Burt Bacharach was a star in the firmament of Jewish songwriting that rose over New York through the 20th century. As we approach Bacharach’s yahrzeit, his beautiful, wistful setting of the lyrics of his frequent collaborator Hal David echoes even more profoundly.
December 08, 2023
Ahavat Olam – Infinite Love
Topic(s) / Music, Shabbat
Debbie Friedman’s popular melody is lovingly offered here by Cantor Schwartz and his daughter, recorded during the 2023 High Holidays in a new arrangement commissioned by the PAS Music Center. Barukh atah Adonai ohev amo Yisrael – "Praised are you Adonai who loves the people Israel."
December 01, 2023
Heal Us Now
Topic(s) / Music, Shabbat
“We pray for healing of all people.
We pray for healing of the land.
And peace for every race and nation,
Everyone who needs a helping hand.”
November 17, 2023
Live Concert from Ichilov Hospital, Tel Aviv
Topic(s) / Music, Shabbat, Israel
When Cantor Schwartz visited Ichilov Hospital on October 26, it wasn’t only to visit patients and staff – his sister, Dr. Renana Eitan, is head of Psychiatry at the hospital.
October 31, 2023
A Sea of Tears
Topic(s) / Music, Israel
Since learning of the many kidnappings on October 7, we join those families in their sorrow and hope for the hostages’ safe return. This week, Cantor Schwartz visited the Kotel, sometimes called the “Wall of Tears,” to try to bring comfort to families, and to bring light through song.
October 27, 2023
Cantor Schwartz Visits IDF Soldiers at Hadassah Hospital
Topic(s) / Shabbat, Music, Israel
At Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem, Cantor Schwartz paid a surprise visit to a brave IDF soldier who was wounded in a heroic battle on the first day of the war. IDF Chief Cantor Shai Avramson asked Cantor Schwartz to join the visit to the soldier, who enjoys listening to PAS Music online.
October 20, 2023
Praying for Israel: Let It Be (Lu Y'hi)
Topic(s) / Shabbat, Israel, Music
With Israel heavy in our hearts, we are still finding solace of last week's Kabbalat Shabbat, which included interfaith solidarity and riveting words from Rabbi Cosgrove and Mayor Eric Adams.
October 13, 2023
Sh’ma Yisrael (When the Heart Cries)
Topic(s) / Shabbat, Israel
Looking to the land of Israel, our hearts are broken. When we pray for Israel, let us turn to the words of our tradition, Sh’ma Yisrael, at the heart of this prayerful song.
September 15, 2023
I Pray to You (Ohila) – Cantor Schwartz and Sons
Topic(s) / Music, Shabbat
Last year, Cantor Schwartz found particular meaning in sharing the story of his grandfather, Cantor Yehuda Klein, including never-before-heard audio, and then inviting his sons to join in the prayer Ohila La-El.
September 09, 2023
Here I Stand (Hineni) – A New Tradition
Topic(s) / Music, Shabbat
Hineni is a central prayer of the High Holidays. Last year, we commissioned and premiered this new composition by Zina Goldrich, a most modern take on the traditional cantor’s prayer.