About

We are loved by an unending love was commissioned by Helen and Daniel Sonnenshine for Ohef Sholom Temple of Norfolk, Virginia, in memory of Kathleen Franz, a beloved mezzo soloist with the temple for many years. For this commission, I selected the moving text by Rabbi Rami Shapiro, a poet whose interpretations of the liturgy are used in many synagogues and prayer books, and whose poetry I have used in several choral compositions. The poem uses Jewish liturgy as a starting point to create a moving expression of caring and connection between all human beings, and between people and the sense of the divine in the world. The piece is appropriate for concert or for liturgical use in all religions.

As a tribute to Kathleen Franz, the piece includes a prominent solo for mezzo-soprano, which can also be sung by baritone. The premiere of We are loved by an unending love was October 2011, by the Ohef Sholom Temple choir, Chuck Woodward, conductor; Robynne Redmon, mezzo-soprano. In addition I have made an arrangement of the piece for solo voice and piano (without chorus).

Score

Text

We are loved by an unending love.
We are embraced by arms that find us even when we are hidden from ourselves.
We are touched by fingers that soothe us even when we are too proud for soothing.
We are counseled by voices that guide us even when we are too embittered to hear.
We are loved by an unending love.
We are supported by hands that uplift us even in the midst of a fall.
We are urged on by eyes that meet us even when we are too weak for meeting.
We are loved by an unending love.
Embraced, touched, soothed, and counseled,
Ours are the arms, the fingers, the voices;
Ours are the hands, the eyes, the smiles;
We are loved by an unending love.        

-Rami Shapiro

Listen/Watch

Performances

Premiere: Ohef Sholom Temple choir (Norfolk, VA), Chuck Woodward, conductor; Robynne Redmon, mezzo-soprano, October 2011