Candle Blessing for Kol Nidrei
In Reform congregations, it is a practice to light the Shabbat and Holy Day candles in the synagogue, including the lights of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Generally, cantors and choirs substitute the words, “shel Shabbat,” with the words for the holy day, using the music of A.W. Binder. However, on Kol Nidrei, the candle blessing text concludes “shel Yom HaKippurim,” which has quite a number of syllables. If Kol Nidrei falls on Shabbat, the syllables increase even more, making it almost impossible to sing the Binder Candle Blessing with all those words.
Several years ago, I wrote this candle blessing setting in order to properly set these words and allude to the Kol Nidrei melody. I feel that this is a nice way to set the tone and mood for the evening.
Praised are You, Adonai our God, Ruler of the universe, who has sanctified us with commandments and has commanded us to kindle the lights of the Sabbath and of the Day of Atonement.
Teach My Lips a Blessing
the music of Erik Contzius
