Uvnucho Yomar – Louis Lewandowski (Arr. Stephen Glass)

Featuring Cantor Gideon Zelermyer and the Shaar Hashomayim Choir (dir. Conor O'Neil)

And when it rested he would say, ‘Return Hashem to the myriad thousands of Israel.’ Arise, Hashem, to Your resting place, You and the Ark of Your strength. Let Your priests be clothed in righteousness, and Your devout ones will sing joyously. For the sake of David, Your servant, turn not away the face of Your anointed. For I have given you a good teaching, do not forsake My Torah. It is a tree of life for those who grasp it, and its supporters are praiseworthy. Its way are ways of pleasantness and all its paths are peace. Bring us back to You, Hashem, and we shall return, renew our days as of old.

This is one of Lewandowski’s most famous compositions. Scored originally for soloist, mixed-voice choir and organ, in this arrangement, the organ texture is replaced by choral accompaniment.

The “hashiveinu” section is sung in unison in many congregations. In this version, made famous by Cantor Naftali Herstik, the cantor delicately reprises the entire “hashiveinu” section with an entrancing choral backing. It is the perfect meld of music and text, expressing the hopeful sentiment with which the Book of Lamentations concludes: “Bring us back to You, Hashem, and we shall return, renew our days as of old.”