Avot

Description

Billy writes: “Much as I have tried, I’ve not been able to update these words to include the Imahot. Someday perhaps, I’ll find something that sits right. Just not yet.”

So this becomes a “legacy” piece.

The recording comes from “The First Album,” Beged Kefet’s 1987 debut. Beged Kefet (1982-2009) was comprised of Rabbi Les Bronstein, Rabbi Billy Dreskin, Cantor Ellen Dreskin, Cantor Riki Lippitz, Cantor Benjie Ellen Schiller, Beth Sher, and Cantor Leon Sher. As you will hear, we worked hard to produce tight harmonies. And this was before you could tune things up afterward. Audio verite, you might say!

The text comes from Jewish liturgy. It acknowledges our good fortune at having ancestors who forged a relationship with God and, as a result, bequeathed to us a heritage of goodness, justice and love.

lyrics

Baruch Ata, Adonai, Eloheinu, v’Elohai avoteinu
Elohei Avraham, Elohei Yitzchak, v’Elohei Ya’akov
Ha’Eil hagadol, hagibor v’hanora, Eil elyon,
Gomeil chasadim tovim, v’konei hakol,
V’zocheir chasdei avot,
Oo-maivee g’ulah livnei v’neihem, l’ma’an shmo, b’ahava.
Melech ozeir oo-moshia oo-magain.
Baruch Ata, Adonai, magein Avraham.

Translation: Praised be our God, the God of our ancestors. God of Abraham, God of Isaac, and God of Jacob. Great, mighty, and awesome God, God supreme. Ruler of all the living, Your ways are ways of love. You remember the faithfulness of our ancestors, and in love bring redemption to their children’s children for the sake of Your Name. You are our Sovereign and our Help, our Redeemer and our Shield. We praise You, Eternal One, Shield of Abraham.