tefilat haderech (the traveler's prayer) - marni loffman ft. Suhail Yusuf Khan

tefilat haderech is a Jewish prayer recited at the onset of new journeys. as we travel through life, regularly encountering new paths, planned and unplanned, tefilat haderech is a prayer of yearning, a song of longing for comfort, safety, joy and peace as we encounter each new chapter.

tefilat haderech is an old, old text written by Jewish rabbis in the Talmud. It serves as an incantation, a ritual, a prayer of sorts, asking for protection on journeys, during travels of all kinds. The original text was actually written in the singular, but the rabbis changed the verbs to the plural. I found this particularly intriguing. This prayer is a personal one, classically recited in quiet by individuals at the onset of a new journey, yet the words of the text have us praying from the place of "us" and "we." I am moved by this because I find myself feeling connected to a shared human experience of vulnerability during movement and travel when I say these words. I don't necessarily believe a sky superpower will answer my prayer, but I feel strengthened by the interconnectedness with others.

this original melody by marni (me) takes the first half of the prayer text and explores the emotional relevance of the words more broadly. Many of us can relate to experiences of fear, anxiety, anticipation, mystery, uncertainty, awe, and wonder that we encounter when we embark along a new path.

May this song and may these words be a source of strength, connection, rootedness, ritual magic, distraction and hope during your transitions, wanderings, big changes and new travels.

This song was composed in May 2022 and recorded live in March 2023 at Beth Am Israel in Lower Marion, PA.

Streaming:

Bandcamp: https://marniloffman.bandcamp.com/tra...
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/2zRZds...
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/tefi...


Lyrics:

Y'hi ratzon milfanecha
Adonai eloheinu
Y'hi ratzon milfanayich
Elohei avoteinu ve'imoteinu

She-tolichenu l'shalom
V'tatz'idenu l'shalom,
V'tadrichenu l'shalom,
V'tism'chenu l'shalom,

Y'hi ratzon milfanecha
Adonai eloheinu
Y'hi ratzon milfanayich
Elohei avoteinu ve'imoteinu

She-tolichenu l'shalom
V'tatz'idenu l'shalom,
V'tadrichenu l'shalom,
V'tism'chenu l'shalom,

V'tagi'enu limchoz cheftzenu l'chayim
Ul'simha ul'shalom
V'tatzilenu mi-kaf kol oyev v'orev
V'listim v'chayot ra-ot ba-derech

She-tolichenu l'shalom
V'tatz'idenu l'shalom,
V'tadrichenu l'shalom,
V'tism'chenu l'shalom,

V'tagi'enu limchoz cheftzenu l'chayim
Ul'simha ul'shalom
V'tatzilenu mi-kaf kol oyev v'orev
V'listim v'chayot ra-ot ba-derech

V'tagi'enu limchoz cheftzenu l'chayim
Ul'simha ul'shalom
V'tatzilenu mi-kaf kol oyev v'orev
V'listim v'chayot ra-ot ba-derech

Y'hi ratzon milfanecha
Adonai eloheinu
Y'hi ratzon milfanayich
Elohei avoteinu ve'imoteinu

translation:

may it be your will
our G‑d/divine/source/multiverse/spirit
may it be your will G‑d of our ancestors (fathers and mothers)

that you should lead us in peace
and direct our steps in peace,
and guide us in peace,
and support us in peace

and cause us to reach our destination in life, joy, and peace
Save us from every enemy and ambush, from robbers and wild beasts along the path

credits:

Vocals: marni loffman, Aly Halpert, Rachel Chang, Madeline Rabin. Syd Bakal
Sarangi: Suhail Yusuf Khan
Guitar: Rachel Chang
Bass: Jeff Weisz
Percussion: Elliot Beck
Flute: Ryah Lichtenstein
Violin: Ezra Sipe

Videography: Shmuel Lowenstein
Assistant Video Direction: marni loffman

Sound Engineer: Don Godwin, Tonal Park
Mixing: Don Godwin, Tonal Park
Mastering: Randy LeRoy, Tonal Park

Produced by marni loffman

Physical and Emotional Recording Support Staff: Syd Rainer, Fatima Abbasi