Panim El Panim

Description

Billy was commissioned by Larchmont Temple (Larchmont, NY) to compose a piece for his friend, Rabbi Jeffrey Sirkman, to celebrate the 36 years that he’s been with his congregation. After combing through many of Jeff’s sermons and other writings, it was clear that “panim el panim — face to face” (or as Jeffrey likes to say it, “punim to punim”) has been a fundamental building block of his life and his rabbinate.

Billy wrote and arranged the music. Ellen and Billy wrote the lyrics together.

The concept for “Panim El Panim” is that, in our quest to find and build a relationship with God, it is in how we treat one another — from family to neighbor to the stranger in need — that we define our connection to God. It is in finding and valuing human relationship that we find and endear ourselves to God. The two Torah texts used in the piece are:

The phrase “panim el panim” references Genesis 32:31, where Jacob wrestles with a Divine being and exclaims, “I have seen God face-to-face.” This text also appears in Exodus 33:11 where “God would speak to Moses face-to-face.”

The phrase “kee raiti fanecha kir’ot p’nei Elohim” references Genesis 33:10, where Jacob reunites with his brother Esau after twenty years, proclaiming, “Seeing your face is like seeing the face of God.”

The recording features Beged Kefet singing live on Nov 17, 2023, at Larchmont Temple (Larchmont, NY). It was our first time singing together since 2009, fourteen years earlier! This recording also features guest soloist, Cantor Katie Oringel.

Sheet music is available in solo, duet and SATB versions, and can be accompanied by piano or full instrumental ensemble (flute, clarinet, vibraphone, electric guitar, violin, bass and keyboard).

All proceeds go to The Jonah Maccabee Foundation (jonahmac.org), “turning love into action” by supporting the arts, social activism and Jewish life.

lyrics