OUT NOW: A musical re-imagining of Hallel
Hallel, a set of Psalms once sung in the Temple in Jerusalem and now sung by Jews all over the world on joyous occasions, is one of the oldest liturgies attested in the Jewish tradition. In order to harness the deep spiritual potential of the ancient liturgy in a new way, Sam composed a set of melodies with the goal of bringing raw emotion back into the synagogue and animating the amazing emotional journey to which this ancient liturgy invites us.
Largely written in the deep isolation and musical loneliness of the Covid-19 pandemic , these melodies emerged out of a longing for the spiritual and emotional release of singing with beloved community members. Upon returning to communal, in-person life, Sam workshopped and honed these melodies in the Hebrew College Beit Midrash (Hall of Study). Surrounded by teachers and peers who approached Jewish life and prayer with their full hearts and bodies, these melodies took on new life and grew together as a cohesive set. With the help of Zach Mayer, Anat Hochberg, Marni Loffman and Dor Herskovitz, Sam recorded this initial album version of his original Hallel.
Bring Sam to your community to animate this ancient liturgy with new energy. All aspects of the offerings can be combined in different permutations to introduce the community to the melodies and concepts behind the project.
Hallel Offerings
Hallel Class Series and Service
In interactive classes and workshops Sam will introduce new melodies and offer teachings about Hallel and offer his approach to communal prayer and music making. This learning culminates with Sam leading a full Hallel service with instruments for the whole community.
Hallel Shabbaton
Over Shabbat, Sam will lead services, a tisch and offer teachings that help introduce communities to the deeper spiritual potential and wisdom contained within the Hallel service.
Hallel Song Circle
A prayerful musical ritual designed to explore the emotional peaks and valleys of the Hallel service. Drawing on his expressive new compositions, Sam will facilitate a soul-journey to help participants connect with their inner Divine nature.
Hallel Concert
A small ensemble of musicians join Sam for an interactive sing-along concert experience exploring the full emotional range of Hallel.
