The great chazan mesmerized those fortunate to hear him, and continues to carry us in his role as shliach tzibbur, leading us through our tefilos and zemiros ad bi’as goel tzedek, bimheira v’yameinu.
In shul, as we reach the pinnacle of the Yom Kippur avodah, there is a palpable feeling of elation in the air when we read this special piyut. Using magnificent expression and splendid portrayal of imagery, this esoteric sonnet portrays the Kohen Gadol’s safe emergence and successful departure from the Holy of Holies on this wondrous day.
Baruch HaMakom – It is here that we refer to Hashem by His attribute of omnipresence. Before we allow ourselves to become absorbed in the mitzvah of Sipur Yetzias Mitzrayim, we must first understand with absolute clarity that Hashem is present in each and every facet of our lives, even when He isn’t explicitly felt or seen.
In shul, as we reach the pinnacle of the Yom Kippur avodah, there is a palpable feeling of elation in the air when we read this special piyut. Using magnificent expression and splendid portrayal of imagery, this esoteric sonnet portrays the Kohen Gadol’s safe emergence and successful departure from the Holy of Holies on this wondrous day.
The two pesukim at the very end of Sefer Yoel (4:20,21) deal with the restoration of Bnei Yisroel in their land, which involves Hashem punishing the Gentiles for shedding the blood of His people. All other sins can be overlooked and forgiven, but spilling the blood of His children? For that, Hashem says He cannot ignore – He cannot forgive. It was with these two pesukim that the late, great, multifaceted dynamo R’ Eli Teitelbaum, z’l and long-time arranger and conductor Yisroel Lamm composed our featured tune.
Ki Lecho, one of Abie’s first compositions – the one that he says gave him the confidence to continue composing – ended up being the title track of this 1971 release.
I believe that Rav Hertzel Schechter, zt’l personified this vital lesson. He taught us all through his songs that nothing is “owed,” but rather, everything is “עוד.”
From a young age, we busy ourselves in the building of our internal Mishkan – brick by brick, with every single experience, tragedy and triumph – so that Hashem will take permanent residence inside our hearts. Our hearts – our one true faithful guide.