The Music of the High Holydays
Jay's podcasts
Jay Schlesinger has produced a series of podcasts in which he talks to members of Kol Nefesh about prayer, leading services and the music of the Yamim Nora'im:
Episode 3 - Chazan Jacky Chernett
Music of the Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services
Kol Nefesh's amazingly talented members have created these recordings of some of the familiar prayers from the Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services. In this exceptional year, listening to this music will draw us in to the mood and purpose of this period. Thanks to Gilead Limor, and also Barbara Borts, Simon Gordon and Ilan Lazarus, for these recordings.
And thanks to Chazan Jacky Chernett for her amazing ability to teach and inspire! Chazan Jacky has written about the power of the melodies and music for the High Holydays here.
We have also created a virtual Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur service from these recordings and links to various prayers.
Unetaneh Tokef is sung during Musaph on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. The text is on page 240 of the Harlow machzor and page 143 of the Lev Shalem.
Ki Keshimcha follows Unetana Tokef on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. The text is on page 242 of the Harlow machzor and page 144 of the Lev Shalem.
Alenu is sung in the Musaph services on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. The text is on page 258 of the Harlow machzor and page 154 of the Lev Shalem.
Haben Yakir Li, from the Zichronot section of the Rosh Hashanah amidah. The text is on Page 268 of the Harlow Machzor and Page 161 of the Lev Shalem.
Kol Haneshama, from Psalm 150, is sung in the Shofarot section of the Rosh Hashanah Musaph. The text is on Page 276 of the Harlow Machzor and Page 165 of the Lev Shalem.
The Malchuyot section of the Rosh Hashanah Musaph service, including the Shofar service, is on Page 258 of the Harlow Machzor and Page 156 of the Lev Shalem.
The Zichronot section of the Rosh Hashanah Musaph service, including the Shofar service, is on Page 266 of the Harlow Machzor and Page 160 of the Lev Shalem.
The Shofarot section of the Rosh Hashanah Musaph service, is on Page 274 of the Harlow Machzor and Page 164 of the Lev Shalem.
Ya'aleh is sung at the start of the Amidah at Kol Nidrei. This version is sung by Simon Gordon and Ilan Lazarus, with Ilan playing accompaniment on the piano. The text is on page 386 of the Harlow machzor and page 223 of the Lev Shalem.
Labrit Habet is a piyyut sung in the Kol Nidrei service. The poet uses a metaphor comparing the people of Israel to clay and the Lord to a pottery maker with clay in his hands to use as he wishes. The text is on page 394 of the Harlow machzor and page 227 of the Lev Shalem.
Ochila La'el is sung in the Musaph service on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. The text is on page 554 of the Harlow machzor and page 325 of the Lev Shalem.
Shema Koleinu is part of each service on Yom Kippur. The text is on page 398 of the Harlow machzor and page 233 of the Lev Shalem.
Mochel Avonot is sung during Kol Nidrei. The text is on Page 396 of the Harlow Machzor and Page 229 of the Lev Shalem.
Ashamnu is sung at each service during Yom Kippur. This version was recorded at a selichot service at EMS in 2015. The text is on page 403 of the Harlow machzor and page 235 of the Lev Shalem.
Avinu Malkeinu is sung at all services on Yom Kippur except Musaph, and on Rosh Hashanah Shacharit. The text is on page 414 of the Harlow machzor and page 243 of the Lev Shalem. The first version is the melody from Alsace-Lorraine. The second is the traditional USA melody. The third is a version by Janowski (the text for this version is here.
Rabbi Barbara Borts introduces these recordings here.
Adonai Adonai is sung as the ark is opened on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. The text is on p482 of the Harlow Machzor and p275 of the Lev Shalem
El Nora Alila is sung at the start of the Neilah service on Yom Kippur - it is on Page 720 of the Harlow Machzor and Page 407 of the Lev Shalem.
Rabbi Barbara Borts introduces the two selections from Psalms 27 and 130.
Achat Sha'alti, from Psalm 27, which is read daily through Ellul up to Shemini Atzeret. Sung by Rabbi Barbara Borts.
Mima'amakim, from Psalm 130, which is read daily from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur. Sung by Rabbi Barbara Borts.
Here is the special nusach (melody) for the prayers when called to the Torah on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, chanted by Chazan Jacky Chernett.