Thursday, August 10, 2017

For Everyone - L'chulam - a song for our soul(s) - August 10, 2017

I realize that participants at conventions which I attend are getting used to seeing me as the "Jamming Rhythm guitarist (Rabbi)." I accept that graciously because "jamming" expresses an important value for me: community, and a camaraderie and partnership among musicians, singers, and listeners. It is always a great joy. 
Still, I am a singer/songwriter whose main "venue" is right here on Facebook, or on my YouTube channel, outside of my congregation in Las Cruces, Temple Beth-El, where a few of my original songs/melodies have become part of worship. 
Songwriting doesn't come easily to me, but it comes, and it is a meaningful mode of personal expression that is akin to the sermons and articles I write. However, a song offers a way to present thoughts, views, opinions, and perspectives with a special feeling added through chords and melody.  
I sang this song late at night at #NewCAJE8, and I have shared it via a multi-track recording. I just think this one is important, because it affirms the place that each of us has in the world. It grew out of the months leading up to the birth of grandson Joshua Moise Karol. A quote by Martin Buber about each of us filling our own particularity in the world is in the new rabbi's manual birth ceremony (and was part of my rabbinic ordination service). The Sayings of the Rabbis/Pirkei Avot quote about each of us having "our hour" has always been a favorite. So here is "L'chulam/For Everyone." Always remember that everyone in your life - peers, colleagues, friends, family, students teachers - has a role in who you are and who you will become. 
L’chulam - For Everyone (Larry Karol - Copyright 2017)
Based on Pirkei Avot 4:3 and a quote by Martin Buber
With your hands, you could touch the sky
As you grow, feel the years rush by
With your strength, you’ll go far one day
With your lips, wise words to say
You are here to be all you can be
Lift up your eyes to see all you can see
לְכָל דָבָר יֵשׁ מָקוֹם לְכוּלָם יֵשׁ שָׁעָה,  
L'chol Davar yaysh makom - L'chulam yaysh shaah
[Everything has a place, all people have their time]
There's not a soul in time or space
Who will ever take your place
Take your hopes and give them wings
Lead your mind to learn everything you can
Take your heart and teach it love
Set your sights on the shining stars above
You are here to be all you can be
Lift up your eyes to see all you can see
לְכָל דָבָר יֵשׁ מָקוֹם לְכוּלָם יֵשׁ שָׁעָה,
L'chol Davar yaysh makom - L'chulam yaysh shaah
There's not a soul in time or space who will ever take your place
אַל תְּהִי בָז לְכָל אָדָם, וְאַל תְּהִי מַפְלִיג לְכָל דָּבָר
Al t’hi vaz l’chol adam v’al t’hi maflig l’chol davar
[Do not despise anyone or call anything useless]
There are treasures to be found wherever you are
לְכָל דָבָר יֵשׁ מָקוֹם לְכוּלָם יֵשׁ שָׁעָה,
L'chol Davar yaysh makom - L'chulam yaysh shaah
There's not a soul in time or space who will ever take your place
There's not a soul in time or space who will ever take your place

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