your house with my life
To see the beauty in every smile
And the light in every night
I will look to You
My God
Hear me Dear One
When I cry aloud
Have mercy and answer me
My heart won;t stop
It shouts "Seek My Face
And then your soul will be free"
Thought the world as we know it
Might crumble down
I know You won't forsake me
Lead me on the path of a balanced life
And I know I shall surely see
I will look to You
Hope in You
My God
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