With vocalists David Childs, Julie Barnett, Bob Remstein
Music & arrangement: Bob Remstein
Text: based on Stanley Kunitz’s poem “Layers” and Psalm 90:12

Stanley Kunitz’s poem “Layers” gives voice to the emotional complexities of growing old. Upon being introduced by Rabbi Malka Drucker to this poem, I was inspired to ask permission of its publisher to have it set to music (which was granted) as a way to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the cantorial ordination of HUC-JIR-DFSSM’s Class of 1991. It needed a refrain, which let me to Psalm 90:12, “Teach us to number our days…”. I brought these ideas to my friend and composer Bob Remstein, who meticulously crafted this epic masterpiece. It was commissioned by CBB’s “Fund for New Jewish Music” and premiered in concert by myself and my classmates in May 2016.

Our journey into illness, healing and eventually passage to the World to Come is often circuitous and multi-layered. The songs on this album were assembled according to their messages of hope, strength, recovery, resolution, and oneness with our Creator. Many of these songs are original commissions by Congregation B’nai B’rith of Santa Barbara, CA, which I am proud to spotlight. Collaborating with my son, David, has been an intergenerational joy that would have made my mother Myrna Childs, to whom I dedicate this album, overflow with love
If these songs provide you or your loved ones with even a moment of respite and comfort as you travel your layered path, then I’ve achieved my goal.
Cantor Mark Childs
Spring, 2021