Songs from SPARKS OF TORAH

 

1. Ashreinu (Klepper)

 

Ashreinu, ashreinu mah tov chelkeinu

Umah naim goraleinu

Umah yafah y’rushateinu

 

אַשְׁרֵינוּ מַה טוֹב חֶלְקֵנוּ

וּמַה נָעִים גתּוֹרָלֵנוּ וּמַה יָפָה יְרֻשָׁתֵנוּ

 

How happy we are, how good is our portion, how pleasant our lot; how beautiful our heritage.

(Liturgy)

 

2. This Is Very Good (Klepper)

 

When God made the world and made it full of light

The sun to shine by day, the moon and stars by night

God made it full of life, lilies, oaks, and trout

Tigers and bears, sparrows, hawks and apes

 

And God took clay from earth’s four corners

To give it the breath of life, and God said:

 

This is very good, this is very good

Man woman and child*, all are good

  

Man woman and child* resemble God

Like God we love, like God we think, like God we care

 

*Alternate: All people on Earth

(Chaim Stern)

 

3. V’zot HaTorah (Klepper-Freelander)

 

V’zot haTorah asher sam Mosheh

V’zot, v’zot haTorah 

 

Lifnei b’nei Yisraeil, v’zot, v’zot haTorah

Al pi Adonai b’yad Mosheh, v’zot, v’zot haTorah

 

וְזֹאת הַתּוֹרָה אֲשֶׁר שָׂם מֹשֶה

לִפְנֵי בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל עַל פִּי יְיָ בְּיַד משֶׁה

 

This is the Torah that Moses placed before the children of Israel, inspired by the word of God. 

(Torah service)

 

4. Yotzeir Or (Klepper)

 

Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu melech haolam

Yotzeir or uvorei choshech

Oseh shalom, shalom uvorei et hakol

​

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם 

יוֹצֵר אוֹר, וּבוֹרֵא חֹשֶךְ, עֹשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם וּבוֹרֵא אֶת הַכֹּל

 

Praised be the Eternal our God, Ruler of the Universe, for creating light and darkness, making peace and creating everything.

(Morning liturgy)

 

5. Ruth and Naomi (Klepper-Freelander)

 

This is the story of Ruth and Naomi, abandoned, uprooted, alone

Though the famine was over, their hope and their loved ones were gone

Ruth and Naomi were saying goodbye, embracing each other, they cried

Naomi said, Ruth, now go back to your home but Ruth shook her head and replied

 

 

Do not urge, do not urge me to leave you

To leave you, to turn back and not follow you

For wherever you go, that's where I will go

And wherever you are, that's where I will be

 

 

Your people shall be my people

And your God shall be my God

Your people shall be my people

And your God shall be my God

 

All the choices we make and the lives that we lead are reflections of how we have grown

Ruth made a choice when she cast her lot with our family and found a new home

(Jeff Klepper and Dan Freelander)

 

6. Haporeis Sukat Shalom (Klepper)

 

Baruch atah, atah Adonai, haporeis sukat shalom, 

Shalom aleinu v’al kol amo Yisraeil

 

V’al Y’rushalayim, v’al kol amo

V’al Y’rushalayim, shalom

 

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה, אַתָּה יְיָ הַפּוֹרֵשׂ סֻכַּת שָׁלוֹם

שָׁלוֹם עָלֵינוּ וְעַל כָּל עַמּוֹ יִשְׂרָאֵל

  

Blessed are You, Eternal, whose shelter of peace is spread over us, over all Your people Israel, and over Jerusalem.

(Evening liturgy)

 

7. Kosher (Springsteen)

 

You got to have a cloven hoof, you got to chew your cud

The bunny rabbit is a no no, and so are piggies in the mud

You cannot be a bird of prey  cause that is what the Rabbis say

So when we eat meat it's kosher

  

You fishies need a coat of scales, you got to have a set of fins

And if you are a crustacean, then brother you just don't fit in

The word ka sheyr means "fit" for you to gobble every bit

So eat that fish  dish  it's kosher!

                 

You might like the smell of bacon frying in the pan,

Or want to sink your teeth into a juicy clam

I bought a weiner at the park, I thought it might be safe,

But I heard a voice say: "That hot dog's trayf!"

