Text: liturgy
Music: Ovadia Hamama, arranged by Bob Remstein (Used with permission)
Violin: Nicole McKenzie
Violin: Marie Hebert
Viola: Sean Lyons
Cello: Jeness Johnson
Piano: Bob Remstein

With the mystical words of Ana B’cho’ach, we beg our Creator, the One who alone possesses a hand powerful enough, to loosen, to untangle, to untie the knots that keep us from reaching our full potential.

Please, by the great power of thy right hand, O set the captive free;Revered G-d, accept thy people’s prayer; strengthen us, cleanse us;Almighty G-d, guard us as the apple of the eye of those who seek thee;Bless them, cleanse them, pity them; ever grant them thy truth;Mighty, holy G-d, in thy abundant grace, guide thy people;Accept our prayer, hear our cry, Thou who knowest secret thoughts;Blessed be the name of G-d’s glorious majesty forever and ever.

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