And Hannah Prayed
Text: I Samuel 1:13; 2:1-4; 8-9
Hayley Kobilinsky, soloist
Rabbi Beth Nichols is a new addition to our staff at Temple Israel of New Rochelle. As with Rabbi Sussman’s installation, I invited Rabbi Nichols to suggest a text that I could set to music in honor of her installation as Assistant Rabbi and Educator in 2007.
Rabbi Nichols wrote her master’s thesis for Hebrew Union College on the biblical character, Hannah. The Rabbi was excited to suggest Hannah’s prayer, the first documented biblical prayer.
I wanted to write something that evoked the Puccini aria O Mio Babbino Caro. On the occasion of her installation, I originally intended for a woman to sing the piece as the work gives voice to Hannah’s words, but in the end, I selfishly debuted the piece myself. In this recording, I’m much happier that Cantor Hayley Kobilinsky could give voice to Hannah.
Now Hannah was praying in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice could not be heard.
And Hannah prayed: My heart exults in the Lord; I have triumphed through the Lord. There is no holy one like the Lord, truly there is none beside You; There is no rock like our God. Talk no more with lofty pride, let no arrogance cross your lips! For the Lord is an all-knowing God; By Him actions are measured. The bows of the mighty are broken, and the faltering are girded with strength.
He raises the poor from the dust, lift up the needy from the dunghill, setting them with nobles, granting them seats of honor. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord's; He has set the world upon them. He guards the steps of His faithful, but the wicked perish in darkness, for not by strength shall man prevail.
Teach My Lips a Blessing
the music of Erik Contzius
