Sim Shalom, for SATB Chorus and piano (2001) | 5’

About

Sim Shalom was commissioned by the Usdan Center for the Creative and Performing Arts, located on Long Island, NY. This summer program has been an inspiring place for young musicians and other artists since 1968. Sim Shalom was given its premiere in August 2001 by the Usdan Festival Chorus, Elliot Bean, conductor.

The text Sim Shalom (Grant Peace) is recited every morning as the final section of the Amidah, the central prayer of the Jewish liturgy. Sim Shalom is felt as the culmination of the entire Amidah, which thus concludes with a prayer for peace and a sense of gratitude for our many blessings in life.

—Gerald Cohen

Score

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Text

Jewish liturgy: Morning Amidah prayer

Sim shalom tova uvracha, 
chein vachesed v’rachamim, 
aleinu v’al kol Yisrael amecha, 
al kol Yisrael amecha. 
[v’al kol yoshvei olamecha]
Barcheinu avinu kulanu k’echad 
b’or panecha,
Ki v’or panecha natata lanu Adonai Eloheinu,
torat chayim v’ahavat chesed,
uts’daka uv’racha, v’rachamim v’chayim v’shalom.
V’tov b’einecha l’vareich et am’cha Yisrael,
b’chol eit uv’chol shaa bishlomecha.
Sim shalom tova uvracha,
chein vachesed v’rachamim, 
sim shalom.

Grant peace, goodness and blessing,
grace and mercy and compassion, 
for us and for all Israel, your people.
[and for all the inhabitants of Your world.]
Bless us, our Creator, one and all, 
with the light of Your presence.
For by that light You have given us, Adonai our God,
life-giving Torah, and merciful love,
righteousness, blessing, compassion, and life and peace.
And let it be good in your eyes to bless Your people Israel,
in every season and at every hour with Your peace.
Grant peace, goodness and blessing,
grace and mercy and compassion,
grant peace.

Performances

Premiere: Usdan Festival Chorus, Elliot Bean, conductor, Long Island, NY, August 2001