Shirei David - שירי דוד

Part of the Abuhatzeira dynasty, Rabbi David Abuhatzeira was one of the prominent sages of Morocco during the late 19th century and early 20th century.  Facing lots of persecution at the time, it was told that the evil Moulay Muhammed overtook the throne and decreed that all Jews in the Tafilalet region shall die. Rabbi David prayed for the sake of the people and on the day that everyone was to be executed, he informed his people, that he will be the only one dying that day. As he predicted, the people of the region managed to convince Moulay Muhammed to spare the Jews and only kill the Rabbi of the town since the loss of Jews would me less taxes. Rabbi David Abuhatzeira was murdered on the 14th of Kislev, 5680 - - the 6th of December 1919 - al kiddush Hashem.   This song, taken from the abundant Abuhatzeira poems in Yagel Yaakov, is in his honour.  May the merit of Rabbi David Abuhatzeira protect all of Klal Yisrael, Amen.

Recite this chapter when needing a cure for a major illness.

Rabbi Yehuda HaLevi was known for his beautiful poetry and Yedidi HaShachahta takes the cake. This song is sung by Sepharadim around the world, no matter the background. I will argue that its tune became famous after Jo Amar z''l put it on a track. It became an instant hit in Israel. The song has a beautiful Spanish twist to it and like many other Spanish melodies, the makam Bayat or Sika (spaniol). To open this piyut with a petiha,  click HERE to hear/learn the petiha  for makam Sika.

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It's an unfortunate fact that there are thousands of Jews around the world that don't know Shema Yisrael. Keriat Shema is the foundation of our connection to G-d Almighty. It's our acceptance of G-d as One, His commandments and His true power of governing the world. I hope that this recording spreads to thousands across the globe seeking that connection. SHEMA YISRAEL!

Recite this chapter so that the wicked should perish due to their evil deeds and the righteous should prosper due their fine actions.

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I remember growing up looking forward to the recital of Shir HaShirim every Erev Shabbat. In my synagogue, we used to read it altogether as one. Nowadays, I find that in most synagogues, people split the chapters among the congregants. In my opinion, I think it's best that everyone reads it together and those that know how to sing it well, lead it. This way, people that aren't comfortable or not yet familiar with singing it, can say it in a lower voice and sing along. All too often, people who read it solo, will make many mistakes in the Ta'amim and words. The best way to learn is to read it all together. It's unfortunate that today's day in age, Shir HaShirim has become an after thought. People don't give it much attention that they used to. The secrets and hidden gems involved in these words written by Shelomo HaMelech are too important to be ignored.  I'm hoping with this recording, we can bring back the custom to the way it once was; the synagog

I have recorded the entire Minha from start to end (excluding the Kadish and Kedusha). It was recorded using the winter insertions (mashiv haruah, barech alenu). Even parts usually recited silently were said aloud to give the listener a chance to learn. Hatzlaha!

Recite this chapter for restoration of the Davidic Kingdom.

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Moroccan Tefilot have so many beautiful segments to it. One of them has to be the recital of Nishmat Kol Hai. In French Moroccan cities, the opening two paragraphs are sung at a slower paced, to a heart-warming melody. Then it traditionally continues at "Ve'ilu Finu." In the northern Spanish cities, this slower introduction was only recited on the holidays. It's for this reason that I recorded both versions. Nonetheless, in both recordings from the words "Ve'ilu Finu," the tune remains the same. In the recordings, I chose not to recite the stanza of Shavat Aniyim because in most synagogues this paragraph is sung by the Hazan or various paytanim. Instead, I just continue from BeMikhalot. The text of Nishmat on display in the video may differ from your Moroccan sidurim. I assure you that the way I pronounce the words is the way written according to the Moroccan tradition. French Tune Spanish Tune

Recite this chapter when an enemy seeks your downfall.

I always felt that until you knew the song of "Shehi La'el," you haven't graduated as a Moroccan Jew. Okay, maybe that's pushing it a little. But one thing is for sure: no matter where you are, if you're with Moroccans, there is guaranteed to be at least one person who'll be singing with you. Maqam - Hijaz el Kbir

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This song, which became a staple in Moroccan homes, especially on Motsae Shabbat, is one of the beautiful melodies sung during the Bakashot of Parashat Vayera. The song is long as it's an acrostic for the entire Hebrew Aleph Bet. In this recording, I sing the first 5 stanzas and then transfer to Yigdal. It goes really well with any quatrain song, in addition to: Rau Banim Shavat Aniyim La'el Baruch The maqam is Raml Maya.