Zeh Dodi

Description

The words of “Zeh Dodi” come from Song of Songs 5:16, and they are inscribed inside my and my wife Ellen’s wedding rings. “This is my beloved, this is my friend” describes (hopefully) an idyllic relationship where both camaraderie and romance create a lifelong partnership and love.

The recording comes from “Go Out in Joy,” Beged Kefet’s 2nd album (1991). 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!

“Zeh Dodi” is perfect for weddings and vow renewals. Available arrangements here include: solo vocal and piano, SATB and piano, 3 voices and piano, as well as a full arrangement for SATB and four wind instruments.

Here you can listen to Beged Kefet singing with just the four wind instruments …

And here you can listen to Beged Kefet singing with just piano accompaniment …

lyrics

Everyday, you are there beside me
Everywhere I may go, you guide me
Your constant love and care have always mystified me.

Zeh dodi, zeh ray-ee …
You are my beloved,
You are my friend.

When I’m lost and begin to despair life,
You take my hand, teach me how to repair life,
And I thank God that you have chosen me to share life with you.

Zeh dodi, zeh ray-ee …
You are my beloved,
You are my friend.

I promise you I’ll care for you,
I’ll laugh with you and cry with you,
And most of all, I’ll help you to be you.

[Zeh dodi], zeh ray-ee …
You are my beloved,
You are my friend.