I recently published a CD called, “May the Angels Carry You: Jewish Songs of Comfort for Death, Burial and Mourning”, designed as a companion to my husband Simcha Raphael’s book of deathbed prayers – “May the Angels Carry You: Jewish Prayers and Meditations for the Deathbed.”
The Wexner community might want to know about this collection of traditional and newly created end-of-life prayer resources. Here is an example of the title song, designed as a deathbed vidui (confession):
MAY THE ANGELS CARRY YOU
At this time of transition, going to the light
At this time of transition, going home is right
Let go of the struggle, let go of your fear
All will be forgiven, your slate to be cleared.
CHORUS: May the angels carry you (2x)
Your work is done, it is time to rest
The fruit of your hands and your soul be blessed
Joining your ancestors, finding a new way
Crossing the threshold, wrapped in God’s embrace. CHORUS:
Surrounded by love, angels take your hand
Guiding you on, its part of the plan
Shechinah welcomes you opening her wings
Hearing the chorus, join the angels singing. CHORUS:
Other songs are written for Shiva, Kaddish and the partial selection below, for Yahrzeit:
DI NESHOME ZOL HOBN AN ALIYE
May your soul rise higher and higher
Through the stages of illumination;
May your soul rise to the highest rung
In the holy realms of Gan Eden.
CHORUS: Di neshome zol hobn an aliye. [2x]
Your memory is a blessing
To all of us you left behind.
You’ll be wrapped in a garment of light
As your soul continues to climb.
May your journey be gentle
Through the seven realms up above.
We’ll do good deeds in your name
We remember you with love. CHORUS:
Book and CD are available through Amazon.com or at http://www.daatinstitute.net/bookstore/
Bio needed: Geela Rayzel Raphael rrayzel@shechinah.com
