Cantor Josh and I recorded this outside at Hava Nashira 2022 in Rena Branson's session, where we recorded music to send to folks who are currently incarcerated. This tune is an original composed by Marni Loffman in late 2021, as a form of music medicine during a period of difficult emotions. This song is a prayer, a reminder, an affirmation and a protest. We remember that we are not solely defined by our external circumstances, that are context does not have the power to take our ability to heal from us, or our ability to find wholeness. A reminder that we have agency, power and the strength for healing, even in the simple act of getting through a single moment.

Thank you to Cantor Josh Breitzman from Beth Elohim for the harmonies, beautiful vocals and encouragement!

You Are Strong Enough Ft. Cantor Josh Breitzer

A lullaby melody for day turning to night

Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu
Ruach haolam asher bid’varo 
maariv aravim

B’chochmah potei-ach sh’arim, 
uvit’vunah m’shaneh itim 
umachalif et haz’manim, 
um’sadeir et hakochavim 
b’mishm’roteihem barakia kirtzono. 

Borei yom valailah, 
goleil or mipnei choshech, 
v’choshech mipnei or. 
Umaavir yom umeivi lailah, 
umavdil bein yom uvein lailah, 

Adonai Tz’vaot sh’mo. 
El chai v’kayam, 
tamid yimloch aleinu l’olam va-ed. 
Baruch atah, Adonai, hamaariv aravim.

Maariv Aravim Lullaby

Tishrei Nigun - Nava Tehila

I credit the artists of my childhood like Crosby, Stills & Nash for teaching me the art of harmony.  This is a true favorite, one of their lesser-known but most beautiful, written by James Raymond. Arranged for Wholehearted Chorus by Lisa G. Littlebird.

For song details, including lyrics, individual voice part tracks and teaching notes, visit: https://thebirdsings.com/lay-me-down

Lay Me Down by James Raymond - Tenor & Baritone

nirvana-SOMETHING IN THE WAY FLIP.

The presents always racing and the future's never last.

Together, Forever, Amen

You Are Never Alone  Kiirtan Podcast

Mercury

Vocals - Batya Levine
Percussion - Simcha Halpert-Hanson

I'm Gonna Get Through  - Batya Levine

written on the 1st of Nissan, 5780 // March 26th, 2020

The words for this song come from Earthseed: The Books of the Living out of Octavia Butler's Parable series. At a time when so much is rapidly changing around us, her words feel more present than ever.  I sought to try and write a song to capture this, and opened the book to a part in the story where a community member passes without time to do a proper burial.  Instead, this prayer is offered.  May this song offer some support and solace in a moment where there is so much loss without the ability to come together and properly mourn.

As wind,
As water,
As fire,
As life

God is Change.

God 
Is both creative and destructive,
Demanding and yielding,
Sculptor and clay.

original text:
As wind,
As water,
As fire,
As life,
God
Is both creative and destructive,
Demanding and yielding,
Sculptor and clay.
God is Infinite Potential:
God is Change.

dedicating this song to Edith Louise Goldberg, a"h, who I did not have the privilege to know but was dear to many and took her life on the very day this song came to life. may her memory be a blessing.

As Wind, As Water

Channeled as a human baby, so-called "baby bird" in the womb, began her journey from inside to outside.

Sung joyously at Rena Branson's "Queer Nigun Circle" in a living room in Philadelphia, PA, Winter 2020 before we all couldn't sing together anymore. Recorded with no edits, some silence, giggles, and tweets.

Music by Aly Halpert

Baby Bird Nigun

a musical space to embrace imperfection and just keep singing and creating. join me 💕

https://open.spotify.com/artist/57wVhNabM6aloqbNDarbCQ?si=69rmILciRe66tIHlQz10Wg

You Are Strong Enough Ft. Cantor Josh Breitzer

marni loffman | original music