A New Shema

October 19, 2012 9 Comments

In this recently posted video from Temple Israel of West Bloomfield, MI, teenager Anna Brooks performs a breathtaking new Shema she wrote herself (with a little help from Deuteronomy, of course). The video was created by members of the Reform congregation’s filmmaking class; some of Anna’s classmates appear in the video along with her. The lyrics go:

I won’t tell you, that He loves me, I won’t tell you that He saved my life
But I can say as loud and clear, as I can sing from my lips to your ears, that there’s
One of our God, in every one of our lives (and that’s why we sing)
Shema, Yisrael Adonai Elohaynu Adonai, Echad (oh, and that’s why we sing)
Shema, Yisrael Adonai Elohaynu Adonai, Echad
I won’t tell you, that He controls my life,
I won’t tell you that to have His love would be my everlasting plight.
But I can say as loud and clear, as I can sing from my lips to your ears,
That there’s One of our God, our ner tamid, our everlasting light

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About Kate Bigam

Kate Bigam is the URJ's Social Media and Community Manager. Prior to this, she served as a Congregational Representative for the URJ's East District and at the Religious Action Center as Press Secretary and as an Eisendrath Legislative Assistant. Kate resides in Northeast Ohio.

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9 Responses to “A New Shema”

Mike Willey Reply October 19, 2012 at 4:03 pm

Thank you for sharing this. What a beautiful expression the Shema.
Sandy Tankoos Reply October 20, 2012 at 1:01 pm

Just beautiful. Anna Brooks has a great career ahead of her.
Betsy Frank Reply October 21, 2012 at 11:52 am

This is so beautiful!
Dr Lisa Vendeland Reply October 21, 2012 at 8:13 pm

How beautiful! What a gifted young Lady! I was moved.
Michael Smolash Reply October 23, 2012 at 1:43 pm

Thanks for posting our video. The Teens here love singing Anna’s Shema at services!! We are so thrilled to share this gift with the Reform community.
Allison Waterman Reply May 4, 2013 at 8:54 pm

This song has seriously changed my life. I’ve listened to it so many times in the past few days and it has furthered me on my spiritual journey in a way I can’t even describe. The Shema is my favorite prayer and this is a huge inspiration for me. Thank you so much for all the love you’re putting into the world…Bless you <3
moishe rabbenoo Reply May 10, 2013 at 5:11 am

I know there was a reason to take you out of Egypt and go through this long journey
Andy Reply October 12, 2013 at 4:05 am

Beautiful is the first word that comes to mind…Wonderful would run a close second…You should be very proud of Anna and the crew!
Jennifer Reply October 23, 2013 at 10:05 am

Can’t stop to sing it. Really love the Shema part. . .