Hashivenu - About the Theme Song

The theme song for this podcast was created by by Chana Rothman. Its lyrics are drawn from the book of Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) and are sung when returning the Torah to the ark during synagogue services:

Hashivenu adonay elekha venashuvah "Help us turn to You, and we shall return.” Ḥadesh yamenu kekedem “Renew our lives as in days of old."

Many settings to this verse are in the minor key; some are quite meditative or even mournful. I asked Chana to compose this melody in a major key — more upbeat, orienting us toward realistic optimism that is one of the hallmarks of resilience. I hope the words and the melody stay with you.

You can listen to the full song on Soundcloud.

Please visit Chana Rothman's website, Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Help us to turn to you, Wellspring of Life. Let us be renewed, let us renew ourselves, the Jewish people, the wider world.

— Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D.

This podcast is produced by the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College and Jewish Reconstructionist Communities. Visit us at RRC.edu and Jewishrecon.org