The most beautiful songs from Jewish liturgy to learn Hebrew

There are many ways to learn Hebrew. There are hundreds of things you can do to become fluent in the language of your ancestors and to have all the vocabulary you need to conduct a meeting. There are several pathways you can choose from to answer a solid yes to the question: “Do you speak Hebrew?”.

In the paragraphs to come, we’ll walk through a spiritual passage to add new, spiritual Hebrew words to your vocabulary. Today, we will show you some of the most beautiful Jewish liturgical songs so you can learn this ancient language and reconnect with your spirituality.

It is written both in the Torah and in the Talmud that spontaneous music-making was very common among the ancient Jews, especially during important moments. The first instruments that were used, according to the Bible, were something similar to the violin, another instrument similar to the flute, and of course: the Shofar.

But when did music-making get connected to these spiritual and Biblical lyrics? Some people say that after the destruction of the second Jerusalem Temple, Judaism changed its shape of connection to divinity from sacrifices to prayer.

Are you ready to hear some of the prettiest Jewish synagogue songs? Lay back, take a deep breath, and let’s go over some of them.

The most heart touching Jewish liturgical songs to learn Hebrew

When we put our hearts into the things we do, the outcome is generally successful. How could we put our hearts on the table when learning an ancient language? An effective way to do so could be adding some spirituality to the process.

We mentioned before the origins of Jewish liturgical music, and to cut to the chase, we want to show you some of the most touching Jewish melodies. Are you up for this? Just in case of an emergency, grab some tissues…

1. Vehi Sheamda – Gastón Saied

Gaston Saied is a wonderful cantor who serves in a great Jewish community in Buenos Aires. In his praiseworthy voice, Gastón Saied sings Vehi Sheamda.

This is a passage that is part of the Passover Haggadah and speaks about God saving the people of Israel from all His enemies.

There are several melodies to sing this passage, but the one chosen by Cantor Saied is truly heartwarming. The talented liturgical musician Adrian Mirchuk joins him in the piano keyboard.

2. Oseh Shalom – Beit Tefilah Israeli

We mentioned this synagogue when we talked about the most inspirational synagogues in Israel, do you remember? This song, a very important part of all Jewish prayers, is performed by a group of amazingly talented female cantors.

The text of the “prayer for peace”, is a very well-known Hebrew prayer from the Jewish liturgy. Have you heard it before?

3. Lecha Dodi – Some of the best male Israeli singers

Do you remember when we spoke about Safed and the origins of Jewish mysticism? Well, the heart-touching lyrics of Lecha Dodi were written as a poem, in the 16th century, by Shlomo Alqabetz, in Safed.

It was a tradition of the Jewish mystics to welcome the Shabbat with dances and songs. They used to dress in white and go out to the streets of this amazing northern city to pray, dance, and sing words like the one written in the Lecha Dodi.

Would you like to travel in time and join their joyful dance to welcome Shabbat?

This version of the Lecha Dodi is performed by some of the best male Israeli singers of all time.

4. Avinu Malkenu – Barbara Streisand

Avinu Malkeinu is a Jewish prayer recited during Jewish services, from Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish new year) through Yom Kippur (the day of forgiveness).

Avinu Malkenu refers to the figure of God as our father and our king. As we’ve mentioned in other articles, God has over 70 different names in the Bible and referring to Him as either father or king are only two of the multiple ways in which people can relate to divinity.

This version of Avinu Malkenu, performed by Barbara Streisand can get you to cry, reconnect, or simply enjoy a beautiful voice singing a beautiful song. What do you say? Want to click the play button?

5. Mi Sheibarach – Debbie Friedman

Debbie Friedmann is one of the most praised and lauded modern composers of Jewish liturgy. Her work is very moving, and many of her versions of the traditional Jewish passages are used in synagogues from all streams all over the world.

This version of the “Mi Shebeirach” is moving, emotional, and praiseworthy.

According to JewBelong, the Mi Shebeirach is one of the central Jewish prayers for those who are ill or recovering from either illness or accidents. They mention that with a holistic view of humankind, this prayer also includes the important aspects of spiritual healing, asking for blessing, compassion, restoration, and strength.

Hebrew is just around the corner! Learn Hebrew today.

Learning Hebrew has never been so easy. With the Hebrew courses offered by the Rosen School of Hebrew, you’ll be able to master the language of Jewish liturgy in the blink of an eye.

It is time to learn the language of Israeli of your ancestors in a supportive environment led by some of the best-trained instructors available.

You always wanted to learn Hebrew? Wait no more. The time is now.