 

I'm looking for the letter "K" or else a "U" inside an "O"

And if I cannot find it, then right back on the shelf you go

I'll bet that it's a lot of fun to be a vegetarian

So when we nosh squash  it's kosher

So when we nosh a McIntosh  it's kosher

(Parody lyrics by Jeff Klepper and Pamela Gellen)

 

8. Hashiveinu (Klepper)

 

Hashiveinu Adonai eilecha

V’nashuva, v’nashuva

Chadeish yameinu, yameinu k’kedem 

 

הֲשִׁיבֵנוּ יְהֹוָה  אֵלֶיךָ וְנָשׁוּבָה חַדֵּשׁ יָמֵינוּ כְּקֶדֶם

 

Help us to return to You, O God: then truly shall we return. Renew our days as in the past.

(Lamentations 2:21)

 

9. Al Sh’losha D’varim (Klepper)

 

Al sh’losha d’varim

Ha’olam, ha’olam omeid

Al haTorah, v’al ha’avoda, v’al g’milut chasadim 

 

Al sh’losha d’varim ha’olam kayam

Al ha-emet, v’al hadin, v’al hashalomc

 

עַל שְׁלשָׁה דְבָרִים הָעוֹלָם עוֹמֵד

עַל הַתּוֹרָה וְעַל הָעֲבוֹדָה וְעַל גְּמִילוּת חֲסָדִים

עַל שְׁלֹשָׁה דְבָרִים הָעוֹלָם קַיָם

עַל הָאֱמֶת, וְעַל הַדִין, וְעַל הַשָׁלוֹם

 

Upon three things the world stands: the study of Torah, serving God, and performing acts of love and kindness. Upon three things the world exists: truth, judgement and peace. 

(Pirkei Avot  1:2, 1:18)

 

10. Y’varechecha (Klepper-Freelander)

 

Y'varechecha Adonai v'yishm'recha 

Yaeir Adonai panav eilecha vichuneka 

Yisa Adonai, yisa Adonai panav eilecha 

V'yaseim l'cha, v'yaseim l'cha, v'yaseim l'cha shalom, shalom

 

יְבָרֶכְךָ יְיָ וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ

יָאֵר יְיָ פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וִיחֻנֶּךָּ

יִשָּׂא יְיָ פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם

 

May God bless you and keep you. May God’s presence shine upon you and be gracious to you. May God’s presence be with you and give you peace.

(Numbers 6:24-26)

 

11. Eilu D’varim (Klepper)

 

Eilu d’varim she-ein lahem shiur 

V’eilu hein

 

Kibud av va-eim, ug’milut chasadim

V’hashkamat beit hamidrash shacharit v’arvit

 

V’hachnasat orchim, uvikur cholim

V’hachnasat kala, ulvayat hameit

V’iyun t’filah, v’iyun t’filah, vahavaat shalom, bein adam lachaveiro

V’talmud Torah k’neged kulam

 

אֵלוּ דְבָרִים שֶׁאֵין לָהֶם שִׁעוּר וְאֵלוּ הֵן

כִּבּוּד אָב וָאֵם, וּגְמִילוּת חֲסָדִים וְהַשְׁכָּמַת בֵּית הַמִדְרָשׁ שַׁחֲרִית וְעַרְבִית

וְהַכְנָסַת אוֹרְחִים, וּבִקוּר חוֹלִים וְהַכְנָסַת כַּלָה וּלְוָיַת הַמֵת, וְעִיוּן תְּפִלָה, וַהֲבָאַת שָׁלוֹם בֵּין אָדָם לַחֲבֵרוֹ

וְתַלְמוּד תּוֹרָה כְּנֶגֶד כֻּלָם

 

These are our obligations that cannot be measured: Honoring parents, performing acts of kindness, regular study, welcoming the stranger, caring for the sick, rejoicing with the bride and groom, comforting the bereaved, praying with sincerity and making peace with one another. But the study of Torah equals them all.

(Morning liturgy)

 

(Note: “Mah Tovu” and “Laasok B’divrei Torah” may be found on the lyric page for Snapshots Vol. 1)

 

 

Songs from IN EVERY GENERATION

 

12. Im Ein Ani Li (Klepper-Freelander)

 

Im ein ani li, im ein ani li, mi li?  

Uchsheani l’atzmi, ma ani?  

V’im lo achshav, eimatai, eimatai?

 

אִם אֵין אֲנִי לִי, מִי לִי. וּכְשֶׁאֲנִי לְעַצְמִי, מָה אֲנִי 

וְאִם לֹא עַכְשָׁיו, אֵימָתָי

 

If I am not for myself who will be for me, if I am only for myself what am I? If not now when?

(Pirkei Avot 1:14)

 

13. In Every Generation (Klepper-Freelander)

 

B’chol dor vador, in every generation

We must look upon ourselves as if from slavery we were freed

B’chol dor vador, in every generation

We must look around and help all the ones who are in need

 

B’chol dor vador chayav adam, lirot et atzmo k’ilu hu yatza mimitzrayim

 

B’chol dor vador, in every generation

We must lend a helping hand to the stranger and the friend

B’chol dor vador, in every generation

Are the righteous of all nations on whom we all depend 

 

B’chol dor vador, in every generation

We must learn from our mistakes, we must find a better way

B’chol dor vador, in every generation

Is the hope that with tomorrow will come a better day

 

B’chol dor vador anu chayavim lirot et atzmeinu

K’ilu anachnu, anachnu yatzanu mimitzrayim

 

בְּכָל־דּוֹר וָדוֹר חַיָּב אָדָם לִרְאוֹת אֶת־עַצְמוֹ כְּאִלּוּ הוּא יָצָא מִמִּצְרָֽיִם

In every generation a person should view one’s self as having been freed from slavery in Egypt.

בְּכָל־דּוֹר וָדוֹר אַנוּ חַיָּבִים לִרְאוֹת אֶת־עַצְמֵנוּ, כְּאִלּוּ אֲנָחְנוּ יָצָנוּ מִמִּצְרָֽיִם

In every generation we must see ourselves as having been freed from slavery in Egypt.

(Adapted from the Passover Haggadah)

 

14. Lo Bashamayim (Klepper)

 

Lo bashamayim hi, Lo bashamayim hi,

V’lo, lo, lo, lo, meiever layam hi

Lo bashamayim hi, Lo bashamayim hi,

 

Ki karov eilecha hadavar m’od

Ki karov eilecha hadavar m’od, m’od

Ki karov eilecha hadavar m’od

Ki karov eilecha hadavar m’od, m’od

 

The Torah’s not in heaven, it’s not across the sea

The words are very near, and clear for everyone to see

 

They’re in your mouth, and in your mind

They’re in your heart, there for you to find

It’s not too far, it’s not unclear

It’s not out there, it’s very very near 

 

Lo bashamayim hi, Lo bashamayim hi

 

לֹא בַשָּׁמַיִם הִוא...וְלֹא־מֵעֵבֶר לַיָּם הִוא 

כִּי־קָרוֹב אֵלֶיךָ הַדָּבָר מְאֹד 

 

It is not in the heavens…nor is it beyond the sea. No, the thing is very close to you. 

(Deuteronomy  30:12-14)

 

15. Halomeid (Klepper)

 

Halomeid meichaveiro perek echad. 

Halomeid meichaveiro perek echad, o halachah achat

O pasuk echad, o dibur echad, o afilu ot achat, ot achat

Tzarich linhag bo kavod

Halomeid, bo kavod

 

הַלּוֹמֵד מֵחֲבֵרוֹ פֶּרֶק אֶחָד אוֹ הֲלָכָה אַחַת 

אוֹ פָסוּק אֶחָד אוֹ דִבּוּר אֶחָד אוֹ אֲפִלּוּ אוֹת אַחַת 

צָרִיךְ לִנְהוֹג בּוֹ כָבוֹד

 

One who learns from another one chapter, or one halachah, or one verse, or one word, or even one letter, is obligated to treat them with honor.

(Pirkei Avot  6:3)

 

16. V’eirastich Li (Klepper-Freelander)

 

V’eirastich li, v’eirastich li l’olam

V’eirastich li b’tzedek, v’eirastich li b’mishpat

V’eirastich li b’chesed, v’eirastich li b’rachamim

V’eirastich li, v’eirastich li b’emunah

V’eirastich li l’olam

 

וְאֵרַשְׂתִּיךְ לִי לְעוֹלָם וְאֵרַשְׂתִּיךְ לִי בְּצֶדֶק וּבְמִשְׁפָּט וּבְחֶסֶד וּבְרַחֲמִים

וְאֵרַשְׂתִּיךְ לִי בֶּאֱמוּנָה

 

And I will betroth you unto Me for ever; I will betroth you unto Me in righteousness, and in justice, in lovingkindness, and in compassion. And I will betroth you unto Me in faithfulness.

(Hosea 2:21)

 

17. Another Year Another Chanukah (Klepper-Freelander)

 

Winter is here, it's dark outside

we're blessing the can dles and glowing with pride

They bring us warmth, they bring us light

On a cold winter night.

Lighting a candle and saying a prayer

Trying to warm the cold winter air

Children singing with delight

On a cold winter night.

 

When the days get short and your spirits are low

You can feel the heat from the candle glow, (because it’s)

It's Chanukah

Gather 'round the candle light

Another year, another Chanukah

Keep the dream of freedom in your sight

 

Wish your friends a happy Chanukah

Shining lights to keep us strong

Another year, another Chanukah

Light a candle, come and sing along.

 

We struggle and wonder if freedom will win

We fight against darkness for light to come in

With voices together we kindle these lights

On a cold, winter night.

 

But the days are short and we have only begun

To bring the light of freedom to ev'ryone, (and now it’s)

(Jeff Klepper and Dan Freelander)

 

18. Ashrei Adam Matza Chochmah (Klepper)

Ashrei adam matza chochmah, ashrei adam matza

Ashrei adam matza chochmah, v’adam yafik t’vunah

 

Happy is the one who finds wisdom, and understanding

Happy, for its fruits are better than money, silver, or gold!

 

Ki tov sachrah mischar kasef umeicharutz t’vuatah

 

אַשְׁרֵי אָדָם מָצָא חׇכְמָה וְאָדָם יָפִיק תְּבוּנָה

כִּי טוֹב סַחְרָהּ מִסְּחַר־כָּסֶף וּמֵחָרוּץ תְּבוּאָתָהּ

 

Happy is the one who finds wisdom and understanding, for its rewards are finer than silver or gold.

(Proverbs 3:13-14)

 

19. Al Sh’loshah D’varim (Klepper)

 

Al sh’loshah d’varim ha’olam kayam

Al ha-emet, v’al hadin, v’al hashalom

 

עַל שְׁלֹשָׁה דְבָרִים הָעוֹלָם קַיָם

עַל הָאֱמֶת, וְעַל הַדִין, וְעַל הַשָׁלוֹם

Upon three things the world exists: truth, judgement and peace. 

(Pirkei Avot  1:18)

​

20. We Didn’t Start No Trouble (Joel)

 

Shushan long ago, this is where we start the show

Sit back, have a snack, listen while we sing

Achashverosh had a queen, wanted her to make the scene

Vashti cried, “Never will I dance before the King!”

 

Achi banished her for life, went to find another wife

Had a test, picked the best, Esther was the one

She was lovely, she was fair, but the King was unaware

Of his bride’s other side: she’s a Member of the Tribe

 

We didn’t start no trouble

We were nice and quiet till they made a riot

We didn’t start no trouble

Until Haman started, but he got out smarted

 

Morty wouldn’t bow down, Haman yelled, “who is this clown?

Mordechai has got to go, don’t he know I run the show.”

Suddenly we hear the news, Haman’s gonna kill the Jews

Esther goes before the King, he says, “I’ll give you anything.”

 

It was dire it was bad, good queen Esther’s all we had

Could she win for her kin, rescue them from harm

She was nervous she was scared, but she cared, so she dared

Made a plan to get Hey-man, save the Jews in Shushan land

 

Esther cooked, Haman ate, his head wound up on the plate

He was hung, we were sprung in the nick of time

Esther brought Haman down, now the Jews were safe and sound

So we nosh hamantosh, joke and sing and fool around

(Parody lyrics by Jeff Klepper, Jeff Salkin and Jeff Mallow)

 

21. Coming Home (Klepper)

 

Coming home to our people, coming home to our land

Coming home from all directions, scattered like the sand

Coming home to a future, to the place where we began

Coming home, l’shalom, coming home

 

From the hills of Ethiopia, came Beta Yisraeil

A people with traditions, songs and stories yet to tell

Because we stood together they’ll no longer be alone

Coming home, l’shalom, coming home

 

From a city deep in Russia a refusenik now is free

The years of waiting over, she rejoins her family

If we stand as one, together, they will never be alone

Coming home, l’shalom, coming home

 

From many lands we have returned but our task is not complete

There are questions we must answer, there are challenges to meet

But if we learn to live together we can build a peaceful home

Coming home, l’shalom, coming home

(Jeff Klepper)

 

(Note: “Lo Alecha” and “Yeish Kochavim” may be found on the lyric page for Snapshots Vol. 1)