The Sh’ma, which translates into, “Hear O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One,” is the central affirmation of the Jewish faith.

The V’ahavta is a series of verses taken from the book of Deuteronomy. It tells the Jewish people how to love God (with all your soul and with all your might), how to remember God’s commandments and teach them to your children (Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them serve as a symbol on your forehead; inscribe them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates), and why this is important (I am Adonai, your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God).

This cantata was performed at New York City’s Temple Enanu-El by Cantor Mo Glazman and the temple choir under the direction of Colin Fowler on May 18, 2024